‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’
Have fun exploring nature and the great outdoors with our list of ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’.
Family-friendly things to do at Bateman's
Planning a day out with family? Discover plenty of things to see and do at Bateman's! With its enchanting garden and natural play area, it's the perfect place for curious minds. Plus, there are lots of events to get involved with. Look forward to family activity trails, storytelling, crafts and more!
Explore the home of Jungle Book author, Rudyard Kipling. Plus, take part in a variety of family-friendly events all year round. Don’t forget to visit our tea-room and shop where you'll find treats for all the family. Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Planning your family visit
- Baby changing facilities can be found in the accessible toilet next to visitor reception.
- There are buggy-friendly areas around the garden, just pick up a map from visitor reception.
- When visiting the house, due to its small rooms, we ask that you leave buggies in the hall or outside the front door. For assistance, please ask one of the house volunteers.
- There are picnic tables in and around the natural play area and next to visitor reception in the car park. You are welcome to bring a rug and enjoy a picnic in the garden.
- High chairs are available in the Mulberry Tea-room.
- Some of the paths on the estate walks can be muddy, so don’t forget your wellies or walking boots.
Family-friendly events and activities
Bateman’s offers a range of family friendly activities throughout the year including trails, exhibitions, workshops and storytelling. For upcoming events and activities, take a look at What's on and follow Bateman’s on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date.
What's on 2025
Ben Plants a Butterfly Garden trail
20 September to 2 November | 10am–4pm
Ben loves flowers and butterflies so when his friends Worm and Ladybird suggest he makes his garden prettier by growing his own butterfly garden, he soon sets to work. This trail follows the ‘Ben Plants a Butterfly Garden’ story by Kate Petty and Axel Scheffler around Bateman’s garden and house. In collaboration with Nosy Crow. £2 with admission (includes a small prize).
17 to 20 October | 10am to 5pm (last entry to the house at 4pm)
Everyone is welcome to come together at Bateman’s in East Sussex to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhists. Join us over the four-day weekend to discover beautiful Indian objects, artworks, and hand-crafted decorations in the house. Take part in family-friendly crafts, browse for Indian gifts or Kipling books in the shop, and enjoy a delicious curry at the Mulberry tea-room. Free, normal admission applies.
15 November to 4 January (closed 24 & 25 Dec) | 11am to 3.30pm
This festive season, the jungle comes alive once more at Bateman’s with a bigger, bolder, and even more enchanting Jungle Book Christmas. This year, the magic of The Jungle Book returns. Explore the house and spot Mowgli’s animal friends swinging, climbing, hiding, and leaping through the rooms in a joyful celebration of Kipling’s timeless tale. Free with admission.
The Jungle Book Christmas family spotter trail
15 November to 4 January (closed 24 & 25 Dec) | 10am to 3.30pm
Help The Jungle Book characters find their Christmas presents on this outdoor spotter trail. Explore the garden at Bateman’s on this festive family-friendly spotter trail. Can you find all the hidden Christmas presents and match them to the correct characters? Don’t forget to pick up your prize once you’ve finished! £2 with admission (includes a small prize).
Family-friendly things to do outdoors at Bateman’s
Natural play area
Rudyard Kipling encouraged his children to explore the natural world around Bateman's. Inspired by this you will find a natural play area for your children to explore, with swings, see-saw and climbing frames. Discover this secluded space by the top of the car park where children can race and clamber around or create a den from fallen branches. The beautiful centrepiece of the play area is a carved oak tree. The sculpture incorporates images of Sussex wildlife and is topped by an enormous owl.
"Now is the Sun, Come up from the South, with Oak, and Ash, and Thorn!"
- Rudyard Kipling
These words from 'The Tree Song' entwine with motifs of the leaves of oak, ash and thorn trees. On your visit, see how many animals you can spot wrapped around the sculpture - perhaps you will see them around the estate too.
Exploring the garden and countryside on the estate
The landscape around Bateman's was inspiration for some of Rudyard Kipling's famous stories, some of which were written for his own children. Venture out as a family, discover some of the places featured in the tales Kipling wrote and have a go at some of the '50 things to do before you're 11¾' - ask at visitor reception for a free chart. Children love to spot the golden fish in the lily pond, run on the lawns, and play pooh sticks at the bridge in the Wild Garden.
Families enjoy visiting Bateman's real-life water mill and there are three estate walks through the surrounding woods and fields.
Family-friendly things to do in the house
The house is open for you to see where the Kipling family lived. The house is much how the family left it, with its original trinkets and mementos. See the 120-year-old doll 'Crocus', who was given to the Kipling’s middle child Elsie. She was so well loved; her nose has rubbed off with so many kisses. While upstairs, see the necklace made by Kipling to go alongside his Just So Story, How the Alphabet was Made, that has intrigued children for generations. Plus don’t miss seeing the original illustrations by the Detmold Brothers for Kipling's The Jungle Book.
You might also be interested in
Walking at Bateman's
Find out about walks across the estate at Bateman's. Take in old industry, village life and ancient woodland as you explore the beautiful countryside so loved by Kipling.
Eating and shopping at Bateman's
Discover where to eat and shop at Bateman’s, the home of author Rudyard Kipling. Stop for a hot drink or light meal, and then browse for the perfect gift or pre-loved book.
