Summer adventures for families at Claremont

We've laid on a packed programme of family events to make planning the school holidays a cinch. Find out all about Claremont's royal past and discover the games that Georgian children played in our nineteenth-century playground of princesses.

A man and his daughter walking in the garden

Tea trails and more 

Three different family trails run throughout the summer holidays. Follow Coco the parrot on a tour about tea (Sat 22 July - Fri 4 Aug), join Princess Charlotte on a summer soirée (Sat 5 - Sun 20 Aug), and find out what Georgians did on their summer holidays (Mon 21 Aug - Sun 3 Sep). Trails are 50p plus normal admission, with a small prize for completion.

Put on your questing hat
Playing outside the Thatched Cottage at Claremont Landscape Garden, Surrey

New costumes for the Thatched Cottage 

Along with the old-fashioned toys and games always available, from Sat 22 July you'll be able to dress up like a lady or gentleman from the Regency era, with pelisses, reticules, tailcoats and shawls specially made by our talented volunteer seamstresses.

Twirl your coat-tails
An illustration of Princess Charlotte and Prince Leopold at Claremont Landscape Garden

Princes and Princesses week 

Princes and princesses loved playing and relaxing at Claremont when it was a royal retreat. From Saturday 5 - Sunday 13 August, children can follow in their footsteps in our regal-themed activities.

Practise your royal wave
Storytelling noticeboard

Summer storytelling sessions 

Settle back under a shady marquee in the garden as you listen to the tragic tales of princes and princesses, brought to life by Emma Smyth. Sessions for both younger and older children run on Tuesdays from 15 August to the end of the holidays.

Close your eyes and imagine...
The Royal Pavilion at Brighton by John Nash, 1826

Cool off like the Georgians 

Ever wondered what the Georgians did on their summer holidays? The answer's easy: they went to the sea! We're a bit far from the coast at Claremont, but from Mon 21 Aug - Sun 3 Sep we're bringing you a little taste of the Georgians' favourite destination, the Brighton Pavilion, complete with paddling pool.

Be beside the seaside
Child in red wellies splashing in puddle

50 things to do before you're 11 ¾ 

If you're collecting stickers for your 50 things scrapbook, you'll be able to tick off plenty of activities at Claremont. You can build a den in the natural play area, hunt for bugs all over the place, and climb a hill to the top of The Mound - and that's just for starters.

Sticker book at the ready
Visitors in the play area at Claremont Landscape Garden, Surrey

Play area 

Blow off some steam and play on child-sized versions of Claremont's garden features, including the grass amphitheatre and Belvedere Tower.

Climb the castle walls
The nine-pins bowling alley at Claremont Landscape Garden in Surrey

Nine-pin bowling 

Fancy a taster of eighteenth-century garden frivolities? Head up to the nine-pin bowling alley for some free family fun. Ask at the kiosk for the key.

Family fun at Claremont
A boy enjoying some lunch in the cafe at Claremont

Food and drink 

The café serves hot and cold lunches every day, as well as meals and lunchboxes for children. Highchairs and bottle-warming facilities are available. This autumn you'll also be able to order drinks from inside the garden, at the hut by the play area.

More about the café
A family picnicking by the lake at Claremont Landscape Garden, Surrey

Facilities for families

There are bicycle locks, puncture repair kits and cycle pumps available from the kiosk. From here you can also borrow umbrellas for kids and adults, picnic blankets, and wheelchairs (please call in advance to reserve). Baby-changing facilities are available in the toilet block outside the pay barrier, and you're welcome to breastfeed. A buggy- and wheelchair-friendly path takes you around the circumference of the lake, and there are covered seats and benches throughout the garden.