Things to do with the kids at Nymans

Halloween half term trail

Sat 19 Oct – Sun 3 Nov: 10am–4.30pm

A spooky half term at Nymans with Halloween-themed fun and games, pumpkin faces, witches’ hats and a bubbling cauldron. Free family trail. NA.

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.

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.

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.

Top Things to do at Nymans in the Rain

• Don’t let the rain stop the fun; make a beeline for Comber’s Field which is packed with activities to try whatever the weather (Sat 20 Jul - Sun 1 Sept). From badminton and archery, to ‘floor is lava’, swing ball and yoga, have some free-range fun with us in the summer holidays. Find Comber’s Field at the south end of the garden and download a family map here to help you find your way.
• In the house, see if you can spot a special drawing by the illustrator of the original Winnie the Pooh books, E.H Shepard, who was a friend of the Messel family. Listen to the piano being played and see if you too can ‘Find Foxy’, a game originally played by the children of the house when visiting their grandmother.
• Upstairs in the Gallery you’ll discover paintings of Nymans and the gardens by Mariusz and Kasia Kaldowski; see if you can find the places they’ve chosen to paint when you’re in the garden.
• Pull on waterproofs and wellies and explore the woodland surrounding Nymans. The canopy of trees give shelter, and the scent of abundant wildflowers is brought alive by warm rain. There are plenty of easy paths to follow and a walk to the lake is a gentle stroll.
• Visit the lake – see families of ducks and the odd kingfisher too if you listen carefully. Hear raindrops falling from the trees onto the water.
• The play glade is partially sheltered under the trees next to the book shop. Build your own den here to hide inside, hang out in the woodland cabin, act out a play on the mini stage and have a go on the balancing logs.
• In the bookshop find a pre-loved children’s classic or discover a new adventure story. We’ve a wide selection of children and young adults’ books to choose from.
• Relax in the Café. Whether it’s hot chocolate or an ice cream that hits the spot, dry out in the café with kid friendly options to suit all appetites.
• Embrace the rain, jump in puddles, squelch through mud and listen to the water fountain playing in the wall garden. Look out for rain loving creatures like snails and slugs and watch birds digging for worms in the soft ground or enjoying a bathe in a puddle.