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.

Summer holidays: Ship Ahoy!

Step into the world of J.M.W. Turner and set sail on an artistic adventure through Petworth House and Garden. Follow the clues to discover the golden light, rolling landscapes, and stormy skies that inspired Turner’s famous paintings.

But this isn’t just any trail. Turner loved painting the sea, so get ready for some nautical fun! Climb aboard our large wooden ships, imagine braving wild waves, and take part in seafaring games along the way. Can you steer your ship through a storm, hoist the sails, or spot land on the horizon? The trail will run for the summer holidays from Saturday 19 July until Sunday 7 September. The trail is free but normal admission applies. No booking required.

Ship Ahoy!

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.

6 June, 10.30 - 11.30.

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

Fun Art Fridays

This summer, Petworth House invites young artists to Fun Art Fridays - a series of hands-on creative sessions inspired by the legendary painter J.M.W. Turner.

Each week, children can explore a different artistic technique inspired by Turner’s work, from capturing dramatic skies and rolling landscapes to experimenting with light, colour, and even nautical themes. Whether it’s painting, sketching, or creating textured masterpieces, these sessions are all about having fun with art in the beautiful surroundings that Turner himself loved to paint.

No experience needed, just bring your imagination and get ready to be creative!

Fun Art Fridays

Ben Plants a Butterfly Garden map — Exploring the Ben Plants a Butterfly Garden family trail | © Kate Annunziata

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.