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.
It's Musical Mayhem this May half-term at Ormesby Hall
Get ready for a noisy, playful and creative half-term at Ormesby Hall.
From Saturday 23 May to Sunday 31 May, families can enjoy Musical Mayhem across the house, gardens and wider estate, with fun music zones encouraging children to compose, listen, play and explore sound in different ways.
Make your own rhythm, try out hands-on musical activities and follow the sounds around the gardens. There’ll also be a nature sounds trail, where families can scan QR codes, listen to animal sounds and match them to the creatures on the boards.
During the week, there’ll be extra activities including music crafts and instrument workshops. On Thursday 28 May, families can also enjoy live music from Eagle Ukes, an interactive ukulele band performing in the marquee.
With the gardens, play area, house, café, bookshop and wider estate to enjoy too, it’s a great value family day out here in Middlesbrough.
Dates: Saturday 23 May - Sunday 31 May
Opening times: 10.30am - 4pm
Admission: £7 adult, £3.50 child, £17.50 family
Free entry: National Trust members and under-fives
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