Family-friendly things to do at Standen

A Jolly Holly Christmas Trail

Step into a world of seasonal sparkle with our enchanting gift-themed trail, inspired by the Beale family and their Christmas wishes. As you journey through the trail, enjoy games, joyful surprises and moments of festive fun for the whole family. £4.75 for a trail including a wrapped gift.

Sat 22 Nov – Sun 4 Jan: 10am – 4pm.

Festive Family Trail at Standen

Christmas at Standen

Join us for an atmospheric Christmas with the house dressed in festive splendour. Explore the garden on a family trail or join us for one of our special twilight openings. 

Sat 22 Nov – Sun 4 Jan: 10am – 4pm with last entry to the house at 3pm.

Christmas at Standen 

Planning your family visit

Download your family map here and start planning your visit.

• Toilets and baby changing facilities are next to the shop, on the other side of Goose Green from the Barn Café
• High-chairs, half portions and lunch boxes available in the café
• Picnics welcome
• Access to the woodland den and bothy involve steps and may not be suitable for buggies
• Sheltered areas and benches throughout the garden.

Family-friendly events

School holiday trails 

Each school holiday the garden buzzes with children’s activity as they have a go at one of our trails. There’s a new one for each holiday and they often take the garden, woodland and house as their inspiration. You might be guiding Bertie the Bee back to his hive avoiding obstacles along the way, or seeking out the little felted mice hidden throughout the house.

Family-friendly things to do in the house

Make friends with a mouse

Have fun hunting out the family of crafty felted, costumed mice that have taken up residence at Standen. Each room features a hidden mouse. 

Useful information for visiting the house with family

• Unfortunately buggies can't be taken into the house due to narrow corridors and fragile furnishings.
• There are 'hippy chick' seats/baby carriers for young visitors and there's a covered space to leave buggies while you visit the house.

 

Discover the Little Room.

• Have fun whatever the weather in the Little Room above the conservatory, where you'll find toys, games and activities for the youngest members of your family

Family-friendly things to do in the garden

Useful information for visiting the garden with family

• The trees in the garden and rocks in the Quarry Garden are  beautiful to look at but please don’t climb them, as they are old and fragile. 
• We're sorry but ball games, frisbees, bicycles and scooters are not permitted.

Family-friendly things to do on the estate

Explore Adventure Corner

Enjoy even more family fun at the Adventure Play Area. We’ve designed it so little explorers can make deeper connections with nature through imaginative play. Soar through the air in an accessible swing, clamber over the leaf shaped climbing frame or explore the contours of the willow maze.

The Play Area is suitable for adventurers of all ages, but adult supervision is required. Sorry, no dogs.

Take a walk in the woods  

Breathe in the fresh air on a walk through the Wealden countryside. Stomp between the trees in Rockinghill Wood, or stroll along Hollybush Wood boardwalk to see what wildlife you can spot in the meadows. Ask at Visitor Reception for walking routes and maps.

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

From making mud creations to watching birds, your next adventure awaits. Experience '50 things to do before you’re 11¾' with the whole family at Standen. 

• No. 1 Get to know a tree: There are lots of fascinating trees to discover at Standen, from acers in the garden to a variety of native species in Hollybush and Rockinghill Woods
• No. 2 Roll down a really big hill: See how far you can get rolling down the lawn at the back of the house. Challenge a grown up to have a go too
• No. 16 Wear a wild crown: While on a walk through the woodland, see if you can make a wild crown from sticks, leaves and fallen flowers 
• No. 24 Go barefoot: The lawn is a great place for little explorers to try out barefoot walking while Mum and Dad take it easy. Maybe you could have a barefoot running race? Make sure you bring a towel to clean your feet before you put your socks back on
• No. 25 Join nature's band: Pick a dry, thick piece of grass that’s quite long for the perfect trumpet – can you make a tune? Or try drumming with sticks you find while on a walk
• No. 44 Watch a bird: As you walk around the garden and estate you’ll hear many different birds' songs – can you spot the birds and match them to their sounds?