Family days out at Emmetts Garden

view of a young family walking in woods — Come on a nature-friendly visit with your family | © National Trust Images/ Chris Lacey

Enjoy the ever-changing beauty of the gardens, fresh air and wide-open views at Emmetts Garden. Check out the Wild play area for some imaginative outdoor fun and head to the Old Stables Tearoom for a drink or something to eat.

Current and upcoming events

Hibernate and Seek February half term trail

Saturday 15 February–Sunday 23 February 2025

This February half-term, discover which creatures at Emmetts Garden have been snoozing through winter and which ones have stayed wide awake! Purchase a trail sheet at the visitor centre then explore the garden to spot hidden animals and take part in activities along the trail. Return to the visitor centre to claim your hibernation-happy prize.

Hibernate and Seek: February Half-Term Trail

Emmetts Garden Edwardian circus Easter activities

Saturday 5–Monday 21 April 2025, 10am–5pm, with last entry at 4pm.

Roll up, roll up! This Easter, treat the whole family to a day of Edwardian circus-themed activities. In the Edwardian era, the circus was a popular family pastime full of daring acts, clever animals and lots of laughter. Step into that world with circus-themed activities in the meadow. Prices are £3.50 per trail which includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and dairy or vegan and Free From chocolate egg which is suitable for people with allergies to milk, egg, gluten, peanut and tree nuts. (Whilst stocks last.)

Easter Egg Hunt at Emmetts Garden

Family facilities

There are baby-changing facilities at the entrance to the site, next to the Visitor Centre, as well as at the Old Stables Tearoom. Please note that bikes and scooters are not suitable for the pathways at Emmetts Garden.

Wild play area wooden climbing frame at Emmetts Garden — The Wild play area at Emmetts Garden | © National Trust/Jen Reznick

Please help us to protect the delicate plants and paths at Emmetts Garden.

Leave footballs and similar toys and sporting equipment at home. Bikes and scooters are not suitable for the paths at Emmetts Garden.

Wild play area

Get stuck into energetic adventures in the wild play area located just past the Old Stables Tearoom. Kids will love scrambling over the climbing frame and play net, walking across the balance beams and crawling through the tunnels. Don’t miss the fairy ring of toadstools. Visit us for unforgettable outdoor fun.

Games shed

Take a look in our games shed for games to play in the meadow. Have a go at giant Jenga, hula-hoops, quoits and more. Remember to return the items when you’ve finished so others can have a turn. Please note that these items are for use in the play meadow, but not in the wildflower meadow or other areas of the garden.

Picnics

The meadow makes the perfect spot for a picnic with glorious views over Ide Hill. Bring a blanket, or sit at one of the picnic tables, and relax with delicious food under sunny skies.