Family days out at Plas Newydd

Girl rolling down a hill | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Whether you’re visiting with children or grandchildren there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained at Plas Newydd. Explore the garden, relax and a have a bite to eat on the lawn, and enjoy some time as a family in the Arboretum.

A family are in the Music Room at Plas Newydd, surrounded by art, dancing and dressing up in costumes inspired by the Dancing Marquess — Dance and dress up together in the Music Room | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Summer of Play at Plas Newydd

18 July - 31 August

Are you ready to be inspired and let your imagination run wild this summer? Join us for a fun season of creativity, performance and fun where you can be yourself and play to your heart’s content, inside and out.

Explore the garden and discover a new sensory play area in the arboretum, surrounded by nature and colour. Let the surroundings and views inspire you with poetry pebbles and easels located in perfect spots to sketch and capture the surrounding scenes of Eryri.

Feeling a little theatrical? Why not take to the stage with the Menai Strait as your backdrop? If you’re looking for the perfect spot to relax after some sports on the lawn, why not grab a deckchair or lie on the grass to enjoy the summer afternoons sat beside the Menai Strait.

Inspired by the Dancing Marquess

Step inside the house where you can dress up, spin, and dance in the Music Room as you perform your own version of the Butterfly Dance. Get everyone to join in and enjoy the lights projected around you as you twirl and whirl an afternoon away.

On selected days, there will also be short performances by Magic Light Productions in the garden, inspired by the ‘Dancing Marquess’, Henry Cyril Paget.

All summer of Play activities are free, with normal admission prices to the garden and house.

Family time on the lawn together, sitting in front of a purple easel drawing together — Take inspiration from the garden and surroundings and get creative | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Perfect day out for the family

Plas Newydd's natural play area in Dairy Wood is the perfect destination for families eager to enjoy the great outdoors. Here, children can test their skills on a variety of obstacles, making it an ideal spot for a friendly race to see who can complete the course the fastest!

Be sure to explore the treehouse—climb to the top and take in the sights from this elevated vantage point. It's a wonderful place for kids to let their imaginations soar while enjoying the view. For those with a competitive streak, our frisbee golf course awaits. Bring along a frisbee and challenge your family and friends to this unique and exciting game.

Whether you're here to play, relax, or simply enjoy nature, the play area at Plas Newydd offers something special for everyone.

Planning your family visit

Here’s some key information to help plan your next day out at Plas Newydd:

You’ll find baby-changing facilities and toilets available in the Old Dairy and by the entrance to the House.
Pushchairs are permitted on the ground floor of the House. At busy times you may be asked to leave these on entry.
Children’s lunch boxes and menus are available in the Old Dairy café including hot meals, sandwiches, ice cream and cakes.

Sensory bags

There are 2 sensory backpacks and ear defenders available on loan to be signed in and out at Visitor Reception. They are to help visitors with autism, sensory processing disorder, or those who think they would benefit from them, during a visit to Plas Newydd.

Things you need to know before visiting

Normal admission prices apply.
The gardens are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs however there may be muddy areas along the route.
Dogs are allowed on short leads in the gardens, except for the Terraces.