Family-friendly things to do at The Vyne

Two girls play wearing black and purple witches costumes and an orange pointed witch hat. — Plan family-friendly adventures for the diary. | © National Trust Images / Annapurna Mellor

Get ready for half-term fun 26 October - 3 November 10am-5pm last entry 4pm with the Halloween pumpkin trail. £2 per trail sheet and prize. Normal admission applies. Looking ahead, don’t miss a Wonderland Christmas at The Vyne 20 November – 5 January (closed 24 & 25 December) featuring a brain-teasing trail, fun activities and plenty of festive sparkle. Read more to smoothly plan your day with children in mind.

Planning your family visit

There are toilets and baby changing facilities on your left after you get through visitor reception and also at the Brewhouse tea-room next to the mansion
The garden has hard gravel pathways, but you might prefer to use a child carrier if you’re planning on going further afield
The Brewhouse tea-room is a bit snug, so you’ll need to leave your buggy or pushchair outside
In the house, we’ve got slings for you to carry small children in. Again, you’ll need to leave your buggy or pushchair outside and any items such as bags are left at your own risk
Unfortunately ball games, frisbees, scooters, bikes and drones aren't permitted on the estate due to previous damage to the house and grounds. Thanks for your understanding.

Family-friendly events

Halloween pumpkin trail

26 October - 3 November, House open 11am-3pm, Gardens 10am-4pm

Explore the ground-floor of the house and locate ten mysterious pumpkins aglow with magic. Inspired by the jack-o'-lantern, in the gardens, have a go at pumpkin patch bean bag and ring toss as well as noughts & crosses. £2 per trail sheet and chocolate/sweet prize.

Find out more about this event

Wonderland Christmas trail

20 November – 5 January, House open 11am-3pm, Gardens 10am-4pm

Lose yourself in Lewis Carroll's Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking-Glass. In the gardens, look out for quirky displays such as the Queen of Hearts’ army. On the ground floor of the house, sparkling trees illuminate whimsical scenes from 'Looking-Glass' such as a giant chess board. Collecting your trail sheet from Visitor Reception, enjoy nonsensical Alice-themed challenges before collecting your prize. £2 per trail sheet and chocolate/sweet prize. Closed 24 and 25 December.

Find out more about this event