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Visiting Rowallane Garden with family

Family enjoying Rowallane Garden in Autumn
Family enjoying Rowallane Garden in Autumn | © James Dobson

Whether you're looking for rainy day indoor activities or running, skipping and jumping around the Pleasure Ground play area, or looking for things to do with the kids there’s something to occupy all ages here at Rowallane Garden. Find out what's on offer and the details you need to plan your visit.

Planning your family visit

If you're planning a day out at Rowallane Garden with the family, here is some useful information.

Upcoming family-friendly events

Halloween Trail at Rowallane Garden 20 October - 2 November

Strange creatures have taken over Rowallane Garden—dare you walk the haunted trails this Halloween and face the nightmares that await?

There have been some strange happenings at Rowallane Garden. A few new faces have started to appearing in the garden. Monsters, ghosts and ghouls straight out of your nightmares have been spotted. ​

Dare you walk the trails this Halloween? You’re in for a fright…

For full listings of events at Rowallane Garden visit our What's On page

Kids halloween trail
Kids Halloween trail | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Play areas

Explore and Play

The natural play area, Explore and Play, is located at the top of the Pleasure Ground. It's been made using completely natural materials. Fallen trees have been reimagined as climbing frames, activity dens are made from branches from the garden and stepping stones are inventively fashioned from cut stumps and logs. Intricate chainsaw sculptures depicting exotic animals.

Our aim was to create an interactive environment that feels like part of the landscape providing a pathway to a deeper connection with nature. We hope it encourages kids big and small to engage with their senses, appreciate being outdoors and indulge their imaginations.

Balance bikes

Balance Bikes are the perfect way to help your future cyclists learn how to ride in the safety of the great outdoors. That's why we are delighted to offer free-to-hire balance bikes to our visitors, with helmets, from visitor reception. You don’t need to book anything, and the balance bikes are free to use – just turn up and get going.

PLEASE NOTE - Balance bikes and bikes with stabilisers are welcome - our trails are not designed for larger cycles.

A bright red balance bike rests against a table at on the porch of the Welcome Hut at Rowallane Garden

Rainy and sunny day activities

Whether sunshine or a little downpour, we’ve got a few ideas up our sleeves with our top indoor and outdoor adventures for days at Rowallane Garden. From exploring the natural play area to indoor fun in the barn, there's plenty of interactive fun for all weathers. Click the arrows to find out more...

Mum and son enjoying the Explore and Play at Rowallane Garden
Mum and son enjoying the Explore and Play at Rowallane Garden | © James Dobson

Come and explore the natural playground

Let your little ones run wild in our natural playground. It's been made using completely natural materials. Fallen trees have been reimagined as climbing frames, activity dens are made from branches from the garden and stepping stones are inventively fashioned from cut stumps and logs. Intricate chainsaw sculptures depicting exotic animals.

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What's Next?

Looking for more events for the whole family? Have a look at our highlights for the next few months.

Perfect for picnics

There are picnic tables across the garden, and some off the beaten track spots where you can enjoy the peace and quiet. You can bring a picnic blanket or borrow one of ours, pack your own picnic basket or stock up in the café which serves range of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and sweet treats for you to grab.

Look out for signs of the changing seasons

Rowallane Garden is a garden for every season. Enjoy the seasonal changes as you explore the woodlands and gardens. Look out for the wildlife that calls Rowallane Garden home. Why not have a go at checking off the '50 things to do before you're 11¾' check list on your next visit. Take a look at our full list of '50 things'

Visitors enjoying autumnal pumpkins in the stableyard at Rowallane Garden

Discover more at Rowallane Garden

Find out when Rowallane Garden is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

You might also be interested in

Eating at Rowallane Garden 

You can come to Rowallane Garden for a long stroll in nature and stay for a cuppa and light bite in the café.

Visitors enjoying their refreshments in the cafe at Rowallane Garden, County Down

Visiting Rowallane Garden with your dog 

Rowallane Garden is a three pawprint rated place. Discover Rowallane Garden with your dog. Explore the pleasure ground, stroll through the walled garden & wander through woodland.

Visitor enjoying the dog field at Rowallane Garden

Things to do at Rowallane Garden 

Discover one of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful gardens and explore the Victorian pleasure grounds, walled garden and woodland. There's something to see all year round.

Family walking around the grounds of Rowallane Garden

‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ 

Plan fresh-air activities, discover facts about nature and wildlife or learn a new skill with our suggestions for ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.

A boy playing in a tree at Nunnington Hall, North Yorkshire

Family-friendly places to visit 

Looking for a family day out that'll keep everyone entertained? Find things to do with the kids at the places we care for near you.

Family walking in Rowallane Garden, County Down, surrounded by autumnal colours

Family-friendly places in Northern Ireland 

Discover the best family-friendly places to visit in Northern Ireland this autumn with a day out at the places in our care. Enjoy crisp, colourful woodland walks that spark curiosity and natural play areas perfect for burning off energy. As the vibrant autumn leaves fall, family adventures await around every corner. If the weather turns chilly or damp, take shelter in our cosy, family-friendly cafés and indulge in some seasonal treats. Be sure to check property websites for up-to-date opening times and special autumn events.

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