Family-friendly things to do at Woolsthorpe

Young visitors exploring the hands on Science Centre — The distorting mirrors are hard to resist | © National Trust/Paul Harris

Get stuck into science and history at Woolsthorpe Manor. Isaac Newton is one of the world’s greatest ever scientists and his science is still relevant today. Bring all the family to find out more at the place where he changed the world.

Planning your family visit

Here is the information you need at a glance to help plan your next day out at Woolsthorpe:

Baby-changing facilities are available
No booking needed between 25 March - 14 April
Find out more about booking your visit to the Manor House here.
Last entry to site is 4pm.

Family tours of the Manor House

Explore the Manor House on an interactive family tour running during the Easter holidays and discover more about young Isaac’s life on the farm.

Running 30 March, Mon 1, Sat 6, Mon 8, Fri 12, Sat 13, and Mon 15 April at 1pm. Book on arrival, first come, first served.

A volunteer talks to some younger visitors in Woolsthorpe Manor, Lincolnshire — Inspire Future Newtons at Woolsthorpe | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Family-friendly things to do in the science centre

In the science centre, children of all ages – even grown-up ones – can get hands-on with some of Isaac’s most famous experiments. Have fun observing, experimenting and discovering.

You can test refraction and then reflection by getting distorted in our mirrors. Peer at one of the blackest blacks and ask yourself what properties the colour has? Grab the holographic apple before you leave and take an imaginary bite.

What keeps a planet in orbit or an object on the ground? These are the questions that Newton was driven to answer, and you can ask these questions too when testing Newton’s theory of universal gravitation.

A woman and child complete activities in the Science Centre at Woolsthorpe Manor, Lincolnshire — Take on Newton's science discoveries | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Family-friendly things to do in the manor house

Get a sense of Isaac Newton in the manor house. This is where Isaac Newton was born, grew up, and made some of his most important discoveries. As a boy he observed the world around him, making models and drawing pictures.

Find out more about booking your visit to the Manor House here.

Visit the Hayloft to find out more about light and colour. This year we're celebrating the 320th anniversary of Newton publishing his work on Opticks - explore the influence of his work in art and poetry, as well as in science.

Families can enjoy a UV trail from 29 March as part of our electromagnetic spectrum themed Easter. What will you find hidden on the walls?

‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’

Fans of ‘50 things’ fun can accomplish No. 1 in style at Woolsthorpe. No. 1 Get to know a tree

We are custodians of the actual tree that inspired Isaac Newton’s work on the theory of gravity. Yes, the very tree from which an apple fell and caused Newton to ask the question: ‘Why do apples always fall straight down to the ground?’.

The orchard is the perfect spot to enjoy some quiet contemplation. Choose a comfortable spot to relax and maybe do some cloud gazing (that's number 33 on the '50 Things' challenge).

While visiting Woolsthorpe's gardens, be sure to admire the sundial and use the sunshine to tell the time.