Family-friendly things to do at Nunnington Hall

Young children running down avenue at Nunnington Hall — There is always plenty to do with all the family at Nunnington Hall | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

There's plenty for all of the family to do on a visit to Nunnington Hall. From art exhibitions to games, crafts and more, including our Lion's Den play area. Visit during school holidays for extra activities for the kids to enjoy.

Planning your family visit

Here's all the information you need at a glance, to help plan your next day out to Nunnington Hall:

Baby-changing facilities are available on the first floor
Pushchairs can't enter the house, so you will need to leave them outside the hall or return them to the car
Picnics are welcome in the garden.

Please note: On Wednesday 17 September, the top floor at Nunnington Hall, which includes the Art Gallery, Community Gallery and Carlisle Collection, will close at 1pm.

Enchanters of Autumn: October half-term at Nunnington Hall

Open daily from Saturday 25 October July to Sunday 2 November

Nunnington Hall is decorated for the autumn season, but the leaves won’t change, berries won’t ripen… nature is out of balance, and only you can heal it!

Step into the magical world of the Enchanters – discover your magic name, awaken your powers and help the Guardian of Autumn set the season back to rights. With indoor and outdoor activities, this family-friendly trail is sure to spark the imagination.

Christmas at Nunnington: Nature's Noel

Open Friday to Sunday from Friday 21 November to Sunday 14 December

Visit Nunnington Hall this festive season to see the Hall full to the brim with Christmas trees decorated by local charities and community groups, all on the theme of 'caring for nature'. With handcrafted decorations, and ideas for sustainable gifts, experience the true spirit of Christmas in Nunnington Hall's unique setting

Open 10.30am - 4pm, last entry at 3pm. No booking required. Normal admission applies with free entry for National Trust members and under fives.

Meet Father Christmas

Add a touch of magic to your trip to Nunnington Hall by meeting Father Christmas and his friendly Elf in the festively decorated Panelled Bedroom to tell him your Christmas wishes.

Booking is essential. Available each Saturday that Nunnington is open for Christmas on 22 and 29 Novemver, and 6 and 13 December.

Find out more and book your ticket.

Find out more about our events and activities at Nunnington Hall throughout the year: What's on at Nunnington Hall

Father Christmas stood in the beech hedge at Nunnington Hall — Children can enjoy an encounter with Father Christmas at Nunnington Hall | © Rebecca Hughes

Family-friendly things to do

Things to do when it rains

For the inevitable rainy days, there is plenty to see and do indoors at Nunnington Hall. Next to the exhibition space on the top floor there are colouring in activities for children, as well as a childrens second-hand bookshop.

Elsewhere in the hall, there's the impressive Oak Hall, the Carlisle Collection of miniature rooms and, of course, the quintessential tea-room in the old dining room offering table service.

The Lion's Den play area

Enter the Lion's Den play area where little explorers can climb up, over, and wobble along a natural obstacle course. There are tree stump steps to jump across, a rope bridge to climb across as well as a wooden climbing frame to conquer. There's also a picnic bench for mums, dads, or grandparents to sit and have a rest whilst your little ones burn off some energy.

Bird watching and observation area

Come and see how we garden organically at Nunnington. We've got our compost beds up here so you can see how we break down our waste to reuse around the garden. Help us by feeding your food waste to the RolyPig. Wander along the path to our bird watching area - see if you can spot some of our resident feathered friends. Use the chalk board to write down and tell us what you've seen.

Children enjoying drawing activities at Nunnington Hall — Children can get creative in the exhibition space at Nunnington | © James Beck

50 things to do before you’re 11¾ at Nunnington Hall

Let the adventure continue and tick off some items from the ‘50 things’ activity list. Here's a few suggestions to get you started:

No. 1 Get to know a tree: Head to the orchards and admire our blossoming trees. Which will be your favourite?
No. 33 Go cloud watching: Lie back on the lawn and watch the clouds go by. What shapes can you spot?
No. 36 Make a home for wildlife: Be inspired by the bug hotel and hedgehog house in the garden - could you help animals in your garden or local area?
No. 44 Watch a bird: Head to the cutting garden and take a peep through the bamboo bird hide to see what you might find. Birds can be easily scared, so be as quiet as a mouse and watch them fly in to feed. You might also spot a frog or newt swimming in the pond.