Family-friendly things to do at Petworth House and Park

The enchanted winter forest in the Marble Hall at Petworth, West Sussex | © Megan Taylor

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.

A Christmas Enchantment

A Christmas Enchantment at Petworth House is a dreamlike midwinter journey, inspired by the beauty of nature. With towering trees, celestial skies, roaming woodland creatures, and a special appearance from the mice of Brambly Hedge, each room glows with wonder.

On Saturday 29 November and Saturday 20 December, visitors can experience the festive atmosphere of Petworth House after dark when the house will be open until 6.30pm, with sparkling lights and a courtyard choir.

On Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November there will be a Christmas makers market selling festive gifts.

Normal admission applies, no booking required. Free entry for National Trust members.

29 November – 4 January (closed 24 and 25 December).

A Christmas Enchantment

Little Antlers

Join us for some hands-on fun! Roll up your sleeves and dive into our free crafts and activities for our littlest visitors. In December there will be Brambly Hedge themed activities. These activities include storytelling, 'make and take' crafts, and occasionally take place outdoors, so please come prepared.

The activities are suitable for children aged 2 to 4, with older and younger siblings welcome to join. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Activities are free but normal admission applies.

3 and 5 December, 10.30-11.30.

Please note, Little Antlers has been cancelled on 3 and 5 December but will return in the New Year.

Family map

A new family map has landed at Petworth House and Park. It’s packed with ideas to help families make the most of their visit, from hill-rolling top spots to perfect picnic places.

Wondering where children can run wild or play games? Want to know the best place for hidden wildlife or a well-earned ice cream? Our new family map has it all.

Pick up your free copy when you arrive or download it from the link below, and start planning your next great day out at Petworth.

Download Family Map

A day out in the Pleasure Garden at Petworth, West Sussex | © Michael Cole

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.