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Things to do with the kids at Nymans

Nymans Narnia Christmas trail
What can you spot at Nymans? | © National Trust Images / Arnhel de Serra

Build a den in the Play Glade, hide in the woodland cabin, explore the garden at leisure and picnic anywhere you like. Follow woodland trails down to the lake to discover trails suitable for all ages, run through fallen leaves and spot wildlife on the lake.

Illustration from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S Lewis
THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE by C.S. Lewis | © copyright © C.S. Lewis Pte. Ltd. 1950

Christmas at Nymans: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Sat 23 Nov – Sun 5 Jan: 10am–4pm

Step through the wardrobe into Narnia at Nymans this Christmas. Inspired by C.S. Lewis’ classic tale, ‘The Lion,The Witch and The Wardrobe’, explore enchanting scenes on a magical, festive journey through the decorated house. A trail in the garden takes families on a voyage to Narnia, from the White Witch’s kingdom to the Beavers’ cottage. Discover the Beaver’s cottage, find Father Christmas’s sleigh and sit on the throne at Cair Paravel. In the house be greeted with the warmth and sparkle of a 1940s Christmas. Follow in the footsteps of wartime evacuees, Edmund, Lucy, Susan and Peter in the kingdom of the White Witch. Normal admission applies, free family trail. 

Christmas at Nymans

Nymans family map
Nymans family map | © National Trust / Nymans

New family map for Nymans

Sometimes it's the little things that make the best family memories, like building a den, spotting a red kite and having an ice cream at the end of a family walk. Our new family maps are free to pick up when you arrive at Nymans and explain exactly how hop, totter or dash over to the Play Glade and more.

Nymans printable family map 

Planning your family visit

  • You’ll find toilets and baby changing facilities by the Riding House Tea-room in the centre of the garden. There are also facilities at the top of the garden, including a changing places toilet
  • There are gravel and grass paths throughout the garden
  • Picnics are welcome in the garden or in the woodland among the cool shade of trees at the side of the lake.
  • There are sheltered spots throughout the garden.
  • Ice cream and picnic treats can be found in the welcome cafe, Riding House or, if you're in a hurry, from the kiosk or horse box.
  • Nymans is a one pawprint rated place.  

Family-friendly things to do in the garden

Let off steam in the garden

The Messel family loved to play in the garden – why not follow in their footsteps? By the bookshop, you'll find the Play Glade, where you can play games, build a den or act out your imagination on the mini stage. Then explore the nearby bamboo jungle and hide among the topiary shapes, or have a go at a spotter activity hunt to look for seasonal flowers, plants, birds and bugs.

School holiday trails

Discover the hidden stories of Nymans with a family trail. There’s a different theme each school holiday. Follow the trail to find the clues and complete the challenge. 

Family-friendly things to do on the estate

Head for the woods to discover the boardwalks, water cascades, mud, flowers and very tall trees. Try one of three circular walks to see some of the best bits, or strike out on your own to explore for yourself. See if you can find the large wooden sculptures, including a kingfisher, owls and a giant beetle. 

 

Children's feet in wellington boots  jumping in puddles at Sheffield Park, East Sussex
Children's feet jumping in puddles at Sheffield Park, East Sussex | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey
The Forecourt garden, with stone-paved paths, square lawns and small trees, with the house behind, at Nymans, West Sussex

Discover more at Nymans

Find out when Nymans is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

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