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Family days out at Emmetts Garden

A family walking through woodland in winter at Acorn Bank, Cumbria
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.

Current and upcoming events

Family Winter Wander through Emmetts Garden

Saturday 22 November 2025–Sunday 4 January 2026

Use our sensory trail sheet to spark ideas and deepen your connection with nature. Perfect for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking to slow down and enjoy the season.

How to take part: Pick up a trail sheet from the Visitor Centre. The trail sheets are free this winter, but we welcome donations towards the ongoing care of Emmetts Garden. Normal admission applies.

Family Winter Wander through Emmetts Garden

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.

Games shed

Take a look in our games shed 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. 

A view down a paved pathway with a rose covered pergola overhead, covered in pale pink roses, and two white benches facing the sun

Discover more at Emmetts Garden

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

Plan your visit

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The garden at Emmetts Garden 

Find a garden area to suit your taste here at Emmetts Garden. With different and diverse designs, and views that are always impressive, there's something to see at any time of year.

A view across the rose garden at Emmetts Garden in Kent covered with a white frost

Family-friendly things to do at Chartwell 

Keep the whole family busy with a visit to Chartwell. There's so much to see with 80 acres of grounds to explore and plenty of fun and games to discover including a two-storey treehouse in the woodlands. Come along for Christmas season fun including the family activity trail, Christmas fair of local stallholders, carol music, and decorations in the house and grounds.

A family on a winter walk along a path with lights at Chartwell, Kent

Family-friendly places to visit 

Looking for a family day out that'll keep everyone entertained? Find things to do with the kids at the places we care for near you.

Family walking in Rowallane Garden, County Down, surrounded by autumnal colours

Family-friendly places in Kent 

Find inspiration for your next family day out in Kent, with nature-themed activities ranging from spotting fish to bug hotels, spotter activities and trails with miles of space to run, explore and learn.

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‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ 

Plan fresh-air activities, discover facts about nature and wildlife or learn a new skill with our suggestions for ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.

A boy playing in a tree at Nunnington Hall, North Yorkshire

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