Museum

Kingston Lacy

A National Trust house with garden and parkland near Wimborne in Dorset, with play areas on the Woodland Trail and in the Kitchen Garden and a children's lunch box at the Stables cafe.

Typical visit
Ages
Booking
Free entry
Under-5s go free, and carers or companions enter free with or without an Essential Companion card.
Play areas
Play areas on the Woodland Trail and in the Kitchen Garden, plus a children's trail booklet for the house.
Baby change
Family toilets with room for buggies and baby-changing facilities in Laundry Courtyard.
Food
The Stables cafe has plenty for children, including a special children's lunch box.
Shelter
Two shelters in the Japanese Garden with space to eat a picnic.
Feeding room
A quiet room with comfortable seating in Laundry Courtyard for anyone who wants privacy to feed.
Quieter times
Afternoons are normally less busy; come after 2pm for fewer people.
Parking
Parking is free for all visitors.
OUR FAMILY ASSESSMENT

Family Intelligence

Kingston Lacy is a house set in a garden and parkland, and the ticket covers all three, with the house subject to space on the day. Buggies aren’t allowed inside the house, so leave yours at the buggy store near the second-hand bookshop; most paths outside are easy to push a buggy along. The free lockers next to the buggy store in Laundry Courtyard take a picnic or anything bulky while you explore, and two shelters in the Japanese Garden give cover and room to eat if it rains.

The timing takes some thought. Mornings are the busy part of the day, and on very busy days visits to the house may be limited, with entry not guaranteed; ask at reception on arrival whether a timed ticket system is running. Afternoons are calmer, but the house closes well before the garden and park, so a late arrival trades the crowds for less time indoors.

Without a car, bus 88 runs from Wimborne to the Kingston Lacy car park, but only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; on other days a taxi from Wimborne Minster, about 3 miles away, is the alternative.

Family FAQ

How much does Kingston Lacy cost?

Under-5s go free, and carers or companions enter free with or without an Essential Companion card.

Is there baby changing at Kingston Lacy?

Family toilets with room for buggies and baby-changing facilities in Laundry Courtyard.

Is Kingston Lacy a good choice in bad weather?

Two shelters in the Japanese Garden with space to eat a picnic.

Is there parking at Kingston Lacy?

Parking is free for all visitors.

Why kids will love it

There are play areas on the Woodland Trail and in the Kitchen Garden, and inside the house a children’s trail booklet from the entrance hall helps kids spot some of the most interesting objects. Breastfeeding is welcome everywhere, including the cafe.

Plan your visit

Also compare: Kingston Lacy tickets on Tiqets (affiliate link)

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