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Kids’ indoor activities for rainy days

Children playing at a table in the Lego Room at The Children's Country House at Sudbury, Derbyshire
The Lego Room at The Children's Country House at Sudbury, Derbyshire | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Even the best-laid plans can be ruined by a sudden downpour. Keep the whole family entertained on a rainy day at a place in our care with dressing-up stations, indoor crafts, sheltered play areas and more.

Winter house closures

Some of the places in our care close over the winter months so we can carry out vital conservation work. Please check individual place webpages for up-to-date information on opening times before you visit.

The Argory, County Armagh
Find shelter from the rain at The Light Box, an interactive space for families at The Argory. Kids can create their own neon art masterpieces and play light and sensory games.Explore The Argory
Belton Estate, Lincolnshire
Discover the indoor play café at Belton, and the adventure play areas, which are linked by hanging walkways, cargo nets, slides and tunnels. During term time, early years and sensory play equipment are also available.Explore Belton Estate
The Children’s Country House at Sudbury, Derbyshire
Experience what life was like for children in the past at The Children's Country House. Explore Betty Cadbury's large toy collection, discover an upside-down children’s bedroom and go back to school in the Victorian Classroom.Explore The Children's Country House
Chirk Castle, Wrexham
Head to the Adam Tower at Chirk Castle to spot signs of the castle's medieval past. Dress up in armour, hunt for murder holes and venture down into the dungeons – two floors of them.Explore Chirk Castle
A child enjoys exploring elements of the story of light interactive exhibit 'The Light Box' on a table top
A child plays with a Light Box-themed activity at The Argory, County Armagh | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor
Dyrham Park, South Gloucestershire
Follow the children’s house trail at Dyrham Park. With hats and wigs to try on along the way, kids of all ages can interact with the diverse history of this mansion. You'll find spots to shelter around the grounds, as well as a new café and second-hand bookshop.Explore Dyrham Park
Ickworth, Suffolk
Why do you think the Earl Bishop threw spaghetti out of the window? You’ll have to discover Ickworth’s secret stairs to find out. You can also learn what it was like to be a servant in the 1930s in the basement of the classical Rotunda.Explore Ickworth
Lavenham Guildhall, Suffolk
Find out about the people who used to live and work in Lavenham village. Discover the old prison cell though the eyes of Ann Baker, who was imprisoned here aged 12, or explore the stories of the evacuees who sought refuge during the Second World War.Explore Lavenham Guildhall
Quarry Bank, Cheshire
Head into Quarry Bank Mill to watch the giant waterwheel in action or discover the steam engines in the Power Galleries. Join a tour of the Apprentice House to see how the mill’s child workers used to live.Explore Quarry Bank
Children dressed up in First Word War uniform at Croft Castle, Herefordshire
Children dressed up in First Word War uniform at Croft Castle, Herefordshire | © National Trust Images/James Dobson
Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland
Once home to famous pranksters, Seaton Delaval Hall has plenty to keep children entertained. Play the giant Georgian Game of Life in the Drawing Room, peer into the curious mirrored sphere in the Central Hall or see one of the Delaval family’s best-known pranks in the West Wing.Explore Seaton Delaval Hall
Stourhead, Wiltshire
Grab a spotter trail flip book and see if you can find the special items in Stourhead's showrooms. Children's activity stations can be found throughout the house – plan a grand tour around the world, play the Pesky Pests game, or dress up as a servant.Explore Stourhead
Sutton Hoo, Suffolk
Sutton Hoo has plenty of family-friendly activities for rainy days. Follow the family trail and have a go at making archaeological plans as you explore Tranmer House. You can also dress up as an Anglo-Saxon and find out more about their history in the High Hall exhibition.Explore Sutton Hoo
Tredegar House, Newport
Delve into the lives of the Morgans of Tredegar House with its year-round family trail, interactive puppet display and dressing-up station. Discover the stories about this unusual mansion before heading to the popular second-hand bookshop. Sensory backpacks are also available.Explore Tredegar House
A family peer over a wall at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire

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Several children trying on hats and looking at themselves in mirrors on the wall
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