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‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’
Have fun exploring nature and the great outdoors with our list of ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’.
Let the adventures begin! Explore a moated castle, discover hidden paths and natural play areas, take a walk over the estate or get involved with a packed programme of family-friendly events and activities.
Sometimes everyone just needs to get out of the house to blow away the cobwebs. Here are some ideas for activities you can do with your family this spring and summer at Scotney Castle. Do book your car parking in advance to guarantee entry to the site, but there's no need to book for the trails.
Have an outdoor adventure out on the estate, spotting sheep, counting the chocolate brown Sussex cattle and seeing all the diffent colours of the spring flowers. Or why not make a camp in the ancient woodland? The estate's blue route across the parkland is buggy friendly and a great place to let off steam, but if you're looking for a shorter option, you can explore the garden with its hard-surface paths and hidden walkways - perfect for a game of hide and seek. Finish off with a creamy marshmallow-topped hot chocolate or a delicious ice-cream from the tea-room or kiosk and you'll have very happy little explorers.
Roll up, roll up!
Get ready for fun family-freindly days out this summer with great Big Top-themed games and activities which are included in your entry. Little ones and big ones alike can test their stilt-walking skills, try their hand at juggling, plate-spinning and diablo, conquer the ring of fire and balance your way safely across shark-infested waters. Whatever the ages there'll be lots of activities to enjoy.
More details at 'Big Top, Big Fun' Summer of Play (27 July–1 September) | National Trust
Pack up a picnic and treat the children with a trip to experience the joy of open air theatre this summer. Two of Scotney's four productions are aimed at younger audiences, the nail-biting tail of the hapless Jemima Puddleduck and family favourite, Great Expectations. Older children might also enjoy Shakespeare's classic tale of Henry V.
Click the links above for details of individual show times and ticket prices.
This two-day event is an awesome end to the summer holidays and is great fun for all members of the family. At Heritage & Harvest you'll be able to meet the working Clydesdales, the giants of the horse world, watch a blacksmith and a wood-turner at work, get creative with our nature-themed craft corner and take part in lots of games and activities.
The Badger and Pepper play area, complete with mud kitchen, ball run, play house, toddler swing and natural drum kit, is a perfect place for younger children to let off steam. You'll find it in the main garden, half-way down the hill on the right-hand side.
Wilderness Camp in Colliers Wood is the perfect place for older children to get back to nature, making dens and playing amongst the trees.
Is it too early to mention the C word?
We know how some of you love to plan ahead and the festive cheer planning here at Scotney is well underway for 'Curtain Up', this year's Christmas at Scotney celebrations. Christmas starts at Scotney on Saturday 23 November 2024 but if you just can't wait to get into the Christmas spirit, read on to see what's happening in 'Curtain Up: Christmas at Scotney'
Here are just a few of the ideas from the list ...
Why not check out the full list here?
Have fun exploring nature and the great outdoors with our list of ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’.