Family-friendly things to do at Mottisfont

Children on an activity trail in the gardens at Mottisfont, Hampshire — On the Adventures with the Ahlbergs activity trail | © National Trust Images/James Beck

There's plenty for the whole family to enjoy on a visit to Mottisfont. From vibrant family art exhibitions in the summer to fun-filled half-term activities during the school holidays, including our Wild Play area, there's something for everyone. With ample space to run, jump, and play, Mottisfont offers an ideal setting for family adventures at any time of year.

Summer trail and exhibition: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

From Saturday 19 July - Sunday 2 November

This summer we’re taking our visitors on a magical adventure – inviting visitors to step into the pages of one of Britain’s most beloved children’s stories, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, in a playful summer exhibition celebrating its 60-year legacy. From the very first illustrations by John Burningham to brand new artworks by Steve Antony and Thomas Gilbert, visitors will discover how this magical car has been brought to life across generations. This imaginative exhibition and free family trail takes you through colourful rooms bursting with artwork, interactive displays, and inventive fun.

A Chitty Chitty Bang Bang adventure

Family-friendly exhibition

The Chitty Chitty Bang Bang exhibition is designed with families in mind, offering a fun and welcoming space for all ages to enjoy together. Large-scale illustrations and artwork displayed at children’s eye level invite younger visitors to connect with the story visually. Cosy reading areas with books allow families to dive deeper into the tale, while a free trail sheet is packed with interactive, family-friendly activities to help everyone engage with the art. And don’t miss the chance to snap a photo in our custom-built, front end of a Chitty Chitty Bang Bang-inspired car – the perfect family-friendly selfie spot!

A Chitty Chitty Bang Bang BIG Adventure Trail

Pick up your free family trail sheet at the Welcome Centre and set off on an adventure with Chitty and the Potts family! Explore the gallery and gardens as you uncover clues, complete challenges and spot:

Villains on the run
Mysteries hidden inside a secret cave
Chitty soaring through the clouds

Fun challenges include:

Try your aim in the Archery Den and help catch the gangsters!
Design your very own magical Chitty car and enter it into our special competition
Take part in creative activities and have plenty of fun along the way!

Perfect for the whole family to get involved.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with Merry-go-Round Storytelling

Dates: 20 30 July, 6, 16, 20 August, 3 & 7 September, 12.30 & 2.30pm

Free, interactive storytelling. No need to book

Join Amanda Kane-Smith from Merry-go-Round Storytelling for lively, interactive storytelling that brings this much-loved story to life, packed with fun and perfect for families! These 30 minute sessions are outside on the north lawn behind the house. You're welcome to bring rugs to relax on.

Illustration of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang flying through the air — Illustration of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang | © John Burningham

More 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.

Den building

The den-building area from February half-term is staying up a little longer. Using the branches and leaves provided, families can build their own amazing den and create the perfect space. It could be a hidden fortress, a secret hideout or something entirely unique.

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.

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 may get very busy during school holidays and bank holidays. Mornings tend to be busier than afternoons. If you have the flexibility, a weekday 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.