There is plenty of family fun to discover on a visit to Hatchlands Park this autumn. Pick up a family map from Visitor Reception on arrival and explore the open parkland and ancient woodland. Visit the natural play areas and don't forget to say hello to our resident donkeys. Find out more and plan your visit.
Family events at Hatchlands Park
We're Going on a Ghost Hunt™ family trail
Saturday 10 October to Sunday 1 November (10am to 4pm)
Based on the best-selling children’s books, join the bunnies on an adventure to find the ghosts hidden around Hatchlands Park. Lots of fun things to see and do along the way. The trail is ideal for pre-schoolers and young children and is free to enjoy after normal property admission has been paid.
Pumpkin spotter trail
Sunday 18 October to Sunday 1 November (10am to 4pm)
Follow a pumpkin spottting children's trail around the parkland this half term and see how many you can find.The trail is free to enjoy after normal property admission has been paid. Don't forget to pop inside the house to see the spectacularly spoooky Halloween decorations (12pm-4pm on days when house is open).
The Christmasaurus at Hatchlands Park
Saturday 28 November to Sunday 3 January (10am to 4pm)
Discover beautiful Christmas decorations in the house and a fun family trail around the parkland based on scenes from the popular Christmasaurus series by Tom Fletcher.
Planning your family visit to Hatchlands Park
Here is the information you need at a glance to help plan a family day out to Hatchlands Park this autumn:
Children’s highchairs are available from both cafés, on request
You can find baby changing facilities in the male, female and accessible toilets in the cobbled courtyard
Not all of the parkland and woodland paths are hard surfaced – ask at visitor reception for the most buggy-friendly routes when you arrive
If you're in need of a pit stop, you'll find picnic benches and tables throughout the garden and parkland
Children’s bicycles below a height of 75cm (floor to handlebar) are welcome in the parkland
Where are the donkeys? How long does it take to walk to the play area? What is the Admiral’s Dog? All these questions and more are answered in the Hatchlands Park family map specially designed for little ones and their grown-ups. So, if you’re wondering where's the best place for a picnic or which is the coolest tree, then we have you covered. Pick up a free map when you arrive, plan your lap of the woods and make a visit to Hatchlands Park your new family tradition.
Speak to our friendly team at Visitor Reception to find out the best waymarked route for buggies and wheelchairs. Don't forget to visit our early years play area, next to the donkeys' stable block by the courtyard.
Natural adventure area at Hatchlands Park
Head out into the parkland to Great Wix Wood. As you enter the wood, you'll find Wizard Wix's Willow Warren, a natural adventure area for children. This is the perfect spot to run around, get active and enjoy nature. Here are a few ideas for fun things to do when you get there:
Balance beams and leaping logs
Follow the willow tunnels to find the beams then balance your way along to the wizard sculpture. Head back along the other side leaping from log to log, how many can you do in a row?
Tree house
Let your imaginations run riot. The tree house could fill the role of an enchanted castle, haunted house, secret hideaway or just a dry spot to shelter on a rainy day. It's also a real-life lookout post where you can get up into the trees for a bird’s eye view through the beautiful woodland.
Bug burrow
The bug burrow could turn into a hobbit hole, spooky cave or secret hideaway. It’s also a real-life opportunity to get down into the earth and up close to nature, enabling you to watch the creepy-crawly world slither past on its way through Great Wix Wood.
Den building
Underneath the trees you'll find a big pile of logs, branches, bark and leaves. You can play with them however you like but they're great for making dens. This is one of the most popular pastimes at Wizard Wix's Willow Warren.
Hatchlands Park tower
Show off your climbing skills on the wooden tower. At just over three metres tall, it's ideal for older children to explore.
Sculptures
You'll find wizards, a falcon, a badger, a green man, mushrooms and more. The biggest sculptures are made from the trunks of old trees that used to stand here, but you can pick up some of the little ones and move them about. How many can you find?
Inside the Georgian house at Hatchlands Park, you can explore six beautifully restored rooms, richly decorated with a family feel. There’s a chance to see some of Robert Adam’s earliest work, plus several fine paintings and a world-class collection of musical instruments brought together in the Cobbe Collection.
Spanning 422 acres, the parkland at Hatchlands Park is a wonderful spot to enjoy the great outdoors this autumn. Discover wonderful woodland walks, stop by the natural play area, and see what wildflowers, trees and wildlife you can spot. Or just take time out from a busy schedule to enjoy a breath of crisp, fresh air in peaceful surroundings.
Enjoy sweet and savoury snacks, cakes, light lunches and hot and cold drinks at the Kitchen and Coach House cafés located within the historic buildings of the cobbled courtyard. Drop by the Engine Room second-hand bookshop to find your next great read and help raise vital funds to help protect and preserve Hatchlands Park.
Find the top places to visit in Surrey with your family during half term, with ghost themed activity trails, natural play areas and café stops whatever the weather.
