For the first time ever, Burghley Gardens and Hide & Secrets Adventure Play will open to visitors during February Half Term from Saturday 15 to Sunday 23 February. With something for all the family to enjoy, it’s the perfect opportunity to wrap up warm and enjoy days full of adventures at Burghley.
Family fun at Hide & Secrets Adventure Play
Exciting adventures await at Hide & Secrets Adventure Play as it reopens after the winter. Offering hours of outdoor family fun with giant mole hills to scramble over, sky-high bug towers to discover, a colourful sensory wall for interactive play plus a den-building zone. And that’s all before reaching the Hidden Towers with its two enormous slides, climbing walls, wobbly walkways and crawl tunnels.
A free Spymaster’s Guide activity booklet sets adventurers on special spy missions with Cecil the Mole, scurrying through tunnels, cracking secret codes, finding hidden moles and following sneaky trails through the play area.
Snowdrop season in the Gardens
The early season opening offers a wonderful opportunity to experience Burghley’s Gardens as they awaken after the winter. The stunning snowdrop displays, showcasing a diverse array of varieties, are not to be missed. Visitors can also enjoy vibrant bursts of colour from emerging spring flowers and take in the wintry lakeside views.
Seasonal activities taking place in the Gardens include Family Snowdrop Planting and Daily Garden Tours.
Half Term Snowdrop Planting
Visitors can take part in Snowdrop Planting during their visit with an opportunity to plant their very own snowdrop bulb in the Sculpture Garden. It’s a hands-on way to contribute to next year’s beautiful display and fun activity suitable for all ages. The drop-in Snowdrop Planting sessions run from 10.30am to 11.30am between 15 and 21 February and are included with Admission Tickets or Annual Passes.
Daily Garden Tours
Guided Garden Tours led by Burghley’s expert Gardens Team are available daily at 11.30am, between 15 and 21 February. These relaxed walks, focusing on seasonal highlights such as Burghley’s abundant snowdrop displays, offer the perfect way to enjoy the beauty of the Gardens, while learning from those who care for them. Garden Tours are included with Admission Tickets or Annual Passes and last 30 minutes.
Eat and Shop
Burghley’s restaurants and cafes will be open daily offering warming hot drinks, lunches and light snacks. Whilst The Courtyard Shop and Garden Shop offer the opportunity to browse a wide range of gifts, souvenirs and homewares.
The Gardens and Adventure Play are open daily from 10am to 5pm (last admission 4.30pm) between Saturday 15 and Sunday 23 February 2025. Tickets booked online in advance cost £10 adult, £8 child (3-15 years) and £32 family (2 Adults, 3 Children) with under 3s free. Annual Passes offering unlimited visits through the open season are also available and cost from £26 for a Child Pass.
The Gardens and Adventure Play will also open at the weekend on 1-2 and 8-9 March before returning to daily opening from Saturday 15 March.
The House, which is currently closed for essential upkeep, maintenance and conservation work, opens for the season on Saturday 15 March.
Additional details, including full opening times and ticket information can be found at www.burghley.co.uk
