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Family-friendly things to do at Melford Hall

A family of four hold hands and walk through grassland towards Melford Hall while smiling.
Enjoy a fun filled family day out at Melford Hall | © James Dobson

Melford Hall is full of adventures waiting to happen. Whether you're ticking off '50 things' activities in the garden, spotting the cows and sheep on the Park walk or going in search of Beatrix Potter stories in the house, there's so much to discover.

Planning your family visit

Here's the information you need at a glance to make the most of your family day out at Melford Hall:

  • Baby-changing facilities are available in the house
  • The hall is not accessible to pushchairs, but carriers are welcome
  • Space to play on the lawns surrounding the hall
  • Check out our latest events on our events page

Family friendly things to do in the garden

Explore the garden

The garden at Melford Hall is compact, safe, and perfect for little explorers. Lord Somerset’s Residence is a shady woodland corner, perfect for bug hunting and tree spotting, and you can often see newts in the mirror pond. When you're finished, make sure to head to our tea-room for a well deserved treat. 

Explore the parkland

If you’re looking to explore further, why not head out into the parkland? Spot the sheep that call Melford Hall home and look out for the gnarled, ancient trees along the way.

Two children sit on a red sofa in a wood-panelled room, filling out an activity trail
Following an activity trail in Melford's Great Hall | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Family-friendly things to do in the house

A visit to Melford Hall offers the chance to uncover the inspiration behind some of the Beatrix Potter stories. The West Bedroom was used by Beatrix Potter on her many visits to stay with her cousin, often bringing a menagerie of small animals which she kept in the turret room.

Here you can see the original Jemima Puddle-duck, which she used to illustrate The Tale of Jemima Puddle-duck, before giving it to the Hyde Parker children. Many of her drawings were inspired by Melford Hall and can be found throughout the house.

Children in the garden and bags containing picnic blankets available for visitors to borrow at Melford Hall, Suffolk
Children in the garden at Melford Hall | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Summer of Play

18 July - 31 August (Closed Mondays & Tuesday except Bank Holidays) | 11am - 4pm | Included in normal admission, free for National Trust members

 Play on repeat this summer. What will you do first? Maybe you'll discover the Sack Race and Hopscotch in the paddock or perhaps you'll head to the garden for a game of Bingo before exploring the Sensory Trail. With so much to do, the world is your oyster at Melford Hall. Find out more here.

Melford Hall, Suffolk in summer

Discover more at Melford Hall

Find out when Melford Hall is open, how to get here, things to see and do, plus much more.

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Things to see in Melford Hall 

Explore Melford Hall, which was ravaged by fire in 1942 and brought back to life as a much-loved home to the family who have lived here for 240 years.

The wood panelled Great Hall, at Melford Hall, Suffolk

Explore the garden and park at Melford Hall 

Explore Melford Hall and enjoy a gentle stroll around the garden or a brisk walk in the park. Then pause on the north lawn to enjoy the views of the wider estate and wildlife.

Jacob sheep in the parkland at Melford Hall, Suffolk

Eating at Melford Hall 

The tea-room at Melford Hall in Suffolk is the ideal place to treat yourself to a cuppa and a tasty treat before, during or after your visit.

Catering assistants serving visitors in the cafe at Melford Hall, Suffolk

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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 plays near the sun sculpture in the centre of the parkland, Lacock Abbey. It is summer, the sun is shining and the children smile towards the camera.

‘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’.

Children bug hunting amongst coastal grass.

Family-friendly places in Suffolk 

Discover the best places for families to visit around Suffolk, from historic buildings to getting outdoors in gardens, coast and countryside, whatever the weather.

Two girls play Jenga together in the Walled Garden at Ickworth