Family-friendly things to do at Ormesby Hall
There’s lots to keep the family entertained at Ormesby Hall, whatever the season. Go wild in the natural play area, stop by the model railway layouts and enjoy imaginative play.
Planning your family visit
- You'll find toilets and baby-changing facilities in the house and in the courtyard
- The cafe offers tasty kids lunchboxes containing sandwiches, fruit, a treat and juice or water. Indoor and outdoor seating is available and highchairs.
- You're welcome to bring a picnic. There's picnic tables, benches and spots to lay out a blanket.
- Pushchairs or prams are not allowed in the house, so please leave them at the designated undercover shelter
- Hip-carrying infant seats available for loan in the house
- Children's books in the second-hand bookshop.
- Bikes and balls are not allowed onsite
- There is a pond in the orchard
February half-term at Ormesby
Saturday 22 February to Sunday 2 March
Visit Ormesby Hall this February half-term for some book inspired activities. Families can follow the storybook characters trail in the house and garden to match their missing items to the character, for example jack has lost his magic beans. Along the way on the trail, they will be able to plant a bean to take home and watch it grow and enjoy some crafts.
On Saturday 22, Sunday 23 and Monday 24 February Elizabeth Baker will be at Ormesby Hall for some interactive storytelling, then on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 February Local author Lisette Auton will be hosting some drop in creative writing workshops and on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 February children’s book illustrator will be running some learn to draw drop in workshops.
World Book Weekend
Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 March
Come along to Ormesby Hall to celebrate all things book related. We’re joined by Redcar Libraries, an author, a poet and publisher, and a children’s book illustrator who will all be running interactive workshops throughout both days. There will also be storytelling sessions and book themed crafts.
Workshops
- Creative writing and meet an author – Lisette Auton will be delivering creative writing workshops, where children can create stories with her. She’s passionate about weaving a sense of place and inclusive creative access into all her work.
- Poetry and exploring the use of foreign words – Rumana Yasmin from Bok Bok Books is a storyteller, poet and book publisher who makes inclusive children’s books that celebrate the culture and talent of communities which are underrepresented in publishing. Her poetry workshops are all about letting loose to experiment and have fun with language.
- Learn to draw – Lucy Farfort is a children’s book illustrator and she will be running illustrative workshops on how to draw and bring to life story characters.
- Elizabeth Baker, local professional storyteller will be immersing families into the world of stories with her interactive storytelling drop in sessions
- Discover more about our friends at the Redcar library service- and enjoy some of their book related crafts and activities Ormesby Library Friends Group.
Easter at Ormesby Hall
Saturday 12 April to Sunday 27 April
Make your way along the Easter activity trail and have fun with all the family. Exploring the garden and front field, you'll be able to take part in wheelbarrow racing, egg and spoon racing, welly throwing and much more. The trail takes place every day during the Easter school holiday between Saturday 12 - Sunday 27 April.
Normal admission applies to visit on the evenings: Adult £6.50, Child £3.25 and family ticket £16.25, with National Trust members and under 5s free (National Trust members must still book tickets).
Family-friendly things to do in the house
A surprise delight is always the model railway layouts, which includes an interactive layout for children of all ages. Then pop by the second-hand bookshop to relax with the family and read a book together.
Family-friendly things to do in the garden
Head to the bottom of the garden and let the kids go wild in the natural play area. They can perform on the Willow Stage and challenge themselves on the rope walk, log stepping stones and balance see-saw. In the summer months families can also enjoy a game of croquet on the lawn.
Looking for nature? Why not go to the bird hide and see what birds you can spot and see the different bird wingspans. In the garden there is also a collection of bug hotels, so stop by and see what bugs have checked in recently, but respect their do not disturb signs.
‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’
No matter the season, Ormesby Hall is the perfect place to see how many activities you can tick off your '50 things' list. Head into the woods to get to know a tree (No. 1), discover wild animal clues (No. 34), head to the bird hide to watch a bird (No. 44) or pay a visit to the bug hotel to make friends with some creepy-crawlies (No. 31).
Follow the link to find out more about our activities at Ormesby Hall: What's on at Ormesby Hall