Family-friendly things to do at Montacute House

A child smiles as she sits on a horse-shaped swing, hanging from a tree with golden autumn leaves — Fun in the parkland at Montacute House | © National Trust Images/John Miller

Montacute House is an Elizabethan masterpiece of architecture and design. Its warm Hamstone construction casts playful shadows across the elegant garden, making it the perfect backdrop for a family day out. Take a stroll around the garden and enjoy the changing colours of the season or seek out the swings in the parkland.

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.