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Family-friendly things to do at The Vyne

Two young children run past daffodils with a lady out of focus sat behind them.
Plan family-friendly adventures for the diary. | © National Trust Images / John Millar

Get the most out of your visit by discovering all the things to do on a family day out at The Vyne. With May half-term wildlife bingo 25 May - 2 June, a Heritage explorer trail 13-28 July and Summer games at The Vyne 25 July - 1 September, there's plenty to keep little ones entertained. Read more about family-friendly events and smoothly plan your day with children in mind.

Planning your family visit

  • There are toilets and baby changing facilities on your left after you get through visitor reception and also at the Brewhouse tea-room next to the mansion
  • The garden has hard gravel pathways, but you might prefer to use a child carrier if you’re planning on going further afield
  • The Brewhouse tea-room is a bit snug, so you’ll need to leave your buggy or pushchair outside
  • In the house, we’ve got slings for you to carry small children in. Again, you’ll need to leave your buggy or pushchair outside and any items such as bags are left at your own risk
  • Unfortunately ball games, frisbees, scooters, bikes and drones aren't permitted on the estate due to previous damage to the house and grounds. Thanks for your understanding.

Family-friendly events

May half-term wildlife bingo

25 May – 2 June, 10am-4pm

Pick up a free bingo sheet from Visitor Reception and see how quickly you can spot wildlife at The Vyne.

Find out more about this event

Heritage explorer trail

13–28 July, 10am-4pm

Everywhere you look there’s some archaeological evidence to be found. Become a heritage explorer for the day and see what you can find using a free spotter sheet available at Visitor Reception.

Find out more about this event

Summer games at The Vyne

25 July – 1 September, 10am-4pm

For an energetic day out, all ages can enjoy bean bag shot put, an obstacle course, long jump, high jump, triple jump, relay race, hurdles and ribbon gymnastics in the gardens at The Vyne.

Find out more about this event

Two kids try out hurdles.
Enjoy summer games at The Vyne. | © National Trust / James Dobson

Family-friendly things to do in the garden

Play area

Little ones can explore the outdoors in the natural play area created especially for very young children just off the Lime Avenue.

Outdoor theatre for families

This summer, why not treat the kids to a lively performance of family outdoor theatre in the gardens at The Vyne? Tickets are now on sale for Illyria's performance of The Adventures of Dr Dolittle on 12 July. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Cartoon of Dr Dolittle and his animal friends on a pale orange background.
12 July | Outdoor theatre | The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle | The Vyne | © Illyria

12 July | Outdoor theatre | The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle | The Vyne

12 July, gates open 5.45pm. Performance 6.30-8.20pm. Illyria perform this much-loved family adventure; when Dr Dolittle learns how to talk to animals, he embarks on a thrilling quest to cure illness, spread kindness, and better understand animals.

Close up detail of the 16th-century stained glass window in the Chapel at the Vyne, Hampshire

Discover more at The Vyne

Find out when The Vyne is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

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