Visiting Springhill with Family

Couple walking their dog — Enjoy days out with family at Springhill | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Find out everything you need to know about visiting Springhill with kids. From playing in the natural play area to borrowing balance bikes and essential information on where you'll find baby-changing facilities, bringing a picnic and more.

Autumn highlights at Springhill

Visit Springhill this Autumn for some adventures in nature. Crunch a few leaves underfoot as you stroll through the grounds of this beautiful estate.

Spooky Haloween at Springhill

Dates: 30 and 31 October 2024

Beyond the beautiful property’s façade lays a spooky secret. Across two days, there will be different events on such as storytelling, creative activities, broomstick making and spooky house tours. Family fun event. No booking required.

Springhill after Dark: Haunting tales from the house

30 October 2024 Book Now

For over 300 years, myths and legends have shrouded Springhill House in mystery. These tales, passed down through generations of the family, have left an eerie presence, as if not all past residents have truly departed. Join a member of the Lenox-Conyngham family during the haunting season to hear stories from a bygone era within the house.

Day/Evening House Tours

Dates: 30 and 31 October 2024

This Halloween come along and see the only historic house including the Blue Bedroom that still remains at Springhill. Here you’ll be able to talk to our house guides about the family stories which surround the room and the tragic events which have likely inspired them.

Guided garden tours

As we get into autumn, the gardens are full of changing colours, waiting to be discovered around every corner. Be guided around the gardens at Springhill by our Gardener, who will take you through both the history behind the gardens as well as going into detail about the sights, sounds and smells on offer.

Things to Do on an Autumn Walk

1. Collect Colorful Leaves – Gather fallen leaves in vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
2. Birdwatch – Bring binoculars to spot migratory birds or local species preparing for winter.
3. Forage for Nuts and Berries – Look for acorns, conkers, blackberries, or wild mushrooms (if you're experienced).
4. Take Nature Photos – Capture the stunning autumn colors and textures of the season.
5. Listen to the Sounds of Nature – Enjoy the rustling leaves, bird calls, and the crunch of the ground beneath your feet.
6. Look for Wildlife– Keep an eye out for squirrels, deer, and other animals getting ready for winter.
7. Breathe in the Fresh Air– Take a moment to inhale the crisp, earthy autumn scents.
8. Sketch or Journal– Bring along a notebook to document the beauty around you through sketches or thoughts.
9. Explore Hidden Paths – Venture off the beaten path and discover less-traveled trails.
10. Enjoy a Hot Drink – Pack a thermos with hot chocolate or tea to sip while you walk.

Discover Fascinating Fungi

When the evenings draw in and the leaves begin to change on the trees, it’s time to get wrapped up and go on a search for fungi. There are hundreds of different sorts of fungi, from the very common to the quite rare, and from the edible to the poisonous. Set out on a stroll through the autumnal landscape at Springhill and see what you can discover in the undergrowth.

The Entrance Front of 17th century 'Planter' house, Springhill showing the whitewashed and symmetrical central block — Explore the gardens at Springhill | © National Trust Images/Andreas von Einsiedel

Planning your family visit

Children must be supervised at all times as there are water features and uneven surfaces on site.
Balance bikes can be borrowed free of charge during the summer months, just ask at Visitor Reception when you arrive.
Baby changing facilities located in disability access toilets near Visitor Reception and the Courtyard.
Our Free Flow and Little Learner Tours are designed to let families and children explore heritage in an engaging and hands-on way. For more information, please ask at visitors reception.

The Barn

This interactive space allows families to enjoy a coffee from the Coffee shop while kids can play with some toys or read a book. Located in the courtyard The Barn is where visitor reception and the coffee shop is located is a great indoor space for kids to enjoy come rain or shine.

Pack a Picnic

Why not give al fresco dinning a try at Springhill for an outdoor dining experience. We have picnic benches across the ground and picnic blankets to borrow. And with the Barn Café serving sandwiches, drinks and ice cream, you don't even need to worry about packing the cool bag, you just have to come along and we'll do the rest.