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Things to see and do for families in Mottistone Gardens

Family walking through the gardens at Mottistone Manor and Gardens
Family walking through the gardens at Mottistone Manor and Gardens | © Paul Harris

Mottistone Gardens are a magical place for little ones to explore and we've lots of ways to keep them entertained. In the sheltered valley, mini explorers can discover the wonders of nature as they burn off some energy searching for 'Red' the squirrel, or try some ’50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities. We've ever-changing trails too, that mean visiting in any season brings something new to discover.

Planning your family visit

  • There is a free car park located next to the gardens. From here there is a short, 2 minute walk to Visitor Reception along a gravel path and down a few steps.
  • Baby changing facilities are available in the accessible toilet which is located by the entrance barn.
  • When tummies start to rumble, the tea garden makes a good pit stop. Here you’ll find sandwiches, soups, cakes and tasty treats.
  • Highchairs are available in the tea garden.
  • In the tea garden there is water to help-yourself to and child-friendly glasses.
  • There are lots of great spots for picnics around the gardens – the grassy lawns of the orchard are a favourite, and toddlers can run around here too, or there are plenty of benches and deckchairs dotted high and low around the grounds.
  • Pushchairs are welcome but there are some gravel paths and steps.
  • Dogs on leads are welcome throughout the gardens and there are water bowls for four-legged friends outside the shop and in the tea garden

Family-friendly things to do in the gardens

The grass lawns of the orchard provide a safe and secure environment for little ones to run around in. Here they can fly a kite, roll down the hill or kick off their shoes and feel the grass tickle their toes.

Just outside The Shack by the tea garden, little hands and minds can get creative with our architecture-building game, designing their own miniature structures while you relax with a cup of tea.

And look out for 'Red' the squirrel and her friends who are scampering around Mottistone Gardens foraging for food. There are eight trail points across the gardens for children to spot, leading them through the orchard, along the banks, and among the vibrant flowers.

A boy stands amongst many tree branches as he climbs a tree at Wallington, Northumberland
Climb a tree | © National Trust Images / Arnhel de Serra

'50 Things to do before you're 11¾'

We’ve plenty of ways for you to tick off some off your ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ at Mottistone Gardens. Climb trees or discover bugs, roll down a really big hill or take a barefoot walk in the orchard, or just lie on the grassy lawns and watch the clouds go by. 50 things activities are great for those aged 5-12 years but all the family can join in.

Visitors in the garden at Mottistone, Isle of Wight

Discover more at Mottistone Gardens and Estate

Find out when Mottistone Gardens and Estate is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

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