Things to do with family at The Firs
Spend time surrounded by musical inspiration in the pretty cottage and garden at The Firs and make music with instruments in the sound garden.
Planning your family visit
- Baby changing facilities in the Visitor Centre.
- Highchairs are available in Little Al’s Kitchen.
- Please be aware you need to cross a bridleway to get to the cottage and cottage gardens.
The gardens
There’s a whole world of outdoor adventures waiting for you!
Wander into our enchanting woodland glade where fairies flutter and giant’s roam. Take a seat on the giant’s chair or build your very own fairy kingdom—let your imagination run wild!
Ready to make some noise? Join the woodland band and jam out on our wooden drumkit and sound wall. Then stroll beneath our beautiful tree-lined pagoda and discover three amazing instruments:
- The vertical xylophone
- The hammock xylophone
- The metallic swirl
Each one is ready to help you create magical tunes!
We’ve got the instruments—you bring the creativity. Come play, explore, and let nature inspire your next adventure!
Heritage Open Days at The Firs
Step into Elgar’s world – for free!
From Friday 12 to Monday 15 September, enjoy free entry to The Firs – Elgar’s Birthplace as part of Heritage Open Days.
Step into the birthplace of Sir Edward Elgar, nestled in the tranquil countryside between Worcester and the Malvern Hills, and discover the world that inspired one of Britain's most celebrated composers. This modest family cottage, where Elgar was born, offers a rare chance to stand within the very walls that nurtured his early inspiration. Elgar believed the landscape held music waiting to be discovered—and here, that belief comes to life. Surrounding the cottage is a traditional English garden, a peaceful orchard, and a glade.
Enhance your visit at the welcoming visitor centre, home to two exhibitions exploring Elgar’s life and legacy.
Escape into Autumn – A Celebration of Apples
Step into the heart of autumn and discover the magic of apples at The Firs. Wander through our orchard and uncover fun apple and pear facts, hear fascinating stories from a local cider maker, and enjoy apple-inspired games dotted around the gardens—perfect for all ages!
Feeling fruity? Grab a bag and pick your own apples straight from the trees. We’ve got mostly cider apples, with a few tasty eaters and cookers too. A small donation is all it takes to take home your hand-picked harvest.
Come for the apples, stay for the stories, and leave with a taste of autumn!
Meet Father Christmas at The Firs – A Magical Christmas Adventure
Get ready for a jolly good time with Father Christmas and his merry crew! Pop into his cottage and say your Christmas wish and receive a special gift, then dash over to the North Pole Sorting Office to help send magical mail across the globe. Scribble your dream Christmas list at the letter station and post it in our super-speedy box. Feeling crafty? The Elf Workshop is bursting with glitter and giggles as you make your own festive decoration. Hunt for sneaky reindeer hiding in the gardens, strike a pose in Father Christmas’s sleigh, and top it all off with tasty treats and warm drinks at Little Al’s Café. It’s a sleigh-load of festive fun!
Dates: Father Christmas is at The Firs on 6–7, 13–14, and 19–23 December.
Tickets: £20 per child (includes up to two accompanying adults). Booking is essential, please note you are booking the time to see Father Christmas.
Elgar Soundscapes: Creating Musical Journeys through Nature.
Discover a musical family experience in the garden at The Firs to find the 5 ingredients needed to build musical compositions.
A composer’s job is to create musical recipes using sounds, which the orchestra performers can follow to recreate compositions.
Elgar Soundscapes is an interactive activity inspired by our Curating Elgar project, developed with over 200 participants to respond to Elgar’s story, music and connection to landscape and nature. Visit The First to have a go at creating your own musical journeys by exploring sounds within the garden and try it out in your own green spaces.
'50 things to do before you're 11¾'
Do you know about the National Trust '50 things to do before you're 11¾'? You can tick off some of the activities while you're at The Firs; build a den, create some wild art, join natures band and much more.
Which will you take on?
Find out more here: 50 things to do before you're 11¾ | Visit | National Trust