Family exploring a tree hollow at Hatchlands Park, Surrey 1191206 | © National Trust Images/Megan Taylor

Family-friendly places to visit in Surrey

Discover the best places to visit with your family around Surrey this spring, including Polesden Lacey, Hatchlands Park, Claremont Landscape Garden and more. Find the best natural play areas, cafés and walks for little legs, whatever the weather.

Illustration of female adult reading story to child in a wildflower garden with white cat chasing a spying a bumblebee.

May half term at Claremont Landscape Garden

We’ve teamed up with local children’s author, Rachel Lawston, to create a garden-themed nature trail around Claremont. At this time of year, our garden is bursting with life from the chirping of newborn ducklings and goslings to bees buzzing amongst the flowering rhododendrons. Find fun games and activities around the lake that will help inspire and form deeper connections with nature that’s all around us.

Family of five walking along gravel path through parkland, with young boy holding two sticks leading the way

May half term at Hatchlands Park

One of the largest country estates in Surrey, Hatchlands Park is a glorious place to scamper along woodland paths. From the bright yellow brimstone to the large red and white admirals, Hatchlands Park is home to over 25 species of butterfly. See how many you can spot and discover some butterfly fun facts along the way. Don't forget to look out for the colourful wooden butterflies hidden along the paths.

Family in the garden at Polesden Lacey Surrey, a young boy is pushing open a garden gate with his family following behind

May half term at Polesden Lacey

Mini-golf is back at Polesden Lacey for May half term! Plus get the kids into drawing, inspired by Surrey artist Luke Adam Hawker. Discover the beauty of nature through art as you view some of the most loved original illustrations and pages from his book ‘The Last Tree’. Start scribbling your own masterpieces in the exhibition drawing room and out in the gardens.

Two adults swing two children by their arms through shaded woods

May half term at Winkworth Arboretum

This May half term, discover the arboretum through the mini beast trail. Enjoy nature and explore the hidden world of the insects that call Winkworth home. The Tree Adventure play area is perfect for active play, with a fireman’s pole, rope tunnel and mini climbing wall. Winkworth is a great outdoor space where children can explore nature.

A little girl jump and a little boy kneeling in the grass in front of a river at Runnymede, Surrey

May half term at Runnymede

Join us during May Half Term celebration of our floodplain meadow at Runnymede. Throughout the week, join us for free meadow-themed games (11am - 3pm), then on Saturday make seed bombs (11am - 1pm) and have fun launching them in the meadow. On the last Bank Holiday Monday, there'll be meadow craft activities and a chance to meet the Rangers and check out their amazing tractor.

Girls playing outdoor giant jenga during the Wey River Festival at River Wey and Godalming Navigations and Dapdune Wharf, Surrey

May half term at Dapdune Wharf

From E.H.Shepherd and Winnie-the-Pooh to Alan Turing and Steve Backshall and even Dame Judi Dench, these are just some of the talented people with Surrey connections. Discover more about their discoveries and creativity this half term as you take part in challenges, solve puzzles and enjoy themed arts and crafts.

A man, two children and a dog walk up the front steps to enter Leith Hill Place, Surrey. The photo is taken from inside the double doors inside

Storytelling at Leith Hill Place

Leith Hill Place is a great place to bring the whole family including the four-legged members. Why not combine it with a trip up Leith Hill Tower? Or just come along and enjoy games on the lawn or relax in the library with a good book. We've also got storytelling sessions for little ones on selected Saturday mornings and events throughout the year.

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Hatchlands Park

The parkland at Hatchlands is perfect for family walks. Visit the natural adventure area in Great Wix Wood and get to grips with the balance beams, tree house and bug burrow. Plus the Kitchen cafe is the perfect stop off for hot chocolate and cake.

Visitors in the natural play area in August at Polesden Lacey, Surrey

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Polesden Lacey's play area

Kestrel Corner is a natural play area made using wood from the Polesden Lacey estate. Enjoy the swings, tunnels and giant nests as you embrace your inner animal and get closer to nature.

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Claremont Landscape Garden

Queen Victoria used to play at Claremont as a child, and now so can you. The play area has scaled-down versions of Claremont's garden features - explore the pavilion, glide down the slide and scale the ladders and the climbing wall. Badger’s Basecamp is a hidden woodland area that's perfect for older children to explore, with tunnels and hidey holes to discover and crawl through.