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 events

Autumn children's trails and activities at Greys Court

This Autumn, can you help the Scurrying Squirrels on an outdoor adventure to get ready for the winter ahead? From 14 to 29 October, pick up your trail sheet from visitor reception to help you find squirrel themed facts, games and activities. Trail costs £2, inlcuding trail sheet and a prize when you've finished.

For harvest this year, help to create a giant apple on our lawn out of apples harvested from the kitchen gardens. Sort the apples into colours, use mini wheel barrows to transport them, and place them on the lawn to build a giant piece of apple art. The apple art will be created from 23 September until the 1 October, and will be displayed throughout the following week.

Family taking a closer look at spring flowers | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

Family-friendly things to do on the estate

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.

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.