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

Exhibition

Step into the world of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with our extraordinary new exhibition, celebrating Ian Flemming's iconic tale like never before. See over 80 original illustrations, including, for the very first time, the complete set by legendary artist John Burningham, created 60 years ago.

Be dazzled by the vibrant new artwork for young and teen audiences by Steve Antony and Thomas Gilbert, many never seen before.

Trail

Around the gardens discover a fun family trail inspired by Ian Flemming's book, with plenty of activities to get the whole family involved. The outdoor trail cost £3.

More family-friendly things to do in the garden

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.