Discover more at Mottisfont
Find out when Mottisfont is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Family-friendly Mottisfont
There's plenty for the whole family to enjoy on a visit to Mottisfont. With fun-filled term-time and holiday activities, vibrant art exhibitions, adventurous Wild Play area and enchanting seasonal offers, there's something for all the family. With space to run, jump, play and explore, Mottisfont is a perfect setting for family adventures any time of the year.
🎄✨ Step into 'A Cinderella Christmas' adventure ✨🎄
22 November-4 January
This Christmas, the curtain goes up at Mottisfont on the classic tale of Cinderella so get ready for a magical day out filled with festive fun and unforgettable memories.
Presented with a playful pantomine twist, step into a world of glittering ballgowns, lost slippers and larger-than-life characters as the house is transformed with theatrical flair, seasonal sparkle and a good pinch of fairy godmother magic.
🏰 Explore Hardup Hall and the Royal Palace
See the house transformed into a dazzling pantomime setting straight from Cinderella’s world.
📸 Capture magical moments
Strike a pose in enchanting photo spots perfect for creating cherished family keepsakes.
💃 Meet the fabulous Mama G!
Join us for a special opening weekend ‘meet and greet’ with the beloved pantomime dame herself.
🎯 Play and discover outdoors
Enjoy family-friendly Cinders-themed games and activities in the fresh winter air.
🔍 Festive Cinderella trail
Little ones will love spotting all the items from Hardup Hall and the Royal Palace hidden across the garden on our cheerful Christmas trail.
📖 Storytime and Crafts
Snuggle up for a heartwarming Cinderella story session and get creative with festive crafts designed just for kids.
For full details of our Christmas events, including times and dates head to Christmas at Mottisfont.
Cinderella Story Time
Join professional storyteller, Merry-Go-Round for a lively, interactive performance of Cinderella that will charm little imaginations. From kitchen to ballroom and wicked stepsisters to fairy godmothers, this timeless tale will engage children from ages 2 to 8.
The story-telling sessions are free with normal admission but, as space is limited, advance booking is essential. For details of dates and times, and to reserve your space go to:
Book my 'Tale of Cinderella: Storytelling with Merry-Go-Round' session
Christmas crafts for tiny tots
Join in with simple, seasonal, self-led activities aimed at pre-schoolers while you explore the gardens. Use natural objects gathered from Mottisfont's garden to make Christmas items to take home - perfect as decorations or for gifting.
Meet our Mini Adventure volunteers to get started on the activities and pick up any items you need. These events run 10.15-11.45am and are included with the normal property admission.
Thursday 27 November: Make a stick reindeer
Wednesday 3 December: Make stick stars
Friday 12 December: Make a pine cone Christmas tree
Coming soon to Mottisfont: The Very Hungry Caterpillar™
19 January - 15 March 2026: Join us for one of nature’s greatest transformations as you become the world’s most famous caterpillar from Eric Carle’s best-selling book The Very Hungry Caterpillar™.
Wiggle along the garden trail to spot juicy fruits and tasty snacks before emerging as a beautiful butterfly. Along the way you’ll digest fascinating facts and scan the codes to reveal extra augmented reality fun. Feast your eyes, feed your mind and spread your wings with us at Mottisfont.
Family-friendly things to do in the gardens
Wild play
Our Wild Play area includes three large wooden structures built for climbing, balancing and exploring. Have fun ducking and diving through different entry and exit points. The play area gets very muddy during periods of wet weather, so come dressed for mess.
Playing in the gardens
Wooden bridges and a rushing river make Mottisfont one of the country's top destinations for playing Pooh sticks – challenge your family to a game when you visit. Ball games and frisbees are welcome on the paddock areas.
'50 things' activities
Why not try some of the '50 things to do before you're 11¾' challenges? From rolling down a hill to cloud watching, there's something for every young explorer. Check out the full list here: 50 things to do before you're 11¾
Planning your family visit
Here's all the information you need at a glance, to make the most of your family day out at Mottisfont:
- Baby-changing facilities in access-friendly toilets are located at the Welcome Centre, stables, lower corridor in the house and the kitchen garden
- Pushchairs are welcome everywhere except inside the house. There are gently-sloping areas and wide pathways around much of the grounds. Pathways are uneven in some places so sturdy, all-terrain tyres are recommended
- Drinks, snacks and light lunches with family-friendly options are available from the café and additional outlets, with indoor and outdoor seating areas and picnic benches around the grounds
- Breastfeeding is welcome anywhere around the property.
There's no need to book, but Mottisfont can get very busy during school holidays and bank holidays. Mornings tend to be busier than afternoons. If you have the flexibility, a midweek visit is generally quieter than a weekend, even during school holidays. If you can only visit over the weekend, Saturdays are usually less busy than Sundays.
What do you need to know when visiting the garden?
- Toddler push-along bikes operated by a parent/guardian are welcome, but please be aware that bikes, trikes and scooters are not allowed
- There are areas of open water around the garden and grounds so close supervision is strongly advised
- Please don't bring windbreakers, gazebos, pop-up tents, parasols or barbecues.
You might also be interested in
Eating at Mottisfont
Go on, it's Christmas! We've got some delicious toothsome treats to tempt you - like our December scone of the month, a delicious goat cheese and fig, Christmas cookies, and homemade yule log.
A Cinderella Christmas at Mottisfont
22 November 2025—4 January 2026: This Christmas, step into the world of Cinderella, as Mottisfont is transformed with theatrical flair, pantomime pizzazz and plenty of sparkle. Glittering ballgowns, lost slippers and colourful characters bring this story to life, with the help of some fairy godmother magic. Outside, there are Cinders-themed family games and activities, plus a festive spotter trail for little ones.
The garden at Mottisfont
Enjoy every season at Mottisfont, with its ancient trees and babbling brooks, from rich autumn foliage and the scented Winter Garden, to spring bulbs and, of course, the world-famous Rose Garden.
The house and gallery at Mottisfont
Explore Maud Russell’s 1930s neo-classical interiors, in an 18th-century house with medieval origins and enjoy changing art exhibitions in the spacious gallery.
Visiting Mottisfont with your dog
Mottisfont is a two pawprint rated place. Dogs on a short lead are welcome to explore most of the garden.
Family-friendly places to visit
Looking for a family day out that'll keep everyone entertained? Find things to do with the kids at the places we care for near you.
‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’
Plan fresh-air activities, discover facts about nature and wildlife or learn a new skill with our suggestions for ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.
Family-friendly places in Hampshire
Discover the top National Trust places for family days out around Hampshire, from Wild Play at Mottisfont to acres of parkland at Hinton Ampner.
