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A family day out at Stourhead

A boy in a blue jacket and striped woolly hat plays with red autumnal leaves
Autumn fun in the garden at Stourhead | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

There's always lots going on at Stourhead to help you spend time together as a family. Find out what activities you can join to make the most of your next visit – and discover all the facilities available for families.

Bat's autumn adventure trail

4 October - 2 November

Embark on an exciting autumn adventure trail with Bat as they discover the joy of autumn for the very first time. With fun activities and challenges, this is a great way to explore Stourhead and enjoy the beautiful falling leaves.

Bats and broomsticks

4 October - 2 November

Enjoy some spooky fun in the Stableyard this autumn with bats and broomsticks themed activities and games. With broomstick races, games and challenges, there's fun for all ages to enjoy alongside Bat's autumn adventure trail.

October half-term crafts

23 October - 2 November

Join in the fun in the Stableyard and get creative with a team of volunteers who will be on hand to help you and your little ones create some autumnal crafts to take home and enjoy. 

Storytime with Father Christmas

December weekends, £18 per child 

Join us for a magical storytime experience with Father Christmas in his cosy grotto, discover games in the festive Stableyard and crafting in the elves workshop.

You'll be welcomed into the grotto beneath Stourhead house for a special meeting with Father Christmas. Children will listen to an enchanting story told by the man himself, get the chance to meet him, before heading home with an early Christmas gift!

Adults and children wrapped up warm walk down a track away from the house at Stourhead
Autumn walks in the garden at Stourhead, Wiltshire | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Become a climate superhero

Head over to the Granary in the Stableyard and learn how to become a climate superhero. Children and adults alike can learn about climate adaptation and what the National Trust and Stourhead are doing to adapt to the climate. Panels filled with climate insights line the walls, as well as a climate themed children's book corner and toy shelf. 

Play area

Families are able to enjoy the play area and enjoy a swing, clamber on the climbing ropes, and enjoy all the fun on offer.

Adventures inside Stourhead House 

Head inside the house and grab a children’s spotter trail from the Entrance Hall. Using the clues, begin your adventure through the showrooms. Can you spot the special items around the house?

Children’s activity stations can also be found throughout the house. Perhaps you’ll plan your own grand tour around the world, take a big sniff of the smelling tins, play the Pesky Pests card game, or dress up in servants’ clothes. Whichever you choose, there’s plenty of exploration and playing to be done while learning about the history of Stourhead.

Visiting with family checklist 

  • Free entry for under 5s.
  • Baby-changing facilities.
  • Buggy friendly paths around the garden.
  • Balls, bikes, frisbees, skateboards and scooters aren't allowed in the garden, so please leave these at home.
Family group of five people, with the dome of the Pantheon behind them, exploring the garden at Stourhead, Wiltshire

What's on at Stourhead

From guided tours to exhibitions and family trails, see what's coming up at Stourhead.

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Things to see in the garden at Stourhead 

Stourhead is home to one of the world's most famous gardens, with myriad temples, grottos, trees and water features to explore. Read more about what you'll see during your visit.

Light on a tulip tree on an island in the lake at Stourhead, Wiltshire

Explore the estate at Stourhead 

Explore the wider countryside around the Stourhead estate. Discover an Iron Age hillfort, Alfred’s Tower and ancient woodland. Then rest a while and listen to the wide variety of birds and creatures that call this estate home.

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Visiting Stourhead with your dog 

Find out about visiting the Stourhead estate with your dog, from where you can and can't take them, to the facilities available to dog owners. Stourhead is a three pawprint rated place.

A small dog on a lead on the grass

Family-friendly places to visit 

Looking for a family day out that'll keep everyone entertained? Find things to do with the kids at the places we care for near you.

Family walking in Rowallane Garden, County Down, surrounded by autumnal colours

Family-friendly places in Wiltshire 

Ancient landscapes, world-famous gardens and outdoor adventures await in Wiltshire.

An adult and group of children walk through the grounds at Stourhead, Wiltshire with the bridge in the background

‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ 

Plan fresh-air activities, discover facts about nature and wildlife or learn a new skill with our suggestions for ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.

A boy playing in a tree at Nunnington Hall, North Yorkshire