Half term fun at Polesden Lacey

Younger visitors enjoying Polesden Lacey in winter — Some of our younger visitors enjoying Polesden Lacey in winter

This article is for 2019. Wellies? Check. Waterproofs and warm hat? Check and check. Pink cheeks, red noses and big smiles? Walk this way. Here is our list of must-do things at Polesden for half term family fun.

Polesden Pairs - our fun trail

Sat 16th Feb - Sun 24th Feb

In this imaginative trail for families, there’s panic in the house. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mum) are visiting for their honeymoon and Mrs Greville’s servants have been emptying the rooms to prepare - but lots of items have gone missing! Help us find the missing objects hidden around the gardens, pairing them up with the pictures on your trail sheet.

A young boy splashes in a puddle at Polesden Lacey

Swing from the trees

Mrs Greville used to invite local children for summer parties and had swings installed on the borders of the entrance driveway (which is in a different place to our current entrance). She'd be very happy to see that we have installed swings at Polesden again. Swing by our coffee hut, which we've also revamped with newly carved wooden benches, to check out the new tree swings. Ask for directions at Visitor Reception.

A young visitor and her grandfather try out the tree swings at Polesden Lacey

Squirrel's Corner play area at Polesden Lacey

There are lots of places to play at Polesden. Climb on the natural climbing frame by Admirals Walk or visit Squirrels Corner where you'll find beams to balance on, blackboards to draw on, and branches to build your own den. Or just play hide and seek in the woods.

Chickens at Polesden Lacey — Chick chick chick chick chicken...

Hang out with our feathered friends

You might be surprised at how many birds you will be able to spot in winter at Polesden Lacey. If you hunker down in our bird hide in Preserve Copse, you might spot a song thrush, a proud bullfinch and possibly even the elusive hawfinch. You may also spot the rarer marsh tit. A few birds who will always be happy to see you are our chickens. Why not stop by and say hello to them in their coop in the orchard.

Warm up with some tasty home-made food

After you have finished exploring the grounds at Polesden, pop into our cafe or coffee shop for a sandwich, some soup and a hot drink to warm you up before you head home (or back to the swings).