Family-friendly things to do at Ormesby Hall
Looking for a proper family day out here in Middlesbrough? Ormesby Hall is a grand historic house with beautifully kept gardens, but it’s also a relaxed place for kids to be kids. Come for a wander, let little legs burn off energy, and discover what’s on in the school holidays.
Planning your family visit
With great value admission (and always free for National Trust members), it’s an easy, affordable day out that mixes history, fresh air and family fun.
You’ll find lots of family-friendly essentials on site, including toilets and baby-changing facilities in the house and courtyard.
The café has indoor and outdoor seating, highchairs, and kids’ lunchboxes - and you’re welcome to bring a picnic too.
A few handy things to know:
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Pushchairs and prams aren’t allowed in the house, so please leave them at the designated undercover shelter (hip-carrying infant seats are available to borrow).
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Bikes and balls aren’t allowed onsite.
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There is a pond in the orchard, so little ones will need close supervision in that area.
World Book Day® weekend event (FREE ENTRY)
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 March
Step into a story at Ormesby Hall as we celebrate World Book Day® with National Literacy Trust in Middlesbrough.
This is our third year hosting the event and it’s a brilliant, welcoming weekend for families who love stories, drawing and getting creative together.
Free entry includes the house, gardens, café and second-hand bookshop, plus all activities.
Here’s what you can enjoy across the weekend:
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Creative workshops with award-winning children’s author James Harris (create monsters, stories and illustrations)
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A hands-on author-illustrator workshop with Holly Sterling
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Interactive storytelling drop-in sessions with Elizabeth Baker
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Collage activities with Vic Adams, contributing to a community artwork celebrating Middlesbrough
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A “Look for a Book” activity in the gardens with National Literacy Trust in Middlesbrough
Opening times: 10am–4pm (last entry to the event and house at 3pm; café closes at 3.30pm).
Booking: not needed.
Help bring the house and gardens to life by dressing up as your favourite book character - and that includes you, parents!
Easter Adventures at Ormesby Hall
This spring, treat the whole family to a world of adventure with our Easter trail in the gardens.
Pick up your trail sheet, follow the route and enjoy 10 activity points along the way - with classic family fun like welly wanging, wheelbarrow racing and an egg and spoon race.
Dates: Daily from Thursday 2 April to Sunday 19 April.
Times: 10.30am–4pm (last entry to do the trail at 3pm).
Trail cost: £3 per trail (includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears, and a dairy or vegan and Free From chocolate egg).
Normal admission also applies (free admission for National Trust members and under-fives).
Booking: not needed... just come along and join in.
See all of our upcoming events here at Ormesby Hall.
Family-friendly things to do in the house
A surprise delight for lots of families is the model railway layouts, including an interactive layout for children of all ages. Then pop into the second-hand bookshop in the courtyard and take a breather together with a story.
Family-friendly things to do in the garden
There’s loads of space for kids to run off energy in the gardens. Head down to the natural play area where little ones can perform on the Willow Stage and challenge themselves on the rope walk, log stepping stones and balance see-saw.
Looking for a quieter nature moment? Visit the bird hide, see what you can spot, and stop by the bug hotels to see who’s checked in (do not disturb!).
Explore the multi-user trail (free to use)
If you’d like to add a gentle walk (or a quick loop before heading home), try the free multi-user trail - an accessible, all-weather loop around the estate that’s suitable for walkers, runners, pushchairs, wheelchair users and cyclists.
‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’
No matter the season, Ormesby Hall is the perfect place to see how many activities you can tick off your '50 things' list. Head into the woods to get to know a tree (No. 1), discover wild animal clues (No. 34), head to the bird hide to watch a bird (No. 44) or pay a visit to the bug hotel to make friends with some creepy-crawlies (No. 31).
Follow the link to find out more about our activities at Ormesby Hall: What's on at Ormesby Hall