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Family-friendly things to do at Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens

A child enjoying a hug with a grown up
Gunby Hall | © John Millar

Gunby Estate is a wonderful place for families to spend time together. With eight acres of Victorian walled gardens, sweeping lawns and beautiful flowers, there is an endless amount of family fun to be had and plenty for kids to explore.

Planning your family visit

  • Open daily, 10am–3pm

  • Free parking close to the entrance

  • Eight acres of gardens to explore, full of seasonal colour and quiet corners

  • Self-led family trails and plenty of space for little ones to play

  • Dogs welcome on short leads in the gardens and parkland

  • The Hall open with three floors of history, brought to life by knowledgeable volunteer guides

  • Tea-room in the old stables serving light lunches, cakes and hot and cold drinks

  • Second-hand bookshop with a childrens selection of books

  • Sensory bags available to borrow, just ask the team when you arrive

  • Baby changing facilities in the courtyard

  • Wheelchair available to borrow (please call ahead to reserve)

  • Step-free routes and accessible parking available

  • Access map provided on arrival or online to help you plan your visit

  • Transfer buggy available to shuttle visitors along Lime Tree Avenue, adapted to accommodate wheelchairs

  • Before you travel, please check the website for seasonal events and the latest updates to help you make the most of your day.

Three women and two children walk in the garden at Gunby Hall, Lincolnshire
Explore Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens. | © National Trust Images/John Millar

May half-term

Discover nature together this half-term with the ‘Nature Quest’ trail at Gunby Estate. Running throughout the May half-term holidays, this family-friendly adventure invites young explorers to journey through the gardens and uncover a variety of nature-inspired activities along the way.

Pick up your quest sheet from the Welcome Shed or Tea-room and set off around the gardens, spotting wildlife, solving clues and taking part in fun challenges designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Perfect for children aged 3–14, it’s a chance to slow down, play together and enjoy the outdoors this spring.

The trail costs £2 per child, plus normal admission charges. Adventure awaits around every corner at Gunby, where will your Nature Quest take you?

Children play with a giant dominos set on a green lawn in the sunshine.
Make the most of summer at Gunby. | © National Trust Images/James Beck

Summer of Play

Make the most of summer at Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens with a season full of family fun from Saturday 18 July to Sunday 6 September. With plenty of opportunities to play, explore and make memories together, there’s something for all ages to enjoy across the gardens and grounds.

Challenge friends and family to traditional lawn games, discover hands-on activities around the gardens, or head to ‘Jurassic Gunby’ in the natural play area for prehistoric adventures and imaginative play. Throughout August, you can also have a go at croquet with friendly lessons taking place every Monday and Friday.

Whether you’re racing across the lawns, exploring hidden corners of the garden or simply enjoying time outdoors together, Summer of Play is the perfect way to enjoy the season at Gunby. All activities are included with normal admission.

You might also be interested in

Explore the Gunby estate 

Explore 1,500 acres of the Gunby Estate and uncover layers of history hidden within the landscape. Follow walking routes through peaceful countryside to discover the Ice House Pond, traces of a lost village and the remains of a medieval moated manor once at the heart of the estate.

View from the parkland towards Gunby Hall, framed by mature trees beneath a clear evening sky.

Explore Gunby Hall 

Explore Gunby Hall, which was home to the Massingberd family for over 250 years. The house features intimate living spaces filled with notable objects, artistic works, and homely décor.

The music room at Gunby Hall showing chairs, a sofa, and a fireplace directly ahead. At the sides you can see old cupboards and on the right hand side there is light flowing through the clear sash windows.

Explore the gardens at Gunby Hall 

Explore eight acres of beautifully designed gardens, each filled with seasonal colour, scent and texture. From the first signs of spring to the rich tones of autumn, there’s always something new to discover at Gunby’s gardens.

A winding path through colourful summer borders in Gunby’s Walled Garden, filled with yellow, pink and purple flowers.

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.

A family of four walking across the grass parkland at Knole in Kent looking for clues on a family trail activity

‘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

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