High Wycombe, located in the heart of Buckinghamshire, is a wonderful place for families looking for a mix of outdoor adventures, local attractions, and hands-on activities. Whether you're in the mood for a relaxing day in the park, exploring nature, or engaging in educational experiences, High Wycombe has something for every family. Here’s a guide to the best things to do right now in High Wycombe for families with children.
1. Wycombe Rye Park
One of the most popular spots in High Wycombe for families is Wycombe Rye Park. This large, green space offers everything you could want for a family day out. The park features a fantastic playground with slides, swings, and climbing frames that children of all ages will enjoy. There’s also a small boating lake where families can rent pedal boats for a relaxing ride around the water. The park also has wide open spaces perfect for picnics, ball games, and family walks, making it a great place to spend a sunny afternoon.
- Opening Hours: Open year-round
- Ticket Price: Free
- What’s on Right Now: Playground fun, pedal boating, and family-friendly walks along the lake.
- Learn More: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk
2. The Wycombe Museum
For families who love history and culture, The Wycombe Museum is a must-visit. Located in a beautiful, historic building, the museum offers fascinating exhibits about the history of High Wycombe and the surrounding area. Children can explore the interactive displays, learn about the town's famous furniture-making heritage, and discover stories about the local community. The museum also has a family-friendly atmosphere, with hands-on activities and educational resources to keep young minds engaged.
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Free entry (donations welcomed)
- What’s on Right Now: Family activities, interactive displays, and educational exhibits about local history.
- Learn More: https://wycombemuseum.org.uk/
3. Hughenden Manor
Just outside High Wycombe, Hughenden Manor is a fantastic historical site to visit with the family. The former home of Victorian Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, Hughenden Manor is set in a beautiful estate that features picturesque gardens and woodlands. Children will love exploring the estate's grounds, running around the formal gardens, and spotting wildlife in the surrounding parkland. The manor house itself offers an educational glimpse into British history, and there are often family-friendly activities and events, especially during school holidays.
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (check for seasonal changes)
- Ticket Price: Adults £13.50, Children £6.75 (National Trust members get free entry)
- What’s on Right Now: Guided tours of the manor, family trails in the gardens, and seasonal events for children.
- Learn More: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
4. The Hellfire Caves
For families with older children looking for something a bit different, the Hellfire Caves in West Wycombe offer an exciting adventure. This historic underground labyrinth was once the meeting place for the notorious Hellfire Club, and today it’s open for tours. Children will be fascinated by the spooky atmosphere and the fascinating history behind the caves. The site also includes a café and shop, making it a fun and educational outing for families.
- Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Ticket Price: Adults £9, Children (5-16 years) £6
- What’s on Right Now: Guided tours of the caves and seasonal events for families.
- Learn More: https://www.hellfirecaves.co.uk/
5. Longridge Activity Centre
For families seeking an action-packed day out, Longridge Activity Centre is the place to go. This outdoor adventure center offers a variety of activities for children, including kayaking, climbing, archery, and sailing on the nearby lake. Longridge is perfect for energetic children who want to try something new or hone their outdoor skills. The centre is family-friendly, with instructors on hand to guide children through each activity, making it a fun and safe way to enjoy outdoor adventures.
- Opening Hours: Check for specific opening times depending on the activity
- Ticket Price: Prices vary depending on the activity (generally starting from £10 per person)
- What’s on Right Now: Outdoor adventure activities such as kayaking, sailing, and archery.
- Learn More: https://www.longridge.org.uk/
6. Handy Cross Park and Playground
Another great family spot in High Wycombe is Handy Cross Park, which features a wonderful playground with plenty of fun equipment for children to enjoy. There are slides, swings, and climbing frames, making it a fantastic spot for a few hours of outdoor play. The park also has a small café, perfect for grabbing a snack while the children enjoy their time outside. It’s an excellent place to relax and unwind as a family.
- Opening Hours: Open year-round
- Ticket Price: Free
- What’s on Right Now: Playground fun and seasonal picnics.
7. The Rye Lido
If the weather is warm, a trip to the Rye Lido is an excellent way to cool off and enjoy some family-friendly water fun. This outdoor swimming pool is perfect for children, with shallow areas for younger kids and deeper sections for those who love to swim. There’s also a café where you can relax while the kids play in the water. The Lido is an excellent choice for a fun and active family day out.
- Opening Hours: Open seasonally (usually from May to September)
- Ticket Price: Adults £6, Children £3
- What’s on Right Now: Outdoor swimming, water games, and family fun (when the pool is open).
- Learn More: buckinghamshire.gov.uk
8. Black Park
Located just a short drive from High Wycombe, Black Park is a fantastic destination for families who enjoy exploring nature. The park features miles of walking and cycling trails through woodlands and alongside a serene lake. It’s a great place to bring bikes, scooters, or simply enjoy a family walk. There’s also a children’s play area with swings and slides, as well as picnic spots for a relaxed afternoon out. Black Park is a great place for birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and enjoying the beauty of nature.
- Opening Hours: Open year-round
- Ticket Price: Free
- What’s on Right Now: Nature walks, picnics, and outdoor play.
9. Adventures in the Air – Indoor Play at Playdrome
For indoor fun, Playdrome offers a fantastic range of activities for children. From soft play areas to inflatable obstacle courses, there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained. The indoor arena also has bowling lanes, perfect for a family-friendly competition. It’s a great rainy-day option for families in High Wycombe, providing hours of fun no matter the weather outside.
- Opening Hours: Check local schedules
- Ticket Price: Prices vary based on activity (soft play starts from £5)
- What’s on Right Now: Soft play, bowling, and inflatable fun.
- Learn More: https://playtrain.biz/
10. Wycombe Swan Theatre
If you’re looking for a more cultural experience, Wycombe Swan Theatre regularly hosts family-friendly shows and performances. Whether it’s a family panto, a children’s musical, or a live storytelling event, the theatre offers a variety of performances throughout the year that cater to young audiences. This is a wonderful way to introduce children to the world of live theatre and enjoy an afternoon or evening of entertainment as a family.
- Opening Hours: Varies depending on performance times
- Ticket Price: Prices vary depending on the show (typically starting from £10 for children)
- What’s on Right Now: Family-friendly performances and children's shows.
11. Ultimate Activity Camps at Godstowe School
Are you looking for exciting and caring school holiday childcare in High Wycombe? Ultimate Activity Camps provide outstanding, inspiring, and Ofsted-regulated activity day camps with the primary function of delivering a very high level of care and welfare for 4-14-year-olds during the Easter and Summer school holidays. We deliver this childcare through a fantastic range of exciting activities whether these be in the art room, the sports hall, playing fields or in the woods. We use our many years of experience and enthusiastic staff to create a programme that changes each day and delivers the outstanding levels of care you would expect whilst ensuring that the children of all ages are thoroughly engaged and inspired to try new activities and make new friends.
- Opening Hours: Easter and Summer School Holidays 8am to 6pm
- Ticket Price: Prices vary and early bird discounts available
- Suitable for: Children aged 4-14 years
- Book here: High Wycombe Summer Camps
High Wycombe offers a fantastic range of activities for families with children, from outdoor adventures in local parks to engaging educational experiences at museums and historic sites. Whether you’re looking to spend the day outdoors exploring nature, enjoying water activities, or discovering the town's rich history, there’s something to suit every family’s interests. So, gather the kids and enjoy all that High Wycombe has to offer for a fun-filled day out!