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Family-friendly things to do at Speke Hall

A young girl in a witch's hat, enjoying a National Trust halloween event
Make your own adventure at Speke Hall, Liverpool | © National Trust Images/Rob Stothard

Make your own adventure every time you visit Speke Hall. Zoom along a zip wire in the woodland play area, find space to run and play on the North Lawn or indulge curious minds inside the Tudor house.

Halloween at Speke Hall

This October, Speke Hall has something for everyone. If it’s spine-tingling scares you’re after, Folk Horror is an atmospheric piece of theatre, ideal for fans of The Wicker Man and Witchfinder General. For younger visitors, The Canterville Ghost, a family-friendly performance, is sure to raise more than a ghost of a smile.

And if you prefer a gentler pace, Speke Hall’s gardens are glowing with autumn colour. Wander the Peaceful Pathways, complete with mindful moments, poetry and seasonal recipes along the way.

Half Term

This October Half Term, follow the Brilliant Bats Trail in Clough Woodland, or let Little Leaf Collectors help our garden team gather autumn leaves before they turn to mud. Step inside the house and be spellbound - the Sorceress of Speke Hall and her mice have taken over the Library, Green Bedroom and Kitchen!

Christmas at Speke Hall
 

Step into the magic of Christmas at Speke Hall this festive season. Explore rooms dressed for the season with sparkle and tradition, follow the mischievous Merry Mice on their festive adventures, and wander through our Community Christmas Tree Orchard created with local groups.

Enjoy evenings of carols and festive music in the Great Hall, or join us for a Sherlock Holmes Christmas mystery brought to life on stage. From family trails to twinkling trees, Speke Hall is the perfect place to celebrate the joy of Christmas.

Planning your visit

A toddler reaches out towards pumpkins arranged in neat rows on gravel on a wide shelf in a greenhouse
Visitors examine pumpkins grown at Speke Hall | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Things to see and do in the grounds

Go wild in the woodland play area

Hidden away in Speke's magical woodland, there are lots of exciting challenges for young adventurers to take on, including outdoor balancing obstacles and a 30-feet long zip wire to zoom along!

Have fun in the gatedplay area

This colourful safe haven is a place for younger children to play and climb to their hearts’ content. Parents and carers can take a seat here to enjoy a rest and a snack at the picnic tables overlooking the gated play area, which includes a wheelchair-accessible roundabout. 

 

‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’

No matter the season, Speke Hall is the perfect place to have a go at some of our '50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities. Head into the woods to get to know a tree (No. 1), join nature's band by playing our woodland musical instruments (No. 25), or pay a visit to the Kitchen Garden's bug hotel to make friends with some minibeasts (No. 31).

 

Autumn walk at Speke Hall

Discover more at Speke Hall

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

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Things to do in Speke Hall's house 

Discover the hall's fascinating objects and architectural features and learn about the Norris family’s dangerous life under Elizabethan rule.

Volunteer room guide speaking with visitors in the Great Hall at Speke Hall, Liverpool

Exploring the garden and estate at Speke Hall 

From peaceful strolls through colourful borders, to adventures in the woodland and spotting wildlife in the secret garden, there's plenty of seasonal joy to find at Speke Hall.

Black and white Tudor hall with autumn tree to the right

Eating and shopping at Speke Hall 

Home Farm restaurant is open every day for you to grab a drink or a bite to eat. Afterwards, pop into the second-hand bookshop to find a pre-loved gem.

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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 Liverpool and Lancashire 

Plan your family day out in Liverpool and Lancashire. From the beauty of the great outdoors and amazing histories to play areas, balance bikes and even a maze, there's something for the whole family to enjoy rain or shine.

Children playing in autumn leaves in the park at Rufford Old Hall

‘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