Family-friendly things to do at Mottisfont

A family walking beside the river in the gardens at Mottisfont, Hampshire — A family walking beside the river at Mottisfont, Hampshire | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

With plenty of space to run, jump and play there's lots to keep children of all ages busy at Mottisfont. Challenge yourself in our Wild Play area, try some of the '50 things to do before you're 11¾' challenges and play a game of Pooh sticks from one of the wooden bridges. Choose one of three themed activity packs to explore Mottisfont at your own pace in May half term, 25 May - 2 June.

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 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.

Family-friendly events

May half term

25 May - 2 June, 10am-5pm (last entry 4.30pm)

Choose from one of three themed activity packs to help you explore Mottisfont at your own pace. Find creative inspiration as you discover different artworks in the house and gallery, explore the gardens to find out what's growing at this time of year, or take a walk for a closer look at the natural world.

Each activity booklet includes puzzles and challenges to complete while you explore, as well as a themed scene to cut out, decorate and keep.

Property admission applies (free for National Trust members and under 5s), plus £2 per pack. Packs include activity booklets and coloured pencils. Please note that Mottisfont's famous rose season takes place in early summer, so peak admission prices apply between 10am and 3pm from 27 May.

Plan your visit

A child on climbing equipment in the play area at Mottisfont, Hampshire — The Wild Play area at Mottisfont, Hampshire | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

More family-friendly things to do in the garden

Our Wild Play area includes three large wooden structures built for climbing, balancing and exploring. Duck and dive through multiple entry and exit points to play together. The play area gets very muddy during periods of wet weather, so come dressed for mess.

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 making friends with a bug, there's something for every young explorer to do.

Visitors in the walled rose garden at Mottisfont, Hampshire

Discover more at Mottisfont

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

Plan your visit

Children on a bridge in the gardens at Mottisfont, Hampshire

May half term fun

25 May - 2 June: choose from one of three themed activity packs to help you explore Mottisfont at your own pace. Each activity booklet includes puzzles and challenges to complete while you explore, as well as a themed scene to cut out, decorate and keep. Property admission applies (free for National Trust members and under 5s), plus £2 per pack.