Discover the seasonal joys of Surrey this autumn by bringing the family to Polesden Lacey. From children's trails in the grounds to fun things to spot inside the house, there's plenty for all ages to see and do at this time of year.
Planning your family visit
Baby change facilities are available in the cafe toilets and the main toilet block, opposite the coffee shop.
Accessible, buggy-friendly pathways (you can find a map here). Unfortunately, pushchairs and buggies are not allowed in the house but hip carriers are available on request.
Kestrel Corner natural play area is open all year round for outdoor fun and fresh air.
Children's scooters and bikes that are 75cm or less from the ground to the handlebars can be used in the pleasure grounds. They are NOT allowed in the buildings, courtyards or formal gardens. Children will need to dismount when going through these areas. Be careful on the sloped pathways and on busier days, and remain considerate of other visitors. Please ask at Visitor Reception if you are unsure whether your bike is allowed. Thank you.
Polesden Lacey has a cafe and coffee shop, both with indoor and outdoor seating areas. During busier times, an additional outlet is open in the grounds serving snacks and hot and cold drinks.
Ready to make some lasting memories? Check out the Polesden Lacey family map, which highlights some of the fantastic things that families can do together during a visit this autumn. The map is free to download, or you can pick up a copy at the welcome area on arrival.
*** Please note: Polesden Lacey will be closed to visitors on 14-16 September due to planned roadworks in the local area.***
Moomins family trail
Saturday 5 September to Sunday 8 November (10am to 5pm (4pm after 1 October))
Polesden Lacey invites you to take a magical wander inspired by Moominvalley this autumn, with a family trail around the grounds, meeting characters from the Moomin stories. Free to enjoy after normal property admission.
Story Explorers
Wednesdays from 23 September to 14 October (10.30am to 11.30am)
Nature-based crafts, stories and rhymes with an autumn theme for pre-school children and their grown-ups. Sessions are free after normal property admission but must be booked online in advance due to limited spaces. Book via the website and collect your token from Visitor Reception on arrival. Normal property admission applies.
The Great Polesden Mystery
Saturday 17 October to Sunday 1 November (10am to 3.30pm)
Polesden Lacey's prized pumpkin is missing! Who took it and where did it go? Can you help Detective Grizwald solve The Great Polesden Mystery? Follow the children's trail around the grounds and solve puzzles along the way. £3.50 per person, including trail sheet and small prize at the end of the trail. Normal property admission also applies.
The Twelve Days of Christmas
Saturday 21 November to Sunday 3 January (10am to 4pm (house open 10.30am until 3pm)
Enjoy lavish displays based on The Twelve Days of Christmas inside the house at Polesden Lacey. Outside, follow a fun family trail around the grounds and enjoy festive fun and treats. Normal property admission applies - small additional cost for trail.
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 open every day and the perfect place for children to get some fresh air this autumn. Explore a rabbit’s warren, giant bird’s nest and a buried fox den, all built from wood and other natural materials. Kestrel Corner provides all the inspiration children need to have a great time experiencing the outdoors.
The gardens are filled with glorious seasonal views, with the trees turning red, yellow and gold as they put on their autumn displays. See how many seed heads you can see around the formal gardens and enjoy crunching the crisp autumn leaves underfoot as you explore the woods at Preserve Copse.
Picnic benches are available in Crab Apple Orchard for some lunch or a snack stop, or head over to South Lawn for lots of space to run about. The new looped path through the Pinetum is also a popuar spot with families looking for a shorter stroll.
Small bikes and children's scooters (75cm or less from the ground to the handlebars) are allowed in large parts of 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 cloudier 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, pushchairs and 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.
Discover more at Polesden Lacey
Find out when Polesden Lacey is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Kestrel Corner is a natural play area made using wood from the Polesden Lacey estate. Enjoy the swings, tunnels and giant nests as you embrace your inner animal and get closer to nature.
Whether you want to grab a light meal, snack or hot drink, or browse beautiful gifts and local products - we've got plenty to tempt you at Polesden Lacey.
Polesden Lacey is a two pawprint rated place. Dogs are welcome in large parts of the garden and wider 1,600-acre estate at Polesden Lacey. Pick up a dog walkers’ leaflet when you arrive.
Discover the best places to visit with your family around Surrey this autumn, including Polesden Lacey, Hatchlands Park, Claremont Landscape Garden, Winkworth Arboretum, Box Hill and more. Find the best family trails, natural play areas and café stops, to make the most of the season.
