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Two people cycling through woodland at Osterley Park and House, Middlesex
Cycling at Osterley Park and House, Middlesex | © National Trust Images/Megan Taylor

Family-friendly places to visit in London

Discover the top places for family days out in and around London this winter. Make memories to treasure on family walks in beautiful surroundings and connect with nature together in the great outdoors. Get into the Christmas spirit with our festive family events or take a step back in time and immerse yourself in the stories of the historic houses in our care.

Coming soon...

The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ at Osterley Park and House 

 31 January - 3 March: Join us at Osterley Park and House for an enchanting journey inspired by Eric Carle’s beloved and iconic children’s book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar™. This captivating trail allows families to experience one of nature’s greatest transformations. Brought to life with beautifully illustrated trail markers, giant food cut-outs, activities and games, children learn about the days of the week, counting, and the life cycle of a butterfly, within the picturesque setting of Osterley’s early spring gardens.   

The Very Hungry Caterpillar™

February half-term at Morden Hall Park 

Learn all about robins on a self-led family trail this February half-term (14 Feb - 22 March), join a community bunting workshop inspired by spring (20 Feb) or try a forest bathing session, newly imagined for children (17 Feb). The Potting Shed café will be on hand with fortifying drinks, cakes and snacks to keep energy levels up.

Close up of individually designed bunting flags on a string

Plan your family day out

Ham House and Garden 

Head to the Outer Courtyard where little people will love getting stuck into the Mud Kitchen, using imaginative play to create culinary masterpieces. The Wilderness is a wonderful place to explore too, with over a mile of Hornbeam hedges arranged in a maze-like pattern.

A family looking at paintings in the Long Gallery at Ham House and Garden, Surrey

Osterley Park and House 

From bike rides to den building, discover the full range of family-friendly activities and events taking place at Osterley Park.

A family walking in the grounds at Osterley Park and House, London

Morden Hall Park 

Explore the natural play area, spot wildlife from the boardwalk and enjoy a family walk at Morden Hall Park, with pushchair friendly routes available. Wander into the second hand book shop for a treasure trove of stories.

Visitors watch for birds through binoculars at Morden Hall Park, London

Family visits at Rainham Hall & Gardens this Winter 

Family nature activities and games to do together at a beautiful hidden gem in east London, Rainham Hall and Community Garden.

A family exploring the gardens at Christmas at Hinton Ampner, Hampshire

Park Explorers for under 5s, Mondays during term time at Morden Hall Park 

10am to 10.45am Mondays in term time. Our Park Explorers group is for children aged 2-5 years old and their parents/carers. Together we learn about the natural world around us, with a different outdoor theme each week. £5 per participating child. Drop in on the day, no pre-booking possible, places limited.

Two children, one wearing a bike helmet, look over a fence into the community garden at Morden Hall Park in London

Outdoor activities in London 

There are plenty of ways to get active with all the outdoor activities available at National Trust places in London.

A smiling boy rides a red bicycle on a parkland trail

Walking in London 

From acres of parkland at Osterley Park to walks along the River Thames with historic views to Ham House, discover where to go for the best walks in London.

Visitors watch for birds through binoculars at Morden Hall Park, London

Places to eat in London 

Discover some favourite tea-rooms and cafés in London and plan where to stop for a tasty treat on your next adventure

Family members sat outside the café at Osterley Park and House, London
The Cherry Garden showing frosty lavender in winter with Ham House and a blue sky in the background

Discover more in London

From thriving wetlands to sprawling estates, intimate spaces and modernist masterpieces, London has it all, if you know where to look.