Visiting Montacute House with your family

A parent and three children lean over a stone balustrade, pointing at fish in a pond in the formal garden, with Montacute House behind them — Spotting fish in the Formal Garden at Montacute House | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Montacute House offers space to explore and have fun. With a large parkland and expansive lawns you can find hidden corners or seek out the swings in the parkland. The warm stone house casts playful shadows across the spacious garden, making it the perfect backdrop for a family day out.

What's coming up at Montacute House?

Enjoy easygoing family fun and time together outdoors at Montacute House, where there’s plenty of space to play, explore and slow down.

Head out onto the lawn for a friendly game of croquet (daily except Wednesdays), or gather everyone around the giant chess set, where oversized pieces make planning your next move even more fun. It’s all about sharing laughs, enjoying the fresh air and making the most of being outside together.

You can also discover the ‘One Green Thing’ trail down at the family picnic and play area. You’ll find wooden panels featuring different animals. Move each animal to reveal simple ideas and tips about things you can do at home to help support wildlife – from birds and insects to the creatures that share our gardens. It’s a lovely way to spark conversations, encourage curiosity and help children feel connected to nature.

If you fancy stretching your legs a little further, the wider estate offers some wonderful walks to enjoy together. Wander along the tree‑lined Avenues Walk, take a gentle stroll on the Ladies Walk, or head up to St Michael’s Hill for far‑reaching views across the Somerset countryside.

Planning your family visit

Here's all the information you need at a glance to help plan your next day out to Montacute House:

Family picnic areas
Baby-changing
Changing Places facility
Pushchairs and back-carriers allowed, but unfortunately must be parked/stowed to enter the house. Please ask at Visitor Reception for information when you arrive.
Small children's scooters and balance bikes (non-electric) are allowed on garden pathways. They must be used with the safety of others in mind.
Tricycles and bicycles are not allowed, so please leave these at home.

The upper floors of Montacute House, including the Long Gallery are currently closed due to the 'Saving the Staircases' project.

Children playing on a rope swing in the parkland at Montacute House, Somerset — Children playing on a rope swing at Montacute House | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Family-friendly things to do in the garden and parkland

Natural play area

Discover the small natural play area located in the picnic area close to West Drive. Try out the slide, stepping logs and stepping beam.

Picnic spots

There are lots of great picnic spots all around the garden. Down at the Garden Orchard on the South Drive is a less formal areas of the garden, making it ideal for eating sandwiches and for games of hide and seek. Around the Stables are several wooden picnic benches, including some that can accommodate wheelchairs. Should the rain appear, there is also a covered area.

Swings in the parkland

Find the trees in the parkland that are home to the horse shaped tyre swings, and take a ride.

When it rains

Sometimes it rains, which is ideal for puddle jumping. Before or after visiting the ground floor of the house, there are several undercover garden buildings to discover and explore.

In the two Porters' Lodges and the Lord Curzon’s pavilion you can take in the views across the estate and garden.
Discover the old underground IceHouse.
Bookworms can head to the book barn for a browse and to pick up a preloved book to take home.

50 things to do before you’re 11¾

Tick off several of the '50 things to do before you’re 11¾' activities in the garden. You can easily do No. 8 Spot a fish in the pond in the North Garden, or No. 31 Make friends with a bug and the garden. There are lots of opportunities in the parkland for No. 1 – Get to know a tree

Courtyard Café

When you are ready to refresh you can head to the Courtyard Café for light lunches including children's options, and tasty treats. There are large parasols to provide shade and shelter, and indoor seating. Dogs are welcome in the café seating areas.