Family-friendly things to do at Woolsthorpe

Young visitors exploring the hands on Science Centre — The distorting mirrors are hard to resist | © National Trust/Paul Harris

Get stuck into science and history at Woolsthorpe Manor. Isaac Newton is one of the world’s greatest ever scientists and his science is still relevant today. Bring all the family to find out more at the place where he changed the world.

Woolsthorpe Manor is now closed for the winter

Woolsthorpe Manor is now closed for the winter. This is to allow the team to conduct a deep clean of the Manor House and any essential maintenance needed. Woolsthorpe Manor has been welcoming admirers of Isaac Newton since his own lifetime and it is now our duty to ensure that the building and its contents are preserved, so that they may inspire our visitors in the future. Thank you for your support throughout 2024! We'll reopen on the 15 February 2025, and look forward to welcoming you then.

Planning your family visit

Here is the information you need at a glance to help plan your next day out at Woolsthorpe:

Baby-changing facilities are available
Find out more about booking your visit to the Manor House here.
Last entry to site is 4pm.
Woolsthorpe is now closed for the winter and will reopen on the 15 February 2025

A volunteer talks to some younger visitors in Woolsthorpe Manor, Lincolnshire — Inspire Future Newtons at Woolsthorpe | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Family-friendly things to do in the science centre

In the science centre, children of all ages – even grown-up ones – can get hands-on with some of Isaac’s most famous experiments. Have fun observing, experimenting and discovering.

You can test refraction and then reflection by getting distorted in our mirrors. Peer at one of the blackest blacks and ask yourself what properties the colour has? Grab the holographic apple before you leave and take an imaginary bite.

What keeps a planet in orbit or an object on the ground? These are the questions that Newton was driven to answer, and you can ask these questions too when testing Newton’s theory of universal gravitation.

A handful of our Summer of Discovery experiments will also still be available to interact with over the October half term.

A woman and child complete activities in the Science Centre at Woolsthorpe Manor, Lincolnshire — Take on Newton's science discoveries | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Family-friendly things to do in the manor house

Get a sense of Isaac Newton in the manor house. This is where Isaac Newton was born, grew up, and made some of his most important discoveries. As a boy he observed the world around him, making models and drawing pictures.

Find out more about booking your visit to the Manor House here.

Visit the Hayloft to find out more about light and colour. This year we're celebrating the 320th anniversary of Newton publishing his work on Opticks - explore the influence of his work in art and poetry, as well as in science.

‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’

Fans of ‘50 things’ fun can accomplish No. 1 in style at Woolsthorpe. No. 1 Get to know a tree

We are custodians of the actual tree that inspired Isaac Newton’s work on the theory of gravity. Yes, the very tree from which an apple fell and caused Newton to ask the question: ‘Why do apples always fall straight down to the ground?’.

The orchard is the perfect spot to enjoy some quiet contemplation. Choose a comfortable spot to relax and maybe do some cloud gazing (that's number 33 on the '50 Things' challenge).

While visiting Woolsthorpe's gardens, be sure to admire the sundial and use the sunshine to tell the time.

Take part in science experiments at home

Inspire curiosity and creativity in children of all ages, no matter where you are. You can get hands-on making your own pendulums, creating your own Newton’s Cradles or making a mess shooting rockets into the air. Keen to explore more? Download the PDF to inspire future Newton’s at home.

Create experiments at home