Family days out at Emmetts Garden

Strawberry Castle play area, Gibside, Tyne & Wear — Come on a nature-friendly visit with your family | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Enjoy the ever-changing beauty of the gardens, fresh air and wide-open views at Emmetts Garden. Check out the Wild play area for some imaginative outdoor fun and head to the Old Stables Tearoom for a drink or something to eat.

Family-friendly events

Festive family trail

Join us at Emmetts Garden this December for an Ant's Christmas. Take a festive walk around the garden and spot willow sculptures that tell the story of Anta Claus. Along the way there will be plenty of activities for your little ones, culminating in a picture-perfect sleigh to get you in the festive mood.

Christmas trail runs 2-31 December 10am-3.30pm. Normal admission applies plus £3 per trail including an activity booklet and prize.

Willow reindeer workshop

Craft your own willow reindeer at Emmetts Garden with the Nature Makers on 19 & 20 December 10.30am-12.30pm. The willow reindeer workshop is perfect for families and is suitable for ages 8+. Tickets include a hot drink and a piece of cake at the Old Stables Tearoom.

A Christmas tree with handmade red fabric angel and tartan ribbon bow decorations and red fairy light, with a group of visitors behind, at Tyntesfield, Somerset — Take a festive walk around the garden | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

Wild play area

Get stuck into energetic adventures in the wild play area located just past the Old Stables Tearoom. Can you walk across the balance beams without falling off? Why not challenge each other to see who can build the biggest den? You might have spotted some exciting additions to the wild play area at Emmetts. Kids will love the new climbing frame, play net, mud kitchen and fairy ring of toadstools.

Family facilities

There are baby-changing facilities at the entrance to the site, next to the Visitor Centre, as well as at the Old Stables Tearoom. Please note that bikes and scooters are not suitable for the pathways at Emmetts Garden.

Picnics

The meadow makes the perfect spot for a picnic with glorious views over Ide Hill. Bring a blanket, or sit at one of the picnic tables, and relax with delicious food under sunny skies.