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 and under-fives), it’s an affordable family day out combining history, nature and plenty of space to explore.
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.
Halloween at Ormesby Hall
Saturday 24 October - Sunday 1 November
Something monstrous is coming to Ormesby Hall this October half-term…
Step inside our spectacularly spooky mansion, transformed for Halloween with monsters and surprises waiting throughout the house. Costumes are very much encouraged, so bring along your little witches, vampires and monsters for one of our favourite family events of the year.
Outside, pick up your Monster Seeker Journal and set off in search of seven monsters hidden around the gardens, courtyard and Stables. Follow the map, find each larger-than-life monster and complete the action at every stop along the way.
Then head into the Stables for Halloween crafts and colouring, with plenty more to discover around Ormesby Hall during your visit.
Our outdoor food kiosk will also be serving hot dogs and warming crumble pots during the main half-term week. Please note the kiosk won't be available on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October.
Wednesday 28 – Saturday 31 October
There’s even more happening on our four biggest Halloween days, when The Walking Theatre Company joins us with The Skeleton Bride.
Your visit includes the decorated Halloween house, Monster Seeker Journal, Halloween crafts and a performance of The Skeleton Bride.
Pre-booking is essential on Wednesday 28, Thursday 29, Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October. These are traditionally some of our busiest days of the year and can sell out, so early booking is strongly recommended.
Normal admission applies, with National Trust members and under-fives free.
Adult £7; Child £3.50; Family £17.50. Book your tickets now.
Opening times: 10.30am - 4pm
Halloween Evenings at Ormesby Hall
Wednesday 28 & Thursday 29 October
As darkness falls, Halloween at Ormesby Hall takes on a whole new atmosphere…
Explore our spectacularly spooky mansion after dark, transformed with monsters and Halloween surprises. Keep your eyes open as you make your way through the rooms - you never know who, or what, might be waiting in the shadows.
The Walking Theatre Company will bring characters from The Skeleton Bride to life with roaming performances around the courtyard and grounds, while younger visitors looking for something a little quieter can settle down for child-friendly spooky storytelling in the Library.
Outside the mansion, gather around the firepit to toast marshmallows, or warm up with hot dogs and our popular crumble pots from the outdoor food kiosk.
Costumes are very much encouraged, so wrap up warm and join us for a special family Halloween evening at Ormesby Hall.
Pre-booking is essential for both evenings and early booking is strongly recommended.
The house, Stables and café will be open during the evening. Please note that the garden will be closed.
Admission is included in the ticket price, with National Trust members and under-fives free. Book your tickets now.
Costumes are definitely encouraged!
Normal admission applies, with National Trust members and under-fives free.
Adult £7 | Child £3.50 | Family £17.50 | One-adult family £10.50
See our Halloween event page for full details and booking information.
Christmas at Ormesby Hall
One final chapter before happily ever after…
A Fairy tale Christmas returns to Ormesby Hall for its fifth and final year from Friday 27 November.
Step inside a mansion filled with Christmas trees, lights and spectacular rooms inspired by some of the world's best-loved fairy tales, from The Snow Queen and Alice in Wonderland to The Little Mermaid and more.
There'll also be two special Festive Evenings on Friday 4 and Friday 11 December, when you can experience the magic of Ormesby Hall after dark.
Discover a Fairy tale Christmas at Ormesby Hall.
See all of our upcoming events here at Ormesby Hall.
Family-friendly things to do in the house
There’s plenty for families to discover inside Ormesby Hall throughout the year.
A surprise favourite with lots of our younger visitors, and plenty of grown-ups, is the model railway, including an interactive layout for children of all ages.
Explore the rooms together and discover the stories of the Pennyman family, who called Ormesby Hall home for more than 400 years, before popping into the second-hand bookshop in the courtyard.
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