Family-friendly things to do at Greys Court

Children playing in woodland at Greys Court, Oxfordshire — There's lots to explore in the woodland at Grey's Court | © National Trust Images/Alex Prain

From finding trees to climb to spotting wildlife on a children's nature trail, there's lots to keep all members of the family happy on a day out at Greys Court.

Planning your family visit

Here's the information you need at a glance to make the most of your family day out at Greys Court:

Baby-changing facilities are available in the accessible toilet next to the shop
The gardens are accessible for buggies, but the parkland has uneven ground
Please don't bring balls, bikes or scooters
Children's books and toys are available to buy in the shop
Hot and cold drinks and snacks are available from the tea-room.

Family-friendly things to do on the estate

May half term trail

We will be hosting a children's trail between 23 May and 30 May during the half term break. Head to visitor reception when you arrive to find out more or keep an eye on our events page for updates.

Summer of Play

Between 25 July and 30 August we will be putting on a range of activities and games for children to enjoy during the summer holidays throughout the grounds. See our events page for details.

Festival of Archaeology

Whether you’re an archaeological amateur or the next Indiana Jones, join us to discover more about the layered history of Greys Court. Join us this summer as Greys Court once again takes part in the Festival of Archaeology, the UK’s largest celebration of archaeology, proudly organised by the Council for British Archaeology (CBA) and supported by the South Oxfordshire Archaeology Group.

Taking place between 18 and 27 July and again between 12 and 16 September, it’s a rare chance to experience archaeology up close—perfect for history enthusiasts, families, and curious minds of all ages.

Children's play area

Head down the driveway and you'll find the children’s play area nestled in the woodland. It’s near to the tea-room and toilets, and there’s benches to sit on while you watch the little ones play. There’s also plenty of space for some den building too.

The Cowshed tea-room is only a short walk from the children’s play area, perfect for some well earned refreshments after a long day of play.

Natural play on the estate walk

Children of all ages can let off some steam and fire up their imaginations on the Greys Court estate walk. Look out for trees to climb and piles of chopped up logs to clamber over. A large tree stump can be claimed as a throne, and keep an eye out for a fallen tree with sitting areas carved into it.

child playing in the natural play area — natural play area | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Children exploring the estate walk at Greys Court, Oxfordshire — Children exploring the estate walk at Greys Court | © National Trust Images/Alex Prain

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

There are lots of '50 things to do before you're 11¾' activities to tick off during your visit. Here are a few recommendations:

No. 1 Get to know a tree: Some trees have hollows so big that you can climb inside, while others have tiny cracks where mini-beasts hide. You’ll have to investigate every nook and gnarl of your tree to really get to know it
No. 4 Build a den: What will your den be? A meeting place for spies, a pirate hideout or maybe a fairy castle for the night? All you need to get started is some branches, some leaves and your hands
No. 31 Make friends with a bug: Ladybirds, spiders, caterpillars, woodlice – there are all kinds of mini-beasts hiding in the wild. You'll need to be prepared though: looking for bugs is fun, but you might need to be fast, and some creatures like centipedes and millipedes move quickly so you'll need to keep your eyes peeled like a real nature detective if you want to see them.