A family of four standing on a view point at Claremont Landscape Garden looking out over the garden and lake — Take in the views at Claremont Landscape Garden | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Family-friendly places to visit in Surrey

Discover the best places to visit with your family around Surrey this autumn, including Polesden Lacey, Hatchlands Park, Claremont Landscape Garden and more. Visit the new family exhibition and trail at Polesden Lacey, find the best natural play areas in Surrey and enjoy a great Halloween half term.

Some pumpkins on display with a boy and a girl looking at them

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Halloween at Hatchlands Park

Join us for some Halloween family fun at Hatchlands Park this October half-term with a pumpkin hunt in the garden for the little ones and spooky activities on the parkland trail. In the house, discover the stories of previous residents - perhaps you’ll even catch a glimpse of a friendly ghost. 21 to 31 October.

Little People, Big Dreams front cover book images on orange background.

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Little People, BIG DREAMS® exhibition and trail at Polesden Lacey

This fascinating exhibition and outdoor trail is on display from 9 September to 29 October 2023. It's a perfect way to excite and inspire your little ones, together at Polesden Lacey.

Back view of small girl in navy sparkly dress and gold witch's hat, on lawn, generic

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Enchanted Claremont

This half term, join Claremont’s Wandering Witch and her merry band of goblins, pixies and other magical creatures for an adventure trail around the garden. £2 per trail. 14 to 29 October. Queen Victoria used to play at Claremont as a child, and now so can you. There are scaled-down versions of Claremont's garden features in the play area, including the grass amphitheatre and Belvedere Tower, with slides, ladders and climbing areas.

A child explores the outdoors with their family in autumn

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Halloween trail at Winkworth Arboretum

Autumn is the best time of year to visit Winkworth Arboretum. Join us this half term and help Willow the Witch create a magical potion to change the colours of the leaves. Follow the fun-filled trail and discover games and challenges along the way. 21 to 29 Oct. Pick up your trail sheet from the welcome kiosk. Parking available to book in advance.

Close up of two girls dressed in witch dresses and glittery spider-web veils

Halloween spooky fun run at Dapdune Wharf

On Saturday 28 October, 4.30-7pm, test your fears and your fitness as darkness falls at Dapdune Wharf. Run, walk or jog around our 2k course and as you go you'll encounter spooky surprises around a haunted Wharf and Island. Fuel yourself with some hot chocolate and warm snacks from our cosy Tea Room or take part in some children’s craft activities and storytelling in our Gunpowder Store. Dressing up encouraged!

Mother and son den building in the woods at Hindhead Commons

Hindhead Commons and the Devil's Punch Bowl

Steeped in myths and legends, explore the Devil’s Punch Bowl on a family‐friendly Hallowe’en trail. There are some of the best hilltop views in Surrey here, plus a children's natural play area and café for all your hot chocolate needs. Free trail. 

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Little People, BIG DREAMS® exhibition and trail at Polesden Lacey

This fascinating exhibition and outdoor trail is on display from 9 September to 29 October 2023. It's a perfect way to excite and inspire your little ones, together at Polesden Lacey.

Children playing in the autumn leaves at Bodnant Garden, Conwy, Wales, in October

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Hatchlands Park

The parkland at Hatchlands is perfect for family walks. Visit the natural adventure area in Great Wix Wood and get to grips with the balance beams, tree house and bug burrow. Plus the Kitchen cafe is the perfect stop off for hot chocolate and cake.

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Claremont Landscape Garden

Queen Victoria used to play at Claremont as a child, and now so can you. The play area has scaled-down versions of Claremont's garden features - explore the pavilion, glide down the slide and scale the ladders and the climbing wall. Badger’s Basecamp is a hidden woodland area that's perfect for older children to explore, with tunnels and hidey holes to discover and crawl through.

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Winkworth Arboretum

Pre-book a car park space when visiting between 25 Sept and 19 Nov. The Tree Adventure is a wonderful wooden structure at Winkworth Arboretum. It takes its inspiration from the natural environment, fitting into the woodland in an organic way. Come and have a clamber and stop for a hot chocolate at the cafe.