Family days out at Emmetts Garden

A girl in a pink coat looks happy as she throws fallen leaves into the air — Come on a nature-friendly visit with your family | © Barry Mitchell

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.

Current and upcoming events

Autumn Festival at Emmetts Garden

Celebrate the changing seasons and the cornucopia of colour at Emmetts Garden during our Autumn Festival, 9 October to November 2026. This year’s festival is set to be bigger and better than ever. Families can enjoy Music on the Meadow during the Autumn Fair Makers Market weekend, fairground rides during half term, Halloween weekend craft workshops and the Fun-Gus family activity trail throughout the festival season.

Music on the Meadow

Saturday 10–Sunday 11 October

Medway Concert Brass will perform on Saturday 10 October at 12 noon and 2pm. Biggin Hill Concert Band will perform on Sunday 11 October at 12 noon and 2pm.

Autumn Talks at Emmetts Garden: We are all made of stardust with Mark Hiller

Sunday 18 October 2026, 13.00–14.00

Explore meteorites and their role in shaping our world with Mark Hiller from Edenbridge and District Astronomers. This interactive session includes a unique opportunity to see and handle real meteorites. Suitable for adults and children aged 12+ (children must be accompanied by an adult). £10 for adult tickets and £5 for children's tickets.

More information about We are all made of stardust with Mark Hiller

Family activity trail: Fun-Gus Saves the Forest

Friday 9 October– Sunday 1 November

Running throughout the Autumn Festival including half term. Purchase a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre for £3. Explore the garden and take part in fun family activities as you help Fun-Gus and Myrra save the day. Return to the Visitor Centre to collect your prize. Normal admission applies; under 5s visit for free.

More information about the Autumn Festival: Family Garden Trail

Half term children’s fairground

Friday 23 October–Sunday 1 November, 10am–4pm (last ride starts at 3.30pm)

Join us this half term for the return of the popular children’s fairground at Emmetts Garden. This season’s rides include a carousel, swing boats and the teacups.

Fairground access is £10 per wristband per day. This allows a child to go on the rides throughout the day. Rides are suitable for children aged: 2-8. You can also take advantage of a combined ticket for £12 which includes a fairground wristband and a Fun-Gus Family Activity Trail booklet (normally £3).

Normal admission prices or National Trust membership also applies.

More information about the Children’s Fairground.

Halloween craft workshops

Thursday 29 October–Sunday 1 November

Halloween Spooky Woodcraft workshop

Thursday 29 October–Sunday 1 November 2026

Ticketed sessions available at 10:30–11:15, 11:30–12:15, 13:00–13:45 and 14:00–14:45

£8, normal admission also applies.

Join Natalia, an accredited Forest School teacher from Wild Side Learning for a creative woodcraft workshop with a seasonal twist. Learn how to safely use carving tools to whittle a wooden mushroom keyring. Suitable for ages 8+, limited places; pre-booking strongly recommended.

More information and tickets for the Halloween Spooky Woodcraft workshop.

Halloween Spiderweb Weaving Workshop

Thursday 29 October–Sunday 1 November 2026

Drop-in sessions available 10:30–12:15 and 13.00–15:00

Create your own spooky spider-web and pinecone spider in this free (with admission), drop-in activity during the Halloween half term. Led by accredited forest school teacher, Natalia with National Trust volunteers on hand to help, this activity is suitable for children aged 2+.

More information about the Halloween Spiderweb Weaving Workshop.

What else is on during the Autumn Festival?

Find out more about the Autumn Festival at Emmetts Garden including the Autumn Fair Makers Market, the Autumn Talks weekend, photography workshops for adults and food and drinks stalls on selected dates.

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.

Wild play area wooden climbing frame at Emmetts Garden — The Wild play area at Emmetts Garden | © National Trust/Jen Reznick

Please help us to protect the delicate plants and paths at Emmetts Garden.

Leave footballs and similar toys and sporting equipment at home. Bikes and scooters are not suitable for the paths at Emmetts Garden.

Wild play area

Get stuck into energetic adventures in the wild play area located just past the Old Stables Tearoom. Kids will love scrambling over the climbing frame and play net, walking across the balance beams and crawling through the tunnels. Don’t miss the fairy ring of toadstools. Visit us for unforgettable outdoor fun.

Toy Cupboard

Take a look in our toy cupboard for games to play in the meadow. Have a go at giant Jenga, hula-hoops, skittles and more. Remember to return the items when you’ve finished so others can have a turn. Please note that these items are for use in the play meadow, but not in the wildflower meadow or other areas of the 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.