Whether you're looking for rainy day indoor activities or running, skipping and jumping around the Pleasure Grounds, 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.
Getting around Rowallane Garden:
The gardens are buggy-friendly, with step-free access from the archway by the side of the house. .
Walk past the house, along East Drive to see views of The Cage and go deer spotting as you pass the deer sanctuary.
The Spring Ground has sweeping vistas out onto the natural landscape and a backdrop of colour offered by the mix of rhododendrons, azaleas and bulbs in spring and the warm tones of viburnums and changing foliage in autumn. There's always a display on offer in this calm corner of the garden.
Pick n mix children's lunch
There’s a 'pick and mix' style picnic box available for children in the cafe. Choose a sandwich, drink and a selection of three snacks for £5.25.
High chairs
High chairs are available to borrow at the café - please ask a member of staff to bring one to your table.
Baby changing facilities can be located in the House, near the café and in the stableyard toilets.
Upcoming family-friendly events
Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trail at Rowallane Garden
Unleash your energy on a Pokémon adventure from 13 June to 6 September, celebrating the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Series.
Booking not needed
Free event (admission applies)
Calling Pokémon fans new and old! From 13 June, get active outdoors on our Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail. Team up as a family to search the gardens for each Mega Evolution Pokémon, discover their powers, and complete your own challenges.
Are you ready for a mega adventure? Trail sheets will be available to collect on the day. Normal admission also applies (free for National Trust members).
Summer of Play
This year from 11 July to 25 August, we’re bringing more excitement, colour, and adventure for families and kids to enjoy nature through play.
Whether you're a budding artist, an aspiring actor, or a nature explorer, there’s something for everyone!
Families can dive into Active Play in the Pleasure Ground, with plenty of fun activities like baseball and extra equipment added this year to welcome all ages.
In the Stableyard, Creative Play comes alive with colourful arts and crafts sessions inspired by nature.
In the Wider Garden, Loose Parts Play offers the chance to channel your inner builder and get creative with natural materials.
At the Bandstand get dramatic with some Performance Play, put on a puppet show, become a storyteller and get your dancing shoes on!
For full listings of events at Rowallane Garden visit our What's On page
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.
Rowallane Garden bike policy
In the interest of protecting our plant collection and preventing injury to cyclists and others as our paths are not suitable for high speed or large bikes, the following bike policy has been agreed.
Children on bikes with a wheel size up to 14 inches are welcome to cycle in the garden.
• Please remain on paths (this includes mown paths on lawns).
• Bikes are not permitted in the Walled Garden & Rock Garden.
• Castleward have more extensive bike trails suitable for larger bikes. Please ask a member of staff for more details.
• People arriving on bicycles that do not meet the above criteria can access the property via the main avenue and are welcome to leave their bike at the bicycle rack located by the admissions area.
• Please demonstrate consideration to visitors at all times when cycling on the property.
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...
Will you be able to keep up with your children once they’ve learned to cycle? Balance bikes are the perfect way to help your future cyclists learn how to ride, in beautiful, traffic-free surroundings.
The balance bikes and helmets are available to borrow from our welcome hut. You don’t need to book anything and the balance bikes are free to use on a first come, first served basis – just turn up and get going.
There are plenty of paths to follow through the garden and the wide-open space of the spring meadow makes it a great place to ride around.
Let your creativity run wild and bond with your family as you explore the wonderful world of arts and crafts! Our barn provides the perfect setting for a fun-filled day of painting, drawing, and creating. [Please note, the barn may be closed during quieter periods of the year, ask a staff member for its opening times].
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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.
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'
Discover more at Rowallane Garden
Find out when Rowallane Garden is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
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.
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.
Discover the best family-friendly places to visit in Northern Ireland with a day out at the places in our care. With outdoor trails for inquisitive minds and natural play areas to let off steam, family adventures await all year round. If rain descends on your outdoor playground, take shelter in our family-friendly cafés for some well-deserved treats. Check property websites for specific opening times and events.
