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Family-friendly things to do at Barrington Court

Visitors embracing the cold and enjoying the sensory delights of the season
A family relaxing in the orchard | © National Trust Images / Trevor Ray Hart

Lots of activities and space for family fun and learning at Barrington Court. See what's new to help plan your next visit.

What's coming up at Barrington Court

Let the imagination run wild with our volunteer-led Monday morning storytelling sessions for little ones. They take place every Monday during term time at 11am and 12noon in the 1920s farm buildings.

We are working in collaboration with the charity World Book Day® to help more children discover the life-long, life-changing habit of reading for fun. So, in addition to the normal Storytelling Monday, there will be a special World Book Day storytelling day on Thursday 5 March with sessions at 11am and 12noon.

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. The main Book Barn is currently being renovated, but you can still find a small, temporary Book Barn 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.

Barrington Court sensory packs
Barrington Court sensory packs | © Ian Watkin, National Trust

Family-friendly things to do in the garden

Fun on the South Lawn  

When you see the huge stretch of green grass that reaches out from the house to the boundary of the ha-ha, you’ve found the South Lawn. It’s great place with space to enjoy, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the changing seasons in the garden and countryside.

Bringing your wheels to Barrington Court 

If you love riding your scooters, tricycles and bikes, then head to the Avenue. The garden paths and lawns are fragile and narrow in places and you can help us conserve them by keeping wheels away. If in doubt, please check with a member of staff where you can ride. 

Family-friendly things to do in the parkland

The cricket field offers a great spot for family frolics. Bring whatever games you fancy – whether you’ve got a frisbee, skipping rope, rounders set or, of course, a cricket bat and ball.  

There are some lovely spots for picnics too, and don’t forget to follow the winding paths in the little copse for a woodland adventure. 

'50 things to do before you're 11¾’

The parkland is also a great place to do some of the ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ activities. Here are some ideas:

The exterior of the Bus stalls (farm buildings) with climbing roses on the outside at Barrington Court, Somrset

Discover more at Barrington Court

Find out when Barrington Court is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

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Things to see and do in the garden at Barrington Court 

Explore the garden of Barrington Court throughout the seasons. See the fruit and produce growing in the Kitchen Garden or enjoy the tranquillity and beautiful borders of formal, walled garden areas.

Fountain statue of a boy with a swan  on the lily pond in the Kitchen Garden at Barrington Court, Somerset

Eating and shopping at Barrington Court 

Fuel up at Barrington Court’s café, find a souvenir at the shop, browse pre-loved page turners at the Book Barn, and discover local artists at the craft studios.

A selection of throws from the 2025 autumn/winter collection

‘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

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

Family-friendly places in Somerset 

There's all sorts for families to do around Somerset, from visiting a natural pier to running across the grass. Start planning your day out for the family to enjoy.

Visitors walking in the grounds of Dunster Castle with trees either side