Family-friendly things to do at Ormesby Hall
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
May half-term at Ormesby Hall
Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June
Get musical at Ormesby Hall at our Musical Mayhem week and discover the different music zones around the garden.
You can sing, play instruments, compose, listen to and be inspired! From playing with junkyard music on the field to getting loud in the laundry, as well as a music craft activity in the stables, there’s lots of musical fun to be had this half-term.
There will also be live music from local artists each day from noon - 2pm on Sunday 25 to Tuesday 27 May.
Musical Mayhem takes place every day during the half-term school holiday with Ormesby Hall and gardens open between Saturday 24 May - Sunday 1 June, from 10.30am - 5pm, with last entry at 3.30pm. No booking needed. The café closes at 4pm, with last hot food orders at 3pm.
Have a go at pond dipping during half-term
Pond dipping takes place on Monday 26, Wednesday 28 and Friday 30 May
Drop by the Ormesby Hall pond to see what lives in the freshwater.
Join the team to do some pond dipping and identify what you find. Equipment is provided and children must be accompanied by an adult. Pond dipping is included in normal admission.
(Please note this activity is dependant on the pond water levels, so we advise to check the website on the day of the event.)
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.
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