Skip to content

Family-friendly things to do at The Vyne

A man pushes a buggy while a woman in a bright red coat carries a young child down a woodland path with fairy lights overhead.
Plan family-friendly adventures for the diary. | © National Trust Images / Trevor Ray Hart

Get the most out of the upcoming holiday season by discovering all the things to do on a family day out at The Vyne from 25 November. With indoor and outdoor trails, there's plenty to keep little ones entertained. Find out what family-friendly events are coming up and how best to plan your day with children in mind.

Planning your family visit

  • There are toilets and baby changing facilities on your left after you get through visitor reception and also at the Brewhouse tea-room next to the mansion
  • The garden has hard gravel pathways, but you might prefer to use a child carrier if you’re planning on going further afield
  • The Brewhouse tea-room is a bit snug, so you’ll need to leave your buggy or pushchair outside
  • In the house, we’ve got slings for you to carry small children in. Again, you’ll need to leave your buggy or pushchair outside and any items such as bags are left at your own risk
  • Unfortunately ball games, frisbees, scooters, bikes and drones aren't permitted on the estate due to previous damage to the house and grounds. Thanks for your understanding.

Family-friendly events

Nutcracker house trail

Sat 25 Nov – Mon 1 Jan 11am-3pm

All ages can explore the ground floor of the house lavishly decorated to tell this much-loved Christmas tale. Trail sheet available at Visitor Reception for £1.50. Closed 24 & 25 Dec.

Find out more about this event

Nutcracker garden trail

Sat 25 Nov – Mon 1 Jan 10am-4pm

Circling The Vyne’s magnificent lake, young explorers can keep their eyes peeled for swans, ballerinas and the North Lawn full of nutcracker soldiers. Trail sheet available at Visitor Reception for £1.50. Closed 24 & 25 Dec.

Find out more about this event

A boy wearing glasses holds up a gift tag with a wish written on it ready to put it on a Christmas wishing tree.
Add your Christmas wishes to a magical Christmas tree in the house. | © National Trust Images / Trevor Ray Hart

Family-friendly things to do in the garden

Play area

Little ones can explore the outdoors in the natural play area created especially for very young children just off the Lime Avenue.

Close up detail of the 16th-century stained glass window in the Chapel at the Vyne, Hampshire

Discover more at The Vyne

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

You might also be interested in

A close up of a dog and visitor
Article
Article

Visiting The Vyne with your dog 

The Vyne is a three pawprint rated place. Find out about bringing your dog to The Vyne where you can explore the gardens together.

A cup of coconut hot chocolate with a topping of whipped cream is positioned bottom-right on a wooden surface with yellow lights out of focus in the background.
Article
Article

Eating and shopping at The Vyne 

Enjoy a refreshment stop in the atmospheric tea-room at The Vyne. Treat yourself to a gift in the shop or get comfy in the window seat while browsing pre-loved books.

Close up detail of the 16th-century stained glass window in the Chapel at the Vyne, Hampshire
Article
Article

History of The Vyne 

Discover centuries of history at The Vyne. Explore the people who shaped the estate, its royal connections to Tudor monarchs and its wartime role.

Children playing in the woodlands at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire

‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ 

Fancy running free in the fresh air, learning new skills and trying new things? Grab your gear and start your adventure.

Visitors exploring the Christmas market at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire

Visit 

Visit somewhere new and explore seasonal gardens, historic castles and outdoor spaces. With over 500 places to discover, where will your adventures take you?

Exterior of house, with family on leaf covered autumn lawn in the foreground

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.