Family-friendly things to do at Nostell
Nostell is the perfect place for a family adventure — from exploring beautiful summer gardens and wild woodlands to uncovering secrets in the historic house, come and enjoy a full day out in West Yorkshire.
Planning your family visit
October Half Term: Cobwebs and Crawlies
Saturday 25 October – Sunday 2 November
Free activities (standard admission applies)
This October Half Term, Nostell will be buzzing, scuttling, and crawling with fun for the whole family. Our Creepy Crawlies theme will take you on a journey from garden to house, exploring the fascinating (and sometimes pesky) world of insects and mini-beasts.
Garden trail
Designed by creative students from Trinity Academy Halifax, this interactive trail leads you through the gardens with creepy-crawly-themed games and challenges. Can you pin the shell on the snail, match each mini-beast to its perfect habitat, or toss the fly into the spider’s web?
House Creepy Crawlies trail
Step inside the house to uncover the surprising history of household pests and discover how our Conservation crew carefully manage and protects our collections from these tiny troublemakers. Drop in to the workshop and try your hand at two fun paper crafts and enjoy themed colouring sheets to take home.
Apple Week at Nostell
During half term, you can also enjoy seasonal Apple Week activities, celebrating Nostell’s orchard heritage. Have a go at traditional Apple Pressing in the garden between 11 and 2:30pm on 31 October.
Christmas
Step Into a Narnian Christmas at Nostell
1 December 2025 – 5 January 2026
(Open daily, except 24–26 December in the house)
This Christmas, Nostell is transformed into The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. From the 1940s railway station to snowy forests and Father Christmas’s woodland camp, the story comes to life as you wander through the house and grounds.
- Explore Professor Digory's grand mansion and step through the wardrobe into the magical wintery world of Narnia
- Step inside Mr. and Mrs. Beaver’s cosy home
- Look out for Mr.Tumnus' scarf and umbrella by the lamppost and join the White Witch for Turkish Delight
- Stand beneath Aslan’s banners before celebrating in the Great Hall
- Peek inside the Dolls’ house and see if you can spot the Narnia-inspired decorations
Follow the story room by room before finishing the house experience with the enchanting gingerbread village, reimagined with a Narnian twist. From here, at weekends – your journey will then take you through the garden to the glass house, where Father Christmas will make his appearance.
Father Christmas in the Glasshouse
Weekends before 24 December
(Please note: Father Christmas is not pre-bookable and is included in Christmas weekend house entry)
Add a little extra magic to your visit this Christmas. On weekends in the run-up to the big day, step into the Glasshouse and meet Father Christmas himself. Share a festive chat, take a photo to remember the moment, and enjoy the cosy atmosphere.
You’ll find him at the final stop before you head out, making it the perfect festive finale to your day at Nostell. (Please note - to keep things moving, he may greet children in small groups during busy times).
Family fun in the gardens
Adventures in the house
Step into a world of stories and secrets. Our historic house isn’t just for grown-ups — it’s a place where imaginations run wild, and families can explore together. Discover hidden treasures, unravel fascinating tales, and make memories as a family. Its also a great option for a rainy afternoon.
Ready to explore?
- Follow our new family trail to discover more about Nostell’s stories and secrets. Join Simon the Dolls’ House Footman as he shows you around the house, introducing you to the people who called Nostell home and sharing some surprising stories! Look out for the pick-up trail boards as you explore.
- Step into a world of dreams where every bed is fit for royalty. Imagine drifting off to sleep surrounded by grand canopies, luxurious linens, and stories of old whispered through the walls. Whether your little one dreams of being a princess, a daring knight, or a bold adventurer, our historic bedrooms are the perfect place to let their imaginations soar.
- Come and look at Nostell’s amazing Dolls’ House. Full of tiny furniture and beautifully dressed dolls, it is also home to a tiny glass mouse. He likes to move around so see where you can spot him.
- Stop off in the Housekeeper’s Room to try hands-on activities. There are puzzles to complete, or you can try your hand at designing your own Georgian-inspired room with our magnetic Dolls’ House.
- Watch out for craft activities in the house around school holiday time.
Explore the parkland
Planning for a rainy day?
Avoid a passing shower with a swift retreat into the second-hand book shop or cosy up with a hot drink or sweet treat in the cafe.
The playground is under the woodland canopy which offers some shelter but, of couse, you can just bring your wellies and enjoy a good old splash in the puddles and stomp in the mud.
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Things to see in the gardens at Nostell
Discover edible delights in the kitchen garden, unwind beside the orangery or escape to the menagerie garden before exploring the winding paths of the pleasure grounds.
Visiting Nostell with your dog
Nostell is a two pawprint rated place. Find out how to make the most of your visit to Nostell with your dog and why you and your canine friend will enjoy taking in the Yorkshire air here.
Eating and shopping at Nostell
Visit the Courtyard Café with its range of seasonal treats, then head to the National Trust shop, where there’s a range of products inspired by the places we care for.
