Things to do with the kids at Nymans

Published:: 10 May 2023

Children playing in the garden and jumping off a tree stump at Chartwell, Kent — What can you spot at Nymans? | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

In the summer holidays Comber's Field is packed with activities for kids from badminton and archery, to yoga and an obstacle course. Build a den in the Play Glade, hide in the woodland cabin then follow woodland trails down to the lake or explore the garden at your leisure. Picnic anywhere you like and treat everyone to an ice cream at the end of a busy day.

Things to do in the summer holidays at Nymans

Sat 20 Jul - Sun 1 Sept: 10am - 4.30pm

Keep the kids entertained at Nymans this summer with plenty of fun filled activities throughout the school holidays. One of the meadows at Nymans has been transformed into a kid friendly zone, jam packed with games, races and active challenges. Have a go at mini archery, badminton and yoga; play swingball with friends and family, floor is lava, and make your way around the obstacle course. The play glade in the garden is the perfect shady spot for free range fun with den building. a woodland cabin, play stage, balancing logs and wooden chimes to discover. Picnic in the garden and wander along tree-lined avenues while surrounded by the lush countryside of the Sussex Weald. Find a shady spot in the garden, stroll in the adjoining woodland with its tranquil lake and easy to follow paths and tracks, then enjoy an ice cream while you cool off. Picnic treats and kids pic 'n' mix lunch boxes are available for hungry adventurers. Activities begin on Saturday 20 Jul until Sunday 1 Sept: 10am - 4.30pm, free activities with normal admission. Activities sponsored by Starling Bank.

Summer of Play at Nymans | National Trust

Family Open Air Theatre

Bank Holiday Monday 26 Aug 6pm.

See 'Five Childen and It' this summer at Nymans with a family friendly production performed in the garden against the backdrop of the ruins. Arrive an hour before the performance begins and enjoy your picnic in the garden. Tickets available from the link below. Booking essential.

Outdoor family theatre: Five Children and It - BH Mon 26 Aug 2024 (Gates 5pm, performance 6pm) | National Trust

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.

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

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.