Family-friendly things to do at Woolsthorpe

Young visitors exploring the hands on Science Centre — The distorting mirrors are hard to resist | © National Trust/Paul Harris

Get stuck into science and history at Woolsthorpe Manor. Isaac Newton is one of the world’s greatest ever scientists and his science is still relevant today. Bring all the family to find out more at the place where he changed the world.

Woolsthorpe is now closed for the winter

Please note, Woolsthorpe is now closed and will reopen in February 2024. We'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has visited and supported this special place. The winter closure at Woolsthorpe provides the house team the opportunity to complete a deep clean of the house and collection as well as conduct much needed conservation repair work. We're looking forward to welcoming you back in 2024.

Planning your family visit

Here is the information you need at a glance to help plan your next day out at Woolsthorpe:

Baby-changing facilities are available
Find out more about booking your visit to the Manor House here.
Woolsthorpe Manor will close for the winter on Monday 6 November

A volunteer talks to some younger visitors in Woolsthorpe Manor, Lincolnshire — Inspire Future Newtons at Woolsthorpe | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Family-friendly things to do in the science centre

In the science centre, children of all ages – even grown-up ones – can get hands-on with some of Isaac’s most famous experiments. Have fun observing, experimenting and discovering.

You can test refraction and then reflection by getting distorted in our mirrors. Peer at one of the blackest blacks and ask yourself what properties the colour has? Grab the holographic apple before you leave and take an imaginary bite.

What keeps a planet in orbit or an object on the ground? These are the questions that Newton was driven to answer, and you can ask these questions too when testing Newton’s theory of universal gravitation.

A woman and child complete activities in the Science Centre at Woolsthorpe Manor, Lincolnshire — Take on Newton's science discoveries | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Family-friendly things to do in the manor house

Get a sense of Isaac Newton in the manor house. This is where Isaac Newton was born, grew up, and made some of his most important discoveries. As a boy he observed the world around him, making models and drawing pictures.

Find out more about booking your visit to the Manor House here.

Visit the Hayloft to find out more about Newton’s prophetic birth. Discover how he became so widely known and has been commemorated through art, poetry and public monuments.

‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’

Fans of ‘50 things’ fun can accomplish No. 1 in style at Woolsthorpe. No. 1 Get to know a tree

We are custodians of the actual tree that inspired Isaac Newton’s work on the theory of gravity. Yes, the very tree from which an apple fell and caused Newton to ask the question: ‘Why do apples always fall straight down to the ground?’.

The orchard is the perfect spot to enjoy some quiet contemplation. Choose a comfortable spot to relax and maybe do some cloud gazing (that's number 33 on the '50 Things' challenge).

While visiting Woolsthorpe's gardens, be sure to admire the sundial and use the sunshine to tell the time.

A oil painting on canvas, a three-quarter-length portrait, of Sir Isaac Newton in older age painted by Sir James Thornhill from 1712, held at Woolsthorpe Manor, Lincolnshire.

Discover more at Woolsthorpe Manor

Please note, Woolsthorpe is now closed for the winter and will reopen in February 2024. Find out when Woolsthorpe Manor is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

View of Woolsthorpe Manor from the back of the orchard, with leaves on the ground

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Things to do at Woolsthorpe Manor

Please note, Woolsthorpe is now closed for the winter and will reopen in February 2024. Woolsthorpe Manor is where Sir Isaac Newton was born and made huge scientific discoveries, and now visitors can carry out their own experiments in the science centre.