Family-friendly things to do at Barrington Court

What's coming up at Barrington Court

With the hot dry, weather this summer the apples in the orchards have ripened early, so the Remarkable Ranger Apple Harvest will take place across the first two weekends of October.

Enjoy a week of autumn adventures at Barrington Court this October half term. Families can follow the Wild Creatures Hide & Seek Spotter Trail, exploring the grounds to discover 15 hidden creatures dotted around the estate. The trail runs throughout half term and is suitable for all ages.

From 26 to 30 October, children can get creative in Wild Woodwork, a series of drop-in workshops led by artist Zac Newham. Using timber gathered from the estate, participants can make their own piece of natural art inspired by Somerset wildlife to take home.

For budding outdoor adventurers, the Ranger team will also be hosting a special Ranger Danger session, where visitors can try their hand at fire-starting and learn practical countryside skills. 

Also runningover the autumn are the Remarkable Rangers Apple Harvest Days, offering families the chance to discover Barrington Court's historic orchards, home to more than 100 apple varieties, and help with the annual harvest. The hot weather over the summer will have had an impact on when the apples will be collected, so we will let you know dates as soon as we can.

The Barrington Court adventure booklet

Pick up a booklet in Visitor Reception and uncover secret objects, spot secret bugs and find wild beast. The booklet is available in term time (including weekends). 

When it rains

The book barn is always a good place to head if it's drizzling outside. It's recently been renovated and a great place to find your new read. You will find it in the Farm Buildings. 

The ground floor of Strode House reopened in June 2024 and here you can explore the historical timeline of Barrington Estate.  Whilst wandering around the Lyles’ family home, take a moment to sit and sketch, or dance to some 1920s music.  There is also the mystery of the missing parrot–will you be able to find Polly?

Beagles Café has indoor seating and a variety of options for refuelling before your next adventure.

Sensory backpacks to support families on self-led visits

Sensory backpacks are now available on loan and can be signed in and out at our visitor reception.  The content of the backpacks has been designed to enhance the experience of the visitors especially those with autism and sensory processing disorder.  Each standard pack has noise cancelling headphones (child size), sunglasses (child size), apple fidget toy, cuddly hand puppet, now/next/later board, and a crunch ball.  There is also a selection of other pick ‘n’ mix items so that bags can be customised to suit individual needs.