Family-friendly things to do at Mottisfont

Planning your family visit

Here's all the information you need at a glance, to make the most of your family day out at Mottisfont:

• Baby-changing facilities in access-friendly toilets are located at the welcome centre, stables, lower corridor in the house and kitchen garden
• Pushchairs are welcome everywhere except inside the house. There are gently-sloping areas and wide pathways around much of the grounds. Pathways are uneven in some places so sturdy, all-terrain tyres are recommended
• Drinks, snacks and light lunches with family-friendly options are available from the café and additional outlets, with indoor and outdoor seating areas and picnic benches around the grounds
• Breastfeeding is welcome anywhere around the property.

There's no need to book, but Mottisfont may get very busy during school holidays and bank holidays. Mornings tend to be busier than afternoons. If you have the flexibility, a weekday visit is generally quieter than a weekend, even during school holidays. If you can only visit over the weekend, Saturdays are usually less busy than Sundays.

What do you need to know when visiting the garden?

• Toddler push-along bikes operated by a parent/guardian are welcome, but please be aware that bikes, trikes and scooters are not allowed
• There are areas of open water around the garden and grounds so close supervision is strongly advised
• Please don't bring windbreakers, gazebos, pop-up tents, parasols or barbecues.  

 

Take part in an Easter trail

Saturday 5th April to Monday 21st April

Join us this Easter for a delightful mix of traditional and whimsical funfair games, perfect for the whole family! Test your skills with classic favourites like the 'Coconut Shy' and target practice, or dive into the excitement of ‘Hook a Duck’. For those ready to embrace a bit of hilarity, try our ‘Wacky Races,’ blending sack racing with an egg-and-spoon twist, and take on the playful ‘Clowning Around’ challenge!

Make your way along the trail and find activities for the whole family. The trail takes place between Saturday 5th April to Monday 21st April, from 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4:30pm.  Prices are £3.50 per trail which includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and dairy or vegan and Free From* chocolate egg (*Suitable for people with milk, egg, gluten, peanut and tree nut allergies).

Normal admission entry applies

Blossom activities this spring

Thursday 20th March to Monday 14th May 

This year, we are celebrating blossoms at Mottisfont. Have a go at these fun family activities in the house and the gardens. 

Notice Nature

Find a quiet spot in the gardens and take a moment to pause and observe the gardens around round you. Watch the blossom dance in the breeze or spot insects and birds hidden among the trees. Close your eyes and listen – can you hear the birds singing? What other sounds of nature can you notice?

Blossom challenges in the garden 

When exploring the gardens, see if you can complete any of these blossom-inspired challenges:

• How many blossom trees can you spot?
• Who will be the first to spot a bee buzzing amongst the branches?
• How many different colours of blossoms can you find?
• Which is the biggest blossom tree in the garden?
• Which tree has the biggest blossom petals?

Blossom spotter activity in the house

This year, we have hidden some ladybirds around the house as a spotter activity. These insects benefit from the early flowering blossom trees as a source of pollen and nectar. How many can you spot? Make sure to tell a member of the house team.

 

More family-friendly things to do in the garden

Wild play

Our Wild Play area includes three large wooden structures built for climbing, balancing and exploring. Duck and dive through multiple entry and exit points to play together. The play area gets very muddy during periods of wet weather, so come dressed for mess.

Den building

The den building area from February half term is staying up a little longer. Using branches and leaves provided, families can build their own amazing den and create the perfect space. It could be hidden fortress, a secret hide out or a something entirely unique. 

Playing in gardens

Wooden bridges and a rushing river make Mottisfont one of the country's top destinations for playing Pooh sticks – challenge your family to a game when you visit. Ball games and frisbees are welcome on the paddock areas.

'50 things' activities

Why not try some of the '50 things to do before you're 11¾' challenges? From rolling down a hill to cloud watching there's something for every young explorer to do.