Family-friendly things to do at Montacute House

Children playing near orangery at Montacute House | © James Dobson

Montacute House is an Elizabethan masterpiece of architecture and design. Its warm Hamstone construction casts playful shadows across the elegant garden, making it the perfect backdrop for a family day out. Take a stroll around the garden and enjoy the changing colours of the season or seek out the swings in the parkland.

May half-term

Croquet coaching day

Volunteers will be on hand to provide tips on how to become a pro at the quintessentially summer sport of croquet. Join them on Saturday 29 May and perhaps take part in a game or two.

Taunton Garison encampment

Come and meeting the Taunton Garrison and learn about 17 Century soldiering. Join in musket drills, meet the blacksmith, camp cook and the dreaded barber surgeon, and learn about their crafts. Weapons will be on display but not fired. The camp will be in the Farmer’s Piece on 29, 30, 31 May and 1 June.

Planning your family visit

Here's all the information you need at a glance to help plan your next day out to Montacute House:

Family picnic areas
Baby-changing
Pushchairs and back-carriers allowed on site, but unfortunately must be parked/stowed to enter the house. Please ask at reception for information when you arrive.

Family-friendly things to do in the garden and parkland

Picnicking at Montacute House

There are lots of great picnic spots including the Garden Orchard on the South Drive. It’s one of the less formal areas of the garden, making it ideal for eating picnics and for games of hide and seek. Around the Stables are several wooden picnic benches, including some that can accommodate wheelchairs. Should the rain appear, there is also a covered area.

View of the east side of Montacute House from Cedar Lawn with sunshine hitting the house

Discover more at Montacute House

Find out when Montacute House is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

Family looking at the fountain at Montacute House

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Things to do in the garden at Montacute House

Explore the garden of Montacute House throughout the seasons. See the yew trees, affectionately known as ‘wibbly wobbly’ hedges, or take a few moments of tranquillity in the Orangery.

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Things to do in Montacute House

Explore the ground floor of the house at Montacute in Somerset, home of the rare Tournai Tapestry.

Visitors walking their dog in the parkland with Montacute House in the background

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Things to do on the estate at Montacute House

Walk the estate at Montacute House and discover nature, views and landmarks to enjoy throughout the season. Bring along your dog and enjoy wide-open spaces.

Montacute House Christmas mini reindeer trail

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Festive fun at Montacute House Christmas 2024

Christmas 2023 was all about reindeers and traditional festive fun at Montacute House. Hidden around the house and garden children of all ages could discover nine specially designed reindeer – each unique and a larger-than-life character. Please check back on our website in Autumn 2024 for more details of our Christmas event.