Things to do with the kids at Nymans

Highlights for a Family Day Out at Nymans

• The Play Glade features den building, a play stage, stepping logs and wooden musical instruments and is suitable for children aged 2 to 11.
• For the summer of play activities in the school holidays, Comber's Field is a 15 minute walk from the entrance. Drinks, snacks, toilets and baby change can be found on the way. The Riding House is the nearest pit stop for refreshments.
• Picnic anywhere you like in the garden. The main lawn, which is close to Comber's Field and just in front of the house, is spacious and a great place to stretch out a rug and relax.
• Children are welcome in the house.
• Under 5's go free.
• All summer of play activities and the play glade are included with admission.

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
• We're sorry but no scooters or bikes are permitted in the garden.
• 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.  

Discover the benefits of family membership.

 

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. 

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 

Top Things to do at Nymans in the Rain. 

• Don’t let rain stop the fun; make a beeline for Comber’s Field at Nymans, where you’ll find a field full of activities to try whatever the weather’s doing. From badminton and archery, to ‘floor is lava’, swing ball and yoga, have some free-range fun with is. 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, Maud Messel.     
• 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 and 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 dry out and get cosy by the log burner. 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 or fountain.

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.