Family-friendly things to do at Tyntesfield

Children in the play area at Tyntesfield, Somerset in winter — Children in the play area at Tyntesfield, Somerset | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

There's plenty for everyone to see, do and enjoy around the estate at Tyntesfield. If games, crafts and learning sound like a good day out for your family, you’ve come to the right place. Find out everything you need to plan your family day out, from joining us for events and activities for kids, to where to find the play areas.

Planning your family visit

Baby-changing facilities available.
The woodland adventure play area, home farm play area, pavilion play area and sculpture trail are open.
The home farm play area is open. There is a limit of 10 people at one time. Please don’t consume food/drink inside the play area.
If the play area is full, please wait outside until other visitors leave.

Family-friendly events

Discover an winter jam-packed with fun here at Tyntesfield. Join us from December 2 to January 3 to experience our iconic Christmas Programme. Plus, step into the new year with nature in mind, and join our annual Wassail on Saturday 27 January 2024. Bring your noisiest pots and pans to bang to scare away those evil spirits, and join in the merriment as we bless our apple trees for a fruitful harvest in the autumn.

Check here for our family-friendly events taking place this autumn at Tyntesfield.

A Christmas tree with handmade red fabric angel and tartan ribbon bow decorations and red fairy light, with a group of visitors behind, at Tyntesfield, Somerset — The whole family will enjoy the Christmas trees | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

Family-friendly things to do in the house at Tyntesfield

As you make your way to the library you're greeted by some huge narwhal tusks. Did you know narwhal tusks can grow as long as 10 feet?

There is also a dapple-grey Victorian rocking horse in the library which would have entertained the Gibbs children for countless happy hours.

You can discover some of the family favourites the Gibbs liked to play on the tables in the room, with card games such as rummy on display.

There are also carved animals dotted all over the route such as lion heads and dogs. How many can you spot on your visit to the house today?

Statues of Albinia and Alice stand proudly outside the dining room; as you stand there before them can you imagine what a statue of you would look like?

Buggies aren’t allowed, unless they are for a disabled child. We do have Hippychick carriers and child holders to borrow.

There is ramped access at the front of the house but not at the rear, so visitors needing ramped access will need to exit from the front.

Family-friendly things to do in the garden and estate

Outdoor play

For those who prefer to take things at their own pace, Tyntesfield has three play areas. In the Home Farm courtyard, there’s the farm play area, with a big tractor to climb up, and slides to slide down.

For bigger kids, there’s the orchard play area by Tyntesfield’s Pavilion Café at the lower end of the estate, where they can play under the watchful eye of parents. For a real outdoors escape, the woodland play area features a den-building village and sculpture trail.