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
Rowallowe'en Fun in the Garden
Spooky season is here, and what better way to have some family fun than with some outdoor games and treats.Take a walk in the old wood, make your own scary movie in the Stableyard film studio, and join the hunt in the walled garden to find out what villainous creature has been terrorising our gardeners!
Baby Banshee Boogie
Join us in the stableyard for drop-in Halloween themed music and movement sessions with Squiggles & Giggles.There'll be songs, puppets, music and play - perfect for getting little goblins giggling. Suitable for ages 0-3 years.
Jump Jiggle and Jive delivers fun, interactive dance and movement sessions for children. Their classes are designed to get little ones moving, smiling and learning through music, rhythm and play.
Rowallowe'en Monster Rave
Join us in the stableyard for drop-in Halloween themed music and movement sessions with Squiggles & Giggles.Gather by the tower for a danse macabre in the dark heart of Rowallane Garden! Put on your spookiest costume, warm up your dancing feet and get ready to dance til you drop. In collaboration with professional party animals Jump Jiggle & Jive, this is the perfect afternoon's fun for children age 4 and up.
Jump Jiggle and Jive delivers fun, interactive dance and movement sessions for children. Their classes are designed to get little ones moving, smiling and learning through music, rhythm and play.
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 wheels measuring up to 14 inches 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 this Autumn. 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.
