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Family-friendly things to do at Ormesby Hall

Young girl dressed in a witch's hat
Visit Ormesby Hall this October half-term for Halloween-filled fun | © Rob Stothard

There’s lots to keep the family entertained at Ormesby Hall, whatever the season. Go wild in the natural play area, stop by the model railway layouts and enjoy imaginative play.

Planning your family visit

 

  • You'll find toilets and baby-changing facilities in the house and in the courtyard
  • The cafe offers tasty kids lunchboxes containing sandwiches, fruit, a treat and juice or water. Indoor and outdoor seating is available and highchairs. 
  • You're welcome to bring a picnic. There's picnic tables, benches and spots to lay out a blanket.
  • Pushchairs or prams are not allowed in the house, so please leave them at the designated undercover shelter
  • Hip-carrying infant seats available for loan in the house
  • Children's books in the second-hand bookshop.
  • Bikes and balls are not allowed onsite
  • There is a pond in the orchard

October half-term and Halloween at Ormesby Hall

Open daily from Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November

Monsters are on their way to Ormesby Hall this Halloween, as it hosts another spooktacular week for families visiting during half-term.

With Monsters being the theme for the holiday, there is plenty to see and do, including seeing the house decorated throughout and fantastic family-friendly shows.

From Tuesday 28 to Friday 31 October we are excited to welcome back The Walking Theatre Company with performances of their show Frankenstein’s School of Monsters in the marquee.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL ON THESE DATES
Please note: On Tuesday 28, Wednesday 29, Thursday 30 and Friday 31 October entry to Ormesby Hall will be via pre-booked tickets only to help manage capacity. Normal admission charges apply. There is no extra charge for National Trust members (including show), however you will need to book to visit on these days.

Book your tickets now!

Throughout October half-term, Ormesby Hall is open 10.30am - 4pm, with last entry to the house and gardens at 3pm. Normal admission applies to visit and enjoy the shows, but there is no extra charge for the shows.

Enjoy a fairy tale Christmas at Ormesby Hall

Open Friday to Monday from Friday 28 December to Monday 22 December, plus Tuesday 23 December.

Join us at Ormesby Hall this Christmas to get into the festive spirit as you're surrounded by some of the best loved fairy tales.

You can venture into the Snow Queen's realm, dress for Cinderella's ball, make a Christmas wish to the Genie and pass through Snow white's forest. Follow the family trail in the garden, stop by the second hand bookshop for a winter read and enjoy seasonal food and hot drinks from the café (last orders at 3pm).

The decorated hall is open 10.30am - 4pm, with last entry to the house at 3pm.

Normal admission applies for all of the above: Adult £7, Child £3.50 and family ticket £17.50, with National Trust members and under 5s free.

Spectacular Christmas entrance at Ormesby Hall with large trees and decorations
Enjoy a spectacular fairy tale visit to Ormesby Hall this Christmas | © National Trust/Andrew Davies

Family-friendly things to do in the house

A surprise delight is always the model railway layouts, which includes an interactive layout for children of all ages. Then pop by the second-hand bookshop to relax with the family and read a book together.

Family-friendly things to do in the garden

Head to the bottom of the garden and let the kids go wild in the natural play area. They can perform on the Willow Stage and challenge themselves on the rope walk, log stepping stones and balance see-saw. In the summer months families can also enjoy a game of croquet on the lawn. 

Looking for nature? Why not go to the bird hide and see what birds you can spot and see the different bird wingspans. In the garden there is also a collection of bug hotels, so stop by and see what bugs have checked in recently, but respect their do not disturb signs. 

‘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