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A family day out at Stourhead

A family visiting Stourhead during the winter
A family visiting Stourhead during the winter | © 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.

Robin's Christmas rescue

21 November - 4 January

Wrap up warm and join Robin on a mission to deliver a very important Christmas letter. 

Explore the lakeside and take part in festive challenges in the company of Robin and their woodland friends. This brand-new Christmas trail features beautiful illustrations and sets the task of rescuing a lost letter to Father Christmas and setting it safely on its way to the North Pole.

Visitors enjoying a warm drink outside the cafe at Stourhead, Wiltshire
Visitors enjoying a warm drink outside the cafe at Stourhead, Wiltshire | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

February half term trail

14 - 22 February

Put on your detective hat and help solve the mystery of Squirrel's missing nuts! 

This children's mystery trail will take you through Stourhead's gardens in search for clues to help Squirrel find the culprit. Pick up your free trail booklet at visitor reception. 

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 

7 March - 8 November

When the house reopens on 7 March, head inside 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.

A Grecian-style structure on a small hillock across a lake in winter light

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.

Visitors and their dog walking with far reaching views all around at Whitesheet Hill near Stourhead in Wiltshire

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.

Mother and child taking in the Christmas decorations in the house at Stourhead

‘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