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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, with plenty of ways to keep them entertained. In the sheltered valley, mini explorers can discover the wonders of nature and burn off some energy as they try to find Red the squirrel and her 8 friends. 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. 

Follow Red the squirrel on her trail around the gardens and see if you can find all 8 of her friends. If you get stuck don't hesitate to ask a member of staff. 
 

Two young children with woman, wearing bunny ears at an Easter activity point with grass in background
Young family at an Easter adventure activity point | © National Trust Images / Paul Harris

Easter Adventure at Mottistone Gardens

Join us to enjoy the magic of spring at Mottistone Gardens’ traditional Easter fayre, where a host of charming wildlife characters are ready to guide you on an unforgettable adventure! Motty the Rabbit will help you get ready, then you’re off, helping Freddie the Frog onto his lily pad, egg-racing with Speedy the Swallow, bursting Prickle the Hedgehog out of his winter nest and much more.

Perfect for families and nature lovers alike, this joyful Easter event celebrates the beauty of spring, the wonders of wildlife, and the magic of Mottistone Gardens.

The Fayre will run from Thursday 17th April to Monday 21st April, 10.30am – 5pm, so come and join the fun! Entry is £3.50 per person, which includes a dairy or vegan and Free From chocolate egg.

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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