Burghley’s adventurous season blooms early for 2025

For the first time, Burghley Gardens and popular Hide & Secrets Adventure Play will open during the February Half Term as the Elizabethan country estate launches its 2025 season early.

Normally closed until the House re-opens in March, the popular outdoor play area, along with the Sculpture Garden and Garden of Surprises, will welcome visitors from 15 to 23 February – and then again over two weekends in March, before the official season begins on 15 March.

Featuring giant mole hills, sky-high bug towers, a den-building zone and the Hidden Towers play structure with slides, wobbly walkways and crawl tunnels, Hide & Secrets has become a firm family favourite since being unveiled in 2023.

Themed around William Cecil, the first Lord Burghley, as one of the country’s first chief spymasters, youngsters can complete their own top-secret missions at the attraction, nestled within the grounds of the Elizabethan house in Lincolnshire.

A free Spymaster’s Guide activity booklet sets adventurers on special spy missions with Cecil the Mole — Hide & Secrets’ very own chief spymaster – scurrying through tunnels, cracking secret codes, finding hidden moles and following sneaky trails through the play area.

Meanwhile, the early season opening of the Gardens offers a chance for visitors to experience Burghley’s stunning snowdrop displays – and get involved in a hands-on opportunity to add to next year’s display.

Family Snowdrop Planting drop-in sessions will see visitors being able to plant their own bulb in the Sculpture Garden, guided by the Estate’s gardening team. There will also be daily Garden Tours, led by Burghley’s expert gardeners, focusing on seasonal highlights. Both events run daily from 15 to 21 February and are included with normal admission.

The Gardens and Adventure Play are open daily from 10am to 5pm (last admission 4.30pm) between Saturday 15 and Sunday 23 February 2025 and again at the weekend on 1-2 and 8-9 March before returning to daily opening from Saturday 15 March, when the House reopens.

Gardens and Adventure Play tickets cost £10 adults, £8 children and £32 for a family when booked in advance.

For full details of opening times, all events and to book tickets, visit www.burghley.co.uk.