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Kids' indoor activities for rainy days

The Long Gallery at The Children's Country House at Sudbury, Derbyshire
The Long Gallery at The Children's Country House at Sudbury, Derbyshire | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Even the best-laid plans can be ruined by a sudden downpour. For rainy days, here's a selection of places that are well-equipped to keep the whole family entertained.

Winter house closures

Some of the historic houses in our care close over the winter months so we can carry out vital conservation work. Please check opening times before you visit.

The Argory, County Armagh
Find shelter from the rain at The Light Box, an interactive space for families at The Argory. Kids can create their own neon art masterpieces and play light and sensory games.Explore The Argory
The Children’s Country House at Sudbury, Derbyshire
Experience what life was like for children in the past at The Children's Country House. Explore the extensive toy collection of Betty Cadbury, discover an upside-down children’s bedroom and go back to school in the Victorian classroom.Explore The Children's Country House
Chirk Castle, Wrexham
Head to the Adam Tower at Chirk Castle to spot signs of the castle's medieval past. Dress up in armour, hunt for murder holes and venture down into the two-level dungeons.Explore Chirk Castle
Croft Castle, Herefordshire
Step back in time inside Croft Castle. Discover the stories of Sir Richard Croft, who fought during the Wars of the Roses, and his descendant Sir James Croft, who was imprisoned in the Tower of London for refusing to betray Elizabeth I.Explore Croft Castle
A young girl holds up a pink dress on a clothes hanger, stood in front of a clothes rail full of fancy dress costumes. Two adults stand around the edge of the room, looking at the costumes in front of them.
Visitors dressing up at Ormesby Hall, North Yorkshire | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart
Dyrham Park, South Gloucestershire
Follow the children’s house trail at Dyrham Park. With hats and wigs to try on as you explore, kids of all ages can interact with the varied history of this mansion. You'll find sheltered picnic spots around the grounds, as well as a café and well-stocked second-hand bookshop.Explore Dyrham Park
Ickworth, Suffolk
Why do you think the Earl Bishop threw spaghetti out of the window? You’ll have to discover Ickworth's secret stairs to find out. You can also learn about the life of a 1930s servant in the basement of the classical Rotunda.Explore Ickworth
Lavenham Guildhall, Suffolk
Learn more about the people who used to live and work at Lavenham. Explore the old prison cell to learn about the prisoners once kept here, or the evacuees who sought refuge during the Second World War.Explore Lavenham Guildhall
Ormesby Hall, North Yorkshire
Explore the history of the Pennyman family who once lived at Ormesby Hall. Dress up and create your own theatrical performances in homage to Ruth Pennyman's love of the arts, or you may prefer to visit the interactive model railway layouts and find a reading space in the library.Explore Ormesby Hall
Penrhyn Castle, Gwynedd
Discover historical trains at Penrhyn Castle's Railway Museum. Many of these engines and locomotives were used at the nearby quarry to help move slate and transport people. The museum is housed in the old stable block, once home to around 36 of the estate's horses.Explore Penrhyn Castle
A man and girl try on yellow and blue velvet robes at Tredegar House in Wales
Visitors making the most of the dressing up station at Tredegar House in Newport, Wales | © National Trust Images/Megan Taylor
Quarry Bank, Cheshire
Head into the mill to watch the giant waterwheel in action or discover the steam engines in the Power Galleries. Join a tour of the Apprentice House to see how the mill’s child workers used to live.Explore Quarry Bank
Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland
Once home to famous pranksters, Seaton Delaval Hall has plenty of entertainment. Play the giant Georgian Game of Life in the Drawing Room, peer into the curious mirrored sphere in the Central Hall or see one of the Delaval family's most well-known pranks in the West Wing.Explore Seaton Delaval Hall
Sutton Hoo, Suffolk
Sutton Hoo has plenty of family-friendly activities for rainy days. Follow the latest family trail and have a go at making archaeological plans as you explore Tranmer House. You can also dress up like an Anglo-Saxon and find out more about their history in the High Hall exhibition.Explore Sutton Hoo
Tredegar House, Newport
Delve into the lives of the Morgan family at Tredegar House with a year-round family trail, interactive puppet display and dress up station. Hear the stories about this unusual mansion before heading to the popular second-hand bookshop. Sensory backpacks are also available.Explore Tredegar House
A family with two young children walk up a grassy slope covered with daffodils in the garden at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire

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