Waddesdon Manor, near Aylesbury, marks its 50th anniversary as a National Trust property with a variety of family events.

This weekend a children's woodland playground opens. It is set in a large wooded area and has an adventure trail with swings, slides and climbing frames.

There is also a space dedicated to younger children who can play safe in the knowledge that their families are within sight.

The Stables will become the hub of children's activities. Linked to the rest of the grounds by the new trail, it will be somewhere for families to enjoy events and activities, as well as refreshments.

Children will be able to make a card for Mothering Sunday and special lunches will be served at The Dairy, Manor Restaurant or the Five Arrows.

You can even enjoy a barbecue in the Stables Courtyard or a special cream tea.

Many of the activities are free. The gardens are open 10am to 5pm and normal gardens admission charges apply.

All children, accompanied by an adult, will receive a free gift from the Stables shop this weekend.

Through the year the refurbished Coach House will host exhibitions, performances, music, educational activities, food fairs and displays.

Events such as wine tasting for grown ups will run alongside face painting, while art exhibitions can form the backdrop to a jazz festival.

In the last year Waddesdon has launched an educational programme, working with local schools and there are plans to explore the varied wildlife and habitats to be found in the grounds.

Timetable of events tomorrow are: All-day giant games in the Stables Courtyard 11am-4pm 'Paint a Pot' with the Craft Studio in the Coach House 11.30am-11.45am 'Roald Dahl Museum' storytelling in the Coach House Noon-4pm Design and make a card for Mothering Sunday 12.30pm-12.45pm 'Roald Dahl Museum' storytelling in the Coach House 1pm- Bubble making in the Coach House 1.30pm-1.45pm 'Roald Dahl Museum' storytelling 3pm Bubble Making in the Coach House On Sunday there will be face painting from noon till 4pm and te Mix 96 Monster and Slide will be on Carpet Patch by the summer house above the new woodland playground.

You can also visit the plant centre for floral arrangements for Mothering Sunday.

For further information visit the www.waddesdon.org.uk website.