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A family day out at Stourhead

Family exploring the garden at Stourhead, Wiltshire
Family exploring the garden at Stourhead | © National Trust Images/John Millar

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.

Summer of Play supported by Pokémon

From 4 July - 6 September, Summer of Play is back! Join us throughout July and August for endless fun at the Stableyard and the Summer of Play Meadow. Scramble up the mighty straw castle, aim for gold at the archery range, or race through the meadow maze to find the hidden camp. Expert circus performers from BigTopMania and friends will share their skills every weekend in August.

Plus, we've teamed up with Pokémon, so get ready to unleash your energy! On top of an already jam-packed Summer of Play, discover all-new Pokémon zones. Get stuck into the Pokémon trading, take part in mega games, flex your skills and collect stickers!

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 flowering rhododendron with the Pantheon overlooking the lake in the background 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.

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.

A family of four walking across the grass parkland at Knole in Kent looking for clues on a family trail activity

Family-friendly places in Wiltshire 

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

Family exploring the garden at Stourhead, Wiltshire

‘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