Family-friendly things to do at Montacute House

Reindeer World Tour: A Christmas journey at Montacute House

Montacute House welcomes Father Christmas’s reindeer back to the garden. They are celebrating visiting the whole world in one night. Except they need your help. Four sacks of presents have slipped off the sleigh, so Father Christmas has sent the reindeer out to find them. Can you discover where in the world the sacks have landed?

The ground floor of the house will be feeling festive with a beautiful 15-foot Christmas tree decorating the Great Hall. Nine miniature sacks of presents will also be hiding in the house for everyone to spot.

The Courtyard café will be offering seasonal tasty treats, and, in the shop, you will find gifts for all ages. In the run up to Christmas in the Book Barn, there will be a selection of wrapped ‘mystery’ books for a suggested donation of £3 to £5. All closed 24 and 25 Dec.

Natural play area

There is lots explore, play on, play in the natural play area. Located in the picnic area close to West Drive, there is a slide, stepping logs and stepping beam.

When it rains

Sometimes it rains. Before or after visiting the ground floor of the house, there are several undercover garden buildings to discover and explore.  In the two Porters' Lodges and the Lord Curzon’s pavilion you can take in the views across the estate and garden. Sit a while and learn about the various exotic plants in the Orangery.  Visit the book barn and pick up a preloved book to take home. 

When you are ready to refresh there is a picnic area in the Old Stables, and in the Courtyard Café there are large parasols to provide shade and shelter, and indoor seating.  Dogs are welcome in both the stables and café areas.  You are never away from shelter at Montacute House and when the rain stops, the garden will be all the more beautiful.

Planning your family visit

Here's all the information you need at a glance to help plan your next day out to Montacute House:

• Family picnic areas
• Baby-changing
• Pushchairs and back-carriers allowed on site, but unfortunately must be parked/stowed to enter the house. Please ask at reception for information when you arrive.

Family-friendly things to do in the garden and parkland

Picnicking at Montacute House  

There are lots of great picnic spots including the Garden Orchard on the South Drive. It’s one of the less formal areas of the garden, making it ideal for eating picnics and for games of hide and seek. Around the Stables are several wooden picnic benches, including some that can accommodate wheelchairs. Should the rain appear, there is also a covered area.