Family events coming up this autumn

 

We're Going on a Bear Hunt

Saturday 6 September to Sunday 9 November

We're Going on a Bear Hunt is coming to Polesden Lacey this autumn. Get ready to swish, scramble and squelch your way through a fun family trail in the grounds, based on the much-loved children's book. Runs daily, free after normal admission has been paid. Licensed by Walker Productions Ltd. on behalf of Bear Hunt Films Ltd.

Follow in the characters’ footsteps to brave the elements. Roam through swishy swashy grass, conquer thick oozy mud, brave swirling whirling snowstorms and tiptoe through a cave in search of the bear. You can’t go over it. You can’t go under it. You’ve got to go through it!

Fantastic fun for all ages, round up your friends and family and see who will be the first one to spot the bear. Trail is included in normal admission. 6 September to 9 November, 10am to 4pm.

We're Going on a Bear Hunt family trail

Summer of Play

Running daily until Sunday 14 September

Summer of Play is entering its final few weeks at Polesden Lacey, but there is still plenty of fun to be had. Come along to enjoy outdoor games and activities in Crab Apple Orchard, inspired by the work carried out by the rangers and gardeners who look after Polesden Lacey's outside spaces. Ride on mini tractors in the Tiny Explorer toddler zone, play at the bean bag toss, try a game of ranger-versus-gardener Top Trumps and let off steam clambering over our hay bales - returning this year by popular demand. Booking not required and the games are free. Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.

Heritage Open Days

Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September

Polesden Lacey will throw open its doors for free all weekend as part of national Heritage Open Days. Meet the Polesden Lacey team, ride a miniature train, join in family activties and trails outside and much more.

Story Explorers

Wednesdays 24 September, 1, 8, 15 and 22 October

Fun, nature-based crafts and story sessions for pre-schoolers and their grown-ups with an autumnal theme. Sessions take place in the grounds from 10.30am to 11.30am. Places are free, but must be booked in advance. Visit the events page to book.

Croquet

Weekends and bank holidays until end September

The croquet lawns at Polesden Lacey are available for public hire at weekends and Bank Holiday until late September. £10 per court, per hour (includes mallets and balls). Book at visitor reception or by calling 01372 452048 or email polesdenlacey@nationaltrust.org.uk. Children's sized mallets available.

More seasonal events to enjoy

Find out what else is happening at Polesden Lacey over the autumn and winter by taking a look at our events page: Events at Polesden Lacey

 

Kestrel Corner play area

Open daily

Kestrel Corner is a natural play area made using wood from the Polesden Lacey estate. Enjoy the slides, tunnels and giant nests as you embrace your inner animal and get closer to nature. The play area is perfect for children to be active throughout autumn, with a rabbit’s warren, a giant bird’s nest and a buried fox den. It’s built from wood and other natural materials and provides all the inspiration a child needs to have a great time experiencing the outdoors. A place for imaginations to run wild.

Read more about Kestrel Corner

 

Family-friendly things to do in the gardens

The gardens are filled with striking seasonal views, with plenty of different plants and trees to spot as you make your way around. Look up to see the leaves changing colours in the woodland trees and around the gardens and grounds.

Picnic benches are available in Crab Apple Orchard if the weather is kind, or head over to South Lawn for plenty of space to run about.

Small bikes and scooters are allowed in the pleasure grounds, as well as ball games and kite flying. Please make sure you're mindful of other visitors while playing games.

Visiting the house with children

Families are welcome to wander around the house - a great way to keep everyone entertained on rainy days. Most of the downstairs is as it was in Margaret Greville’s day, with sumptuous interiors from the stunning décor in the gold Saloon to the inviting library and intimate tea room. Margaret Greville's extensive collection of books, ceramics, objets d’art and paintings are beautifully displayed throughout.

Unfortunately, buggies are not allowed in the house, please park them outside while you visit. Hip carriers are available to borrow. If you ask a member of staff at the house doors, they will be happy to help. 

‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ activities

No. 4 Build a den

There are lots of perfect den building spots to be discovered at Polesden Lacey. What will your den be? A meeting place for spies, a fairy castle or perhaps a bear’s den? 

No. 34 Discover wild animal clues

Badgers, squirrels, rabbits and more - there are lots of different things that you can search for when you're on the trail of an animal at Polesden Lacey. Look out for footprints, fur and poo, and you might find something sooner than you think.

No. 50 Take a friend on a nature adventure

Double your fun by sharing your next nature adventure with a friend. Explore your secret wildlife hideouts together and make the great outdoors your new playground.

No 33: Go cloud watching

Head to the sloping South Lawn, lie back and watch the clouds go by. Delve into your imagination to create whole worlds, and the tall tales that might take place there, from the shapes you see in the clouds.

Download all 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾ here.