Family-friendly things to do at Nostell

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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
May half term
Saturday 23 - Sunday 31 May, 11am - 5pm
Step into the Life of a Gardener at Nostell everyday of May half term. Collect an activity booklet when you arrive and explore the house and gardens to find out more about the secrets of Nostell’s gardens.
In the house, explore the rooms to discover historic recipes and where the ingredients can be found growing onsite today. Uncover how the outdoors inspired the decor of the rooms and how what was grown in the gardens was used inside the house.
Outside, follow the trail to hidden corners of the gardens to find out how gardeners of the past and present cared for the outdoors. Take part in activities such as a wellie toss game, finding the gardeners tools game and creating your own recipe card.
Activity booklets can be collected from the ticket office, house entrance or gardens entrance and are free, normal admission applies.
Family crafts
Get creative and create your own paper scarecrow in the House Workshop each day of the school holidays. Take your little scarecrow home and place it in a plant pot to protect your own garden plants.
Parkland rock hunt
Collect a rock spotter sheet from the ticket office, house entrance or gardens entrance and head down to Joiners Wood to located all of the painted rocks. While at Joiners Wood why not have a go at den building or the wild parts play? There is plenty to keep the little ones entertained.

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.
