Overview

The Hide & Secrets is a woodland adventure play area at Burghley House that is an excellent destination for families. The play area has been designed around William Cecil, the country’s first Chief Spymaster, and features several fun-packed zones leading to the Hidden Towers.

Visitors can access the area through a hidden stone archway that will transport them into a magical setting, ignite their imaginations and provide them endless outdoor fun.

Things to do

As you enter through a hidden stone arch, you will find yourself in a magical woodland setting that promises to stimulate your imagination and offer many opportunities for outdoor fun. The play area centres around William Cecil, the first Chief Spymaster of the country who built Burghley House.

The area has a variety of exciting play zones that cater to all ages and offer limitless possibilities for discovery. Upon arrival, visitors can receive a free Spymaster’s Guide activity booklet, which will guide them through various activities, such as decoding secret codes and identifying hidden moles.

Explore Butterfly Banks, observe towering bug houses, and navigate secret tunnels. Guests can also climb giant logs and experience the sensory wall inspired by nature. Furthermore, they can build dens in the designated zone and enjoy storytelling at Woodhenge.

Afterwards, follow the path to the Hidden Towers, a massive wooden play structure inspired by the architectural design of Burghley House. It features a variety of multi-level play areas, including climbing walls, wobbly walkways, tunnels, and lookout nests, offering endless opportunities for high-energy play and hours of entertainment. Notably, two giant slides provide enormous thrills and a rope bridge that spans a craggy gorge, elevating the mission to greater heights.

Younger visitors need not worry, as a dedicated toddler area includes a mini slide and low-level adventuring, all within the same vicinity.

Food & Drink

If you’re feeling hungry, you can stop for something to eat in plenty of places. You could visit The Orangery restaurant, which serves delicious dishes and afternoon tea, or the Garden Cafe for a light lunch and a cup of tea!