October half term: Pumpkin Parade
This half term you'll find colourful pumpkin-themed fun with a spooky twist. Follow the Pumpkin Parade trial to find Halloween-themed activities, from pumpkin noughts and crosses to pumpkin rolling.
- Booking not needed
- Admission applies
This half term you’ll find colourful pumpkin-themed fun with a spooky twist in the gardens at Mottisfont. Follow the Pumpkin Parade trail to find loads of fab activities, from pumpkin noughts and crosses to pumpkin rolling. Spot skeletons in the medieval cellarium, and climb, balance and crawl in the Creepy Critters climbing area. For little ones, there are tiny doors to discover, with cute Hallowe’en pictures behind each one.
The stableyard is Hallowe’en Central, where kids can create their own pumpkin design to add to bunting on display, and pumpkin-filled carts which create the perfect autumnal backdrop for family photos.
And as the leaves begin to fall, families can scoot around the grounds with mini wheelbarrows and rakes, filling leaf bins that supply the garden’s home-grown compost.
Times
The basics
- Suitability
Activites aimed at ages 3 -12 years
- Meeting point
Pick up an activity pack at Visitor Reception.
- What to bring and wear
Activities takes place outside, so dress appropriately for the weather. Pathways can be muddy and uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
- Accessibility
Free parking adjacent to welcome centre, including accessible spaces. Toilet & changing facilities around the grounds. Pushchairs welcome in the gardens. Gently-sloping areas and wide pathways around much of the grounds. Ground can be uneven and muddy in wet weather. Volunteer-driven mobility buggy service available.
- Other
Drinks, snacks and light lunches with family-friendly options are available from the café and additional outlets.
Upcoming events
John Burningham's Bedtime Stories: exhibition and activity trail
Saturday 20 July – Sunday 29 September: a family-friendly exhibition and activity trail celebrating the wild and wonderful world of award-winning children's author and illustrator John Burningham.
Guided walks along the River Test at Mottisfont
Tuesdays and Wednesdays until 25 September, 11.30am and 2pm: a rare chance to walk along the banks the River Test, to find out more about the importance of chalk steams and the work we do to protect them.
Relaxed hour in the art gallery
Visit the art gallery on one of our 'Relaxed hour' visits. A new project to help make the art gallery accessible to people who require a calmer and more relaxed visit.
Land Art Day
Sunday 27 October: Join us and create some ‘land art’, using natural materials found in the grounds of Mottisfont. This activity is totally free and suitable for all ages.