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Family-friendly things to do at Nymans

A child looking at a Christmas tree in the house at Nymans
What can you spot at Nymans? | © National Trust Images / James Dobson

Join us for a Nutcracker Christmas at Nymans with an imaginative garden trail inspired by this classic tale and a house filled with dazzling festive ornaments, laid out for a sweety banquet in the Garden Hall. Meet a giant nutcracker soldier and the Sugar Plum Fairy on the 16, 17 & 18 Dec and see Matthew Bourne’s costumes from the ballet Nutcracker! on display in the Gallery. Join a family workshop for willow weaving and share photos of your day with us @NymansNT.

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 (you can also borrow a blanket), 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.

Christmas at Nymans

Glittering Christmas trees, colourful decorations, scenes inspired by the classic Christmas tale & giant Nutcracker soldiers bring this enchanting adventure to life at Nymans. Costumes from Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! will be on display in the Gallery. In the house discover ‘The Land of Sweets’ complete with sumptuous sweety banquet decorations. A trail in the garden takes families on a voyage through this magical world, beginning one exciting Christmas Eve Night, once upon a time…

Christmas at Nymans

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.

A Christmas Nutcracker at Nymans
A Christmas Nutcracker at Nymans | © National Trust / Emma Stratton

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.

The Forecourt Garden at Nymans, West Sussex in June

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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