Family-friendly Mottisfont

We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt™ Halloween Adventure
3 October - 1 November 2026

We're Going on a Ghost Hunt™ this Halloween at Mottisfont. Come and join the fun! Can we find them all? Yes! Run, run, run!

Based on the bestselling children’s books, this Halloween the Bunnies of Hoppity Hill are setting off on an adventure to find the ghosts hidden around Mottisfont with heaps of exciting things to see and do along the way.

Pick your bunny name, play Halloween hoopla, race your broomstick, and watch out for the warty toads as you cross the stepping stones, before joining the celebration party and collecting your sticker.

This trail is ideal for preschoolers and young children.

Trail free (with normal admission)

Richard Grudzinski, Senior Lead - Visitor Programming  "We’re thrilled to bring the magic of We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt to National Trust properties this Halloween. Our stunning autumnal gardens, houses and parklands create the perfect backdrop to bringing the bunny adventures to life, and with spooky storybook fun, playful games, and enchanting activities waiting around every corner, it’s a hauntingly delightful way for families to celebrate the season together.

Standby for We're Going on a Ghost Hunt™ storytelling sessions led by Bloomsbury.  The sessions will be free of charge, 45 minutes in duation and pre-bookable.
 

• Saturday 10 October

• Sunday 11 October

• Sunday 25 October

• Thursday 29 October

Image credit: ™ Illustrations by Cherie Zamazing, based on the original characters created by Laura Hughes, copyright © Bloomsbury Publishing 2023

Live clarinet music at Mottisfont
3 October - 11.00 - 1.00pm

From The Beetles to songs from the musicals - take time out witha ll the family to enjoy some live music by the wonderful clarinet ensemble the BWCB Liquorice Allsorts.

A Jack and the Beanstalk Christmas at Mottisfont
21 November 2026 - 3 January 2027

Magic comes to Mottisfont this Christmas, as we invite you on a fun and festive adventure into the much-loved tale of Jack and the Beanstalk. The house is transformed with sparkle and theatrical flair, lights and laughs as you journey from a towering beanstalk to a castle in the clouds and a Giant’s Christmas banquet. But be careful; can you hear the fe-fi-fo-fum?

Find out more

 

Family-friendly ideas for older children

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 in 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?

• Toddler push-along bikes operated by a parent/guardian are welcome, but please be aware that bikes, balance 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. 
• Our buggy drivers are happy to provide lifts to expectant mothers and families with young children and heavy picnics - please just ask.