For anyone who doesn't know, it is a National Trust property, which makes going there free for members but £8.50 per adult otherwise. As we're not members (still trying to decide if we'd get value for money or not!) we paid up and started our walk. It takes about 2.5-3 hours if you want to walk from the Abbey to the water gardens and back again. All the paths are pushchair or wheelchair friendly, although we put our little one in our carry pack. You are given a map on entry to the park which is really easy to follow.
The weather for our visit was perfect; a gorgeous Autumn day with clear blue skies, crisp air and golden leaves. On the way round there are lots of benches for picnics or rests, most with spectacular views. We added to our walk by following signs to hidden temples and statues. I'd recommend visiting in Autumn because of the sheer beauty of the trees and the magic of the fungi dotted in the woodlands - I just wish I knew more about them!
Practicalities for anyone visiting there with little ones are that there are parent and child parking places; there are activities for older ones to do; there is a small adventure playground; toilets include a baby change and they were clean and tidy when we went! There are also two cafes; one at the visitor centre and one at the Water Gardens. We didn't visit either, but maybe next time we will.
It's a great place to go at any age but it's certainly somewhere we will be going back to as our little one gets older and make his own discoveries in the ruins of such a beautiful place.
For more info and directions see www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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