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.
Christmas at Ormesby Hall
A Fairy tale Christmas – one final chapter
Friday 27 November – Wednesday 23 December 2026 (selected days)
For five Christmases, Ormesby Hall has brought some of the world's best-loved fairy tales to life. This year, our much-loved A Fairy tale Christmas returns for one final chapter.
Step inside a mansion filled with Christmas trees, twinkling lights and spectacularly decorated rooms inspired by The Snow Queen, Alice in Wonderland, The Little Mermaid and more.
There's plenty for the whole family to enjoy, including the model railway, festive treats in the café and winter walks around the gardens and estate.
Two special Festive Evenings – Friday 4 and Friday 11 December
Experience the mansion after dark, with live festive music, Mrs Christmas storytelling, marshmallow toasting and seasonal food and drink.
At a glance:
- Open Friday to Monday from 27 November to 21 December, plus Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 December.
- Opening from 10.30am.
- Normal admission applies. National Trust members and under-fives enter free.
- No booking required.
One final Christmas. One last chance to experience the magic.
Discover A Fairy tale Christmas at Ormesby Hall
Looking ahead to 2027
February half-term – stories come to life
Saturday 13 – Sunday 21 February 2027, 10.30am–3pm
Looking for something fun to do with the kids this February half-term?
Join us for a week celebrating stories, books and imagination at Ormesby Hall.
Explore interactive story trails around the house and garden, enjoy storytelling sessions and get creative with book-inspired crafts.
It's a lovely opportunity for children to discover new stories, let their imaginations run wild and enjoy a family day out together.
No booking required. Normal admission applies. National Trust members and under-fives enter free.
World Book Weekend – a free family weekend
Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 March 2027, 10am–3pm
Our popular World Book Weekend returns, and everyone is invited to enjoy Ormesby Hall for FREE!
Join us for two days celebrating books, creativity and imagination, with activities designed to inspire young readers and budding storytellers.
Meet local authors and illustrators, including James Harris and Holly Sterling, and enjoy creative writing, drawing workshops, hands-on activities and interactive storytelling.
Delivered in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, it's a wonderful opportunity for families to discover the joy of reading together.
Free entry for everyone. No booking required.
Easter Adventures – step right up to the Easter Carnival!
Friday 26 March – Sunday 11 April 2027, 10.30am–4pm
Roll up, roll up! There's plenty of family fun waiting at Ormesby Hall this Easter.
Our gardens will be transformed into an Easter Carnival, with games and challenges for children to enjoy as they explore.
Try your hand at egg shy, take on bunny hoopla, join in the egg rolling and see how many Easter challenges your family can complete.
Bring the kids, enjoy the fresh spring air and make some lovely Easter holiday memories together.
No booking required. Normal admission applies.
Further details of our Easter activities will be added closer to the event.
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