Cliveden (part of the National Trust)

Whenever we are stumped for inspiration we take the kids to Cliveden. We always have a fantastic time and even after many visits are still discovering new little gardens and walks! The maze is a must, the kids just love seeing who can complete it first and it is definitely a battle of the sexes. A small but quirky play area for the little ones and lots of open spaces for hide and seek, 40/40 or the like. The cafe is ideally placed for a coffee/ice cream stop on the way to the more formal side of Cliveden with its amazing fountain and hidden gardens. We recently found the Tortoise fountain and WWII memorial which the children found facinating. There is a nice tea house although beware it is a little pricey but the food very yummy. If you're very brave you can even take a peek, through the keyhole, at the infamous Profumo affair swimming pool (it's for residents only, although a very nice couple gave us a wave from the hot tub when we were last there!). The formal gardens are stunning and it is very easy to spend a whole day here. During the summer they put on special events which include fantastic open air theatre.

Our girls love going to Cliveden, working out who can be first to complete the maze and playing in the playground, there is a new cafe by the playgound so ideal to have a coffee while the children play. Lots of picnic tables to take your own picnic and some lovely gardens to wonder around a great place to go to run off some energy on a sunny day.