Family-friendly things to do at Greenway

Two young children, one in a pink dress and another in a brown coat and yellow wellie boots splashing in muddy puddles on a footpath, on a sunny day with bright yellow daffodils on either side of the path which seem to glow in the sunshine — Enjoy family days out at Greenway | © ©National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

At Greenway you'll find a host of activities to keep the family entertained. With outdoor trails and winding paths to explore in the garden, and seasonal events throughout the year, you'll make great memories together at Greenway.

Planning your family visit

If you’re visiting Greenway for  a family day out, here’s some handy information at a glance to help your plan your visit:

If coming by car, please book your parking in advance through the website
Free garden trails available to pick up in visitor reception
Baby-changing facilities in access-friendly toilets
Buggy-friendly routes around the garden
Hip-carrying infant seats available for loan in the house
Children’s menu available from the Barn Café
Pocket money gifts and children’s books available in the shop
Children's books in the second-hand bookshop.

Coming up

Whether it's exploring the woodland garden each season, discovering how the team looks after the house or finding a new bedtime read in the second-hand bookshop, there's fun rain or shine.

Child reading in the bookshop at Gibside, Tyne & Wear — Explore the Children's corner in the second-hand bookshop | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Winter treasures spotter trail

Available from 15 February 2025

Every where you look there are winter treasures to be found, from cheerful bird song to bright flowers. What will you discover on this fun, family-oriented trail around the garden? Pick up your free spotter sheet when you arrive at Reception.

Trail is free. Normal admissions apply.

Festival of Blossom

20 March - 30 April 2025

How many types of blossom can you find blooming at Greenway? While you're exploring you could snap a seasonal selfie under the blossom archway or try your hand at blossom origami in the house kitchen.

Trail is free. Normal admissions apply.

Seal talk at the Boathouse

Saturday 22 March, 1-3pm

Join Sarah Greenslade, founder of The Seal Project, for a talk about these fascinating animals on National Seal Day. Can you spot any seals on the river?

Free talk. Normal admissions apply.

Take part in an Easter egg trail

Daily from Saturday 5 April - Sunday 27 April

Our Easter adventures run from 5 April to 27 April, between 10.30am and 4.30pm, with last entry at 4.30pm and costs £3.50 per person, so come and explore the woodland garden at Greenway.

At the start of your Easter trail, pick up your activity pack to find information about your trail. Find and complete the 10 activities that are hiding along the way. Finish the trail and collect your chocolate egg (both dairy and vegan and Free From options available).

Normal admissions apply. You don’t need to book to take part in the Easter trail, but if you're coming by car you’ll need to book your parking to Greenway.

'A Story of the Season's book launch and nature walk

Saturday 12 April, 11am-12pm

Join author Anna Wilson at Greenway to celebrate the launch of the new National Trust book 'A Story of the Seasons'. Come on a sensory nature walk with Anna and have fun talking about what you find, see, hear, touch and smell, followed by a colouring and drawing activity.

Free, limited tickets so booking is essential. Normal admissions apply.

Please note if you are visiting Greenway by car, you will need to book a parking space in advance through the website.

Get your free ticket for the book launch

Two boys wearing rabbit ears sit on a log on a woodland Easter trail at Beningbrough Hall, North Yorkshire — Get ready for an Easter adventure at Greenway | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Family friendly things to do in the house

Inside the house, there's a fun family friend trail inspired by Agatha Christie and her travels. Can you help them find all the items they need? Pick up the packing list trail, clipboard and pencil at the house entrance.

Adventures at the Boathouse and Battery

From the Boathouse quay you could count the boats on the river or try and spot signs of wildlife. Can you see any seals, or swans? At the Battery the cannon always captures little-one's imaginations – can you defend Greenway from attack by river pirates?

Looking for a quiet spot?

If you need to take a breather somewhere quiet, head for Top Garden where the orchard and river views provide a peaceful area to settle down.

Afternoons are normally less busy than mornings, so if you prefer fewer people around, try and visit after 2pm.

The River Dart is in the foreground with a tree-lined riverbank behind and Greenway House seen through the trees high on the hill in the background.

Book your parking

You don't have to book your visit in advance, but if you are travelling by car you will need to book parking at Greenway. You can book for today up until 8am. Every Thursday time slots will be available for the next 14 days.

Check parking availability and book

Visitors on a boat ride on the River Dart at Greenway, Devon

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Planning your visit to Greenway

You don't need to book your visit in advance to Greenway, but if you're coming by car, you will need to book a parking space ahead of your visit. To help plan a visit to Greenway, find out in this article how to book your car parking space, travel by ferry and everything else you need to know to arrange your visit.