Family-friendly things to do at Montacute House

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

With a large parkland, expansive lawns and hidden corners, Montacute House offers space to explore and have fun, so take a stroll around the garden and enjoy the changing colours of the season or seek out the swings in the parkland. The house, an El is the perfect backdrop for a family day out. Montacute House is an Elizabethan masterpiece of architecture and design. Its warm Hamstone construction of the house casts playful shadows across the spacious garden, making it the perfect backdrop for a family day out.

A summer of play

Summer of Play, sponsored by Starling Bank, will be taking place every day during the summer holiday. The family can test their skills with different activties and games in and around the garden. You can enjoy a quieter moment in the picnic areas or grab an energising treat in the café.

Drop-in wood crafting sessions will also be taking place with Zac Newham on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 10.30am and 4.00pm from 25 July to 30 August. Zac is a talented artist who works in wood and you can join him to make your own creation using timber from the estate. You'll find Zac under the cover of the Coach House in the Stables and prices range from between £5 and £20.

Festival of Archaeology

Discover six fascinating features in and around the garden that you may well never have known were there. Pick up a free leaflet from Visitor Reception and uncover some fascinating nuggets of history. It won't give you all the answers, but will make you think, and ask questions.

Croquet on Cedar Lawn

Borrow mallets and balls from Visitor Reception and have yourself a fun game of croquet. Shorter mallets are available for shorter players. The croquet sets are loaned out on a first come, first serve basis between 10am and 4pm.

Natural play area

There is lots explore, play on, play in the natural play area. Located in the picnic area close to West Drive, there is a slide, stepping logs and stepping beam.

Visitors playing croquet on the lawn at Montacute, Somerset | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

When it rains

Sometimes it rains. 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. Sit a while and learn about the various exotic plants in the Orangery. Visit the book barn and pick up a preloved book to take home.

When you are ready to refresh there is a picnic area in the Old Stables, and in the Courtyard Café there are large parasols to provide shade and shelter, and indoor seating. Dogs are welcome in both the stables and café areas. You are never away from shelter at Montacute House and when the rain stops, the garden will be all the more beautiful.

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
Pushchairs and back-carriers allowed on site, but unfortunately must be parked/stowed to enter the house. Please ask at 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.

Family-friendly things to do in the garden and parkland

Picnicking at Montacute House

There are lots of great picnic spots including the Garden Orchard on the South Drive. It’s one of the less formal areas of the garden, making it ideal for eating picnics 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.