Family-friendly things to do at Nostell

Perfect for prams and little legs, with sensory-friendly spots with colourful flowers, butterflies and buzzing bees. A relaxing, easy stroll leads you to the middle lake, with accessible route markers for mobility scooters, wheelchairs, and pushchairs.

The Kitchen Garden is a fantastic place for kids to see how fruits, vegetables, and herbs grow. Little ones can explore rows of colourful crops, from juicy strawberries to giant cabbages.

The Orchard offers a peaceful, nature-filled space where kids can wander through the meadow beneath the apple trees.

Spot the resident wildlife including swans, herons, and geese – the babies arrive in the spring and they’re adorable to watch.

It is a bit of a longer walk around the far side of the lake, but it’s well worth the journey. It’s the perfect place for kids to feel like they’ve stepped into a fairytale. Explore the enchanting garden, keep an eye out for the quirky lion statues. It’s also the perfect quiet spot to pause for a picnic.

For younger adventurers: Let little ones explore the woodland adventure play area in the gardens. They can climb, hide out in the wendy house, slide down, swing in the bucket swing, or play on the wobble boards.

For the older ones: Test their bravery with a tower climb and abseil, traverse rope bridges, conquer wobble paths, or zip through the trees on the thrilling 30-meter zip wire.

Join us in the house for a new pop-in experience exploring the famous Thomas More portrait through a range of engaging games and hands-on activities. Step into Tudor times by recreating your own family portrait using a selection of fantastic costumes, and discover what your clothing would have revealed about your status and identity in the 16th century.

Learn more about the exquisite textiles and jewellery featured in the painting with the help of our knowledgeable volunteers. Get up close to replica fabrics and accessories, and uncover the stories behind the luxurious materials and fashions that helped define Tudor society.

Head to the events page for more details.

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.

Follow our new family trail and uncover the fascinating history of Nostell. Join Simon the Dolls’ House Footman as he guides you through the house, introducing the people who once lived here and sharing surprising stories from the past. Keep an eye out for our pick-up trail boards as you explore.

Step into a world where every bed is fit for royalty. Marvel at grand canopies and beautifully dressed bedrooms, and imagine the dreams that filled these historic spaces. Whether your little one imagines themselves as a princess, a brave knight or a daring adventurer, these rooms are sure to spark their imagination.

Take a closer look at Nostell’s remarkable Dolls’ House, filled with miniature furniture and beautifully crafted dolls. Hidden among its tiny treasures is a little glass mouse who loves to move around - see if you can spot where he's hiding today!

Visit the Housekeeper’s Room for fun, interactive activities. Challenge yourself with puzzles, or unleash your creativity by designing your own Georgian-inspired room using our magnetic Dolls’ House.

Look out for seasonal craft activities taking place throughout the house during the school holidays, offering even more opportunities for families to get creative together.

Head into Joiner's Wood in the parkland and discover the new wild play area in the clearing in the heart of the woodland. This area has been created by Nostell rangers using natural materials. Test out your balance on the log walks, leap from stump to stump, weave though the maze and climb on the back of the wooden horses. Take your picnic down and spend time relaxing under the trees whilst young adventurers get creative with den building.

Head down to the lower lake to watch the ducks and swans gliding across the water. If you’d like to feed them, please stick to duck food, oats, or peas - bread isn’t good for them.

If your family is up for an adventure, older kids will love trying their hand at orienteering! Grab a map from the Ticket Office and set off to find the hidden markers around the parkland.

Bring your bikes and enjoy a traffic-free adventure on one of our family-friendly woodland cycle trails. Head out into the parkland along the Carriageway path and up to Obelisk Lodge. You can turn left for the green trail, which is great for little legs, or right to whizz around a few more twists and turns on the blue trail. Both sections are for bikes only and are approximately 1km long. Find out more.