Basildon Park is a beautiful National Trust property in Berkshire, near Reading. On first glance you might think there’s not much for the kids here, but let me show you what we discovered! When you first arrive there are a couple of ball trails near the entrance which the kids loved! But if you head up the hill to the woods there is a much bigger play trail to discover. They no longer advertise it because it isn’t maintained. It used to be called the Wild Play Trail and several parts of it still remain.
Wild Play Trail
Here is the map for the old Wild Play Trail. Lots of it has disappeared but there’s still enough to more than entertain your little ones on the 2.5 mile walk. Don’t worry if that sounds like too long a walk there is an option to make it shorter. It’s also fairly buggy friendly if you have a sturdy buggy. Remember to save this map as it’s no longer available from the estate. I was sent this map from Lisa at The Family Ticket.
The first two stops on the Basildon Park play trail are more ball runs. I recommend taking your own balls as you have to pay to rent them and they aren’t always available. A tennis ball or similar would do. After that just carry on along the trail and you’ll find obstacles to walk over, a random height chart, stepping stones, running track, bug hotel, den building and more!
Basildon Park Estate
Even without the play trail it’s a lovely National Trust to visit. The house and gardens are beautiful and a lovely place to walk around and have a picnic. There’s also a cafe up at the house and sometimes the food kiosk down in the court yard at the entrance is open too. There are many walking trails, ranging in length, around the parkland too. In the summer there are cows grazing in the fields you walk through too.
National Trust Membership
We have been National Trust members for 4 years now and it’s been my best ever purchase. We use it nearly every week at our favourite local estates and also when we go away on holiday around the UK.
Here are annual prices to become a National Trust member.
Individual: £76.80
Two adults: £127.20
Family (two adults): £133.80
Two adults (aged 18+) living at the same address and their children or grandchildren (17 or under). Under 5s go free.
Family (one adult): £83.40
One adult (aged 18+) and their children or grandchildren (17 or under). Under 5s go free.
All of the above memberships can be split across 12 months and paid monthly.
Entry to Basildon Park for a one off visit is £15 for adults, £7.59 for children or £37.50 for a family ticket. If you are planning to visit a National Trust estate more than 4 times in a year then it’s worth getting a membership.
Click here to become a National Trust member.
I am a National Trust affiliate partner and earn a small commission off all membership sales. However I am only recommending it as I genuinely love visiting National Trust estates and think it’s excellent value for money!
Tickets: No longer required, just turn up and pay on the day (or show your membership card).
Pram friendly: Yes. The trail is also pram friendly as long as you have a fairly sturdy one. Smaller lightweight buggies might struggle on some of the woodland paths.
Bike & scooter friendly: Bikes are not allowed in National Trust Estates. Some of the paths here would be ok for scooters but not the play trail.
Location & parking: Lower Basildon, Reading. Free parking onsite.
Sat nav:RG8 9NR
