Family-friendly things to do at Petworth House and Park

Family exploring nature in the park at Petworth, West Sussex | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

With plenty of space to run, jump and play there's lots of fun for families at Petworth. Explore the Pleasure Garden and park, while looking for deer on your family walk, and discover games and activities throughout the school holidays.

Free laser light show & community day

Saturday 15 February

February half term will kick off with two colourful laser light shows, each lasting approximately 20 minutes. These free shows will take place on Saturday 15 February at 5.30pm and 6.45pm. The beautiful Petworth House will be lit up accompanied by music that will be synchronised to the lights.

During the day a number of activities will take place in the build-up to the shows. Petworth House will be open for free from 10.30am until 3.30pm, while 12noon - 4.30pm there will also be a special workshop in The Battery House where children will be able to make a paper lantern to take to the shows. In addition, there will also be live music in The Courtyard from local musicians, with performances running 3.30pm – 5.15pm and 6pm – 6.30pm plus local vendors providing food and drink.

The event is a partnership between the Chichester District Council, Petworth House and The National Trust, and is funded using grants from the UK Government.

Little Antlers

Join us for our Little Antlers hands-on fun and story time sessions for pre-schoolers at Petworth.

Roll up your sleeves with Wild Wednesdays, when there will be crafts and activities, specially designed to offer a closer look at Petworth House and Park for our littlest visitors. These will take place at 10.30 - 11.30 on the first Wednesday of each month.

Dive into the wonderful world of books with a special story time. Learn new stories or enjoy some classics, and afterwards take part in a ‘make and take’ crafting activity based on the book.

10.30 -11.30 on 7 February, 7 March, 4 April, 9 May and 6 June.

All activities and story time sessions are suitable for children under 5. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Sessions are free but normal admission applies.

Little Antlers & other events

A family day out in the park at Petworth, West Sussex | © James Dobson

Planning your family visit

Here's all the information you need at a glance, to make the most of your family day out at Petworth:

Baby-changing facilities and access-friendly toilets are located at the main car park and in the Servants Quarters
Pushchairs are welcome inside and out and there are gently-sloping areas and wide pathways around much of the grounds. Pathways are uneven in some places so sturdy tyres are recommended
Drinks, snacks and light lunches are available from the café, with indoor and outdoor seating areas and picnic benches around the grounds
Breastfeeding is welcome anywhere on the property
Sensory bags are available to borrow from the main car park reception or House reception.

Discover Petworth House

Roam through the large State Rooms in Petworth House and marvel at the fascinating collection items on display. Our friendly room guides are happy to answer questions and share stories about the incredible history of the house and its treasures.

Family talking to a room guide in the North Gallery, Petworth House and Park, West Sussex — Family exploring the North Gallery at Petworth House, West Sussex | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Explore Petworth Park

Step out into the 700-acre Deer Park with the family, enjoy a picnic and have fun spotting the fallow deer roaming the hills - there's so much space to explore and adventures to be had.