A visit to a National Trust property isn't about roped off rooms in stately homes. We have so much to offer families throughout the year. Children of all ages can discover fascinating stories and explore magical places with lots of special activities and projects.

Family friendly facilities

Family-friendly facilities like special parking areas, high chairs and baby feeding and changing areas are widely available at our properties. In the restaurants you will find children’s menus and colouring sheets. Some properties allow you to borrow baby slings or reins for toddlers and there is usually space for storing buggies and prams. Please ask property staff for more details and assistance. It's a good idea to check what facilities your local property offers before you visit.

You can search for a place to visit with family facilities.

To make life a little easier, we focus on one of our properties which is especially good for children to visit. This time it's Corfe Castle in Dorset.

Fun for children at Trust properties

Certain properties have mazes or play areas. These are fabulous places to let off steam, some with special areas for different ages.

Children's guides and trails

More than 60 of our properties have specially designed children’s guides and trails. These are available to help you find different ways to explore a historic house and garden or the open countryside. There are quizzes, colouring activities, clues, secret codes and much more. They will normally be available at the property reception or in the shop. Please contact your local property direct to see if they offer this service.

Activity packs

National Trust activity packs - 'Tracker Packs' - are a fun and exciting way of discovering the secrets and stories of our fascinating properties. They are interactive and designed to be done by the whole family. House Tracker Packs provide a range of lively and fun activities to help children get more from their visit to a historic house. Outdoor Tracker Packs help them to understand the countryside.

Trusty the Hedgehog at National Trust properties

Trusty the Hedgehog is the National Trust's children’s mascot. You might meet him at different properties at special events. He has his own website, where there are lots of fun competitions and you can write to him. Children can send him a picture or a poem inspired by their visit. He is also in Trust Tracks, the newsletter for children. This is full of quizzes, games and exciting stories about National Trust properties. It also contains a colour poster and information about how to make the most of your membership.

The National Trust Family Handbook

The National Trust Family Handbook details many more ideas for family fun. You can find a whole host of ideas for visits and activities and more information about the properties that are particularly suited to families. Pick up a copy of the handbook at National Trust shops.