Discover more at Mottisfont
Find out when Mottisfont is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Family-friendly things to do at Mottisfont
There's plenty for the whole family to enjoy on a visit to Mottisfont. From vibrant family art exhibitions to fun-filled autumn and half-term activities, and 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.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang exhibition
Until Sunday 2 November
Head into a magical adventure in the house – we're inviting visitors to step into the pages of one of Britain’s most beloved children’s stories, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, in a playful 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 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. 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!
Agent 11¾ Spy Family Trail
4 October-2 November
This half-term holiday, step into the secret world of spies on Mottisfont’s exciting new trail, inspired by the most famous of all fictional spies, James Bond.
Ian Fleming, creator of the James Bond series, was a frequent visitor to Mottisfont. This October, children of all ages can join the secret service, with a trail inspired by the dashing intelligence officer.
There’ll be plenty of undercover challenges, from cracking codes to creating disguises, to fire the imagination and motivate the next generation to join His Majesty’s Secret Service.
No booking needed, free event (normal admission applies).
Autumn activities in nature
The following family-friendly activities are included with your entry (free for NT members).
Leaf harvest
Every day during opening hours
The leaf harvest is back! We'd love help from our littlest visitors to gather up fallen leaves to turn into nutritious compost for our garden. Dotted around the garden you'll find mini wheelbarrows and rakes, alongside bins just waiting to be filled. Grab yourself a wheelbarrow for hours of autumn fun.
Mini adventures for mini adventurers
3-5 November, 10:30-11:30 and 13-14 November, 10:30-11:30
Bring your little ones to Mottisfont for a series of exciting nature-inspired activities designed especially for pre-schoolers and their families.
Land Art: Things with Wings
8 and 9 November, 10:00-16:00
Join us for a fun, hands-on weekend of land art at Mottisfont. Children can head out into the grounds to collect natural materials like leaves, twigs and feathers, then use them to make their own creative “Things with Wings” artworks. It’s a great way to explore the autumn landscape, get creative outdoors and enjoy time together as a family. All materials are provided by nature itself and guided by our friendly Learning Volunteer team – just bring your imagination.
Get ready for a magical Christmas
22 November-4 January
This Christmas, Mottisfont sets the stage for a festive pantomime twist on the classic tale of Cinderella as the house is transformed with theatrical flair and seasonal sparkle.
Join us for a magical day out, as this tale as old as time is brought to life in the glorious setting of Mottisfont. Book a day for all the family, including any fairy godmothers.
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.
You might also be interested in
Eating at Mottisfont
Treat yourself to a warming hot drink and a tasty snack at one of our cafés after enjoying the autumn garden.
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.
