Family-friendly things to do at Montacute House

A child smiles as she sits on a horse-shaped swing, hanging from a tree with golden autumn leaves — Autumn fun in the parkland at Montacute | © National Trust Images/John Miller

Montacute House is an Elizabethan masterpiece of architecture and design. Its warm Hamstone construction casts playful shadows across the elegant garden, making it the perfect backdrop for a family day out. Take a stroll around the garden and enjoy the changing colours of the season or seek out the swings in the parkland.

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.

October half term

Whatever the weather there is lots to do at Montacute House. Undercover in the stables you can enjoy soft archery, quoits, connect 4, giant Jenga and much more. Plenty of space to run around in the garden and parkland to keep warm.

Meet the Marquess of Winchester's Regiment

The Marquess of Winchester’s Regiment will be demonstrating aspects of 17th-century life at Montacute House on Saturday 28 October - an educational and fun experience for all the family.

The Marquess of Winchester’s Regiment at Montacute House | © National Trust, Gideon Tozer

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.

View of the east side of Montacute House from Cedar Lawn with sunshine hitting the house

Discover more at Montacute House

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

Plan your visit

Visitors walking through the garden at Montacute, Somerset along a path lined with flower beds and a raised stone balustrade behind them with stone pavilion building at the end of the wall

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Things to do in the garden at Montacute House

Explore the garden of Montacute House throughout the seasons. See the yew trees, affectionately known as ‘wibbly wobbly’ hedges, or take a few moments of tranquillity in the Orangery.

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Things to do in Montacute House

Explore the ground floor of the house at Montacute in Somerset, home of the rare Tournai Tapestry.

Visitors walking their dog in the parkland with Montacute House in the background

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Things to do on the estate at Montacute House

Walk the estate at Montacute House and discover nature, views and landmarks to enjoy throughout the season. Bring along your dog and enjoy wide-open spaces.

Montacute House Christmas mini reindeer trail

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Festive fun at Montacute House this Christmas

Hidden around the house and garden discover nine specially designed reindeer – you’ll spot each unique, larger-than-life character as you’ve never seen them before. Have a boogie with Dancer and fall in love with Cupid. Running daily from 25 November to 1 January (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).