Family-friendly things to do at Polesden Lacey

Published:: 20 February 2023

Parents swing their young child between them, in front of Polesden Lacey house, with honey-coloured stone walls and white window and door frames — Winter fun in the grounds at Polesden Lacey | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Escape to Polesden Lacey for a family day out this winter. Watch out for A Christmas Masquerade coming to the house from 23 November until 5 January. Explore opulent rooms, dressed as if for a spectacular Masquerade Ball and marvel at the 20-foot Christmas tree in the Hall. Follow Grizwald's First Christmas - a fun family trail around the grounds - and take home a special prize to enjoy. Or ride on the vintage carousel outside the house on selected dates.

Planning your family visit

Baby change facilities are available in the main toilet block, opposite the coffee shop.
Accessible, buggy friendly pathways (you can find a map here), unfortunately buggies are not allowed in the house but hip carriers are available.
Spend hours in Kestrel Corner natural play area.
Children under-five's scooters and bikes can be used in the pleasure grounds – just be careful on the sloped pathways and on busier days.
Polesden Lacey has a cafe and coffee shop, both with indoor and outdoor seating areas. During busier times we open an additional outlet serving snacks and drinks.

Grizwald's First Christmas family trail

23 November to 5 January

Take part in Grizwald’s First Christmas, our festive family trail around the grounds at Polesden Lacey. Help Grizwald choose what to wear to the Ball, practise his dance steps and get ready to attend the society event of the year. This self-led trail is £5 per person, which includes a special gift at the end. No need to book in advance.

Ride on a vintage carousel

Selected dates between 23 November and 5 January

Come and ride on our wonderful vintage carousel, right outside the front of the mansion. Pre-booked tickets guarantee one ride during your half hour slot, lasting approximately 3-4 minutes. Rides cost £3.50 each. Children under 1m go for free, but must share the ride with a paying adult. Check the events listings on our website for exact dates and times.

Kestrel Corner play area

Open daily

Kestrel Corner is a natural play area made using wood from the Polesden Lacey estate. Enjoy the slides, tunnels and giant nests as you embrace your inner animal and get closer to nature. The play area is perfect for children to be active, with a rabbit’s warren, a giant bird’s nest and a buried fox den. It’s built from wood and other natural materials and provides all the inspiration a child needs to have a great time experiencing the outdoors. It's a place for imaginations to run wild.

Find out more

A girl crawls through play area rabbit's burrow | © Eddie Hyde/National Trust

Family-friendly things to do in the gardens

The gardens are filled with striking seasonal views, with plenty of different plants and trees to spot as you explore. Don't let the rain put you off - wrap up warm, pull on your boots and come along for a fun splash in the puddles.

Picnic benches are available in Crab Apple Orchard, or head over to South Lawn to enjoy some lunch if the weather is kind.

Small bikes and scooters are allowed in the pleasure grounds, as well as ball games and kite flying. Please make sure you're mindful of other visitors while playing games.

Head over to Kestrel Corner play area, built using wood from the Polesden Lacey estate. Enjoy the swings, tunnels and giant nests as you embrace your inner animal and get closer to nature. Find out more here.

Visiting the house with children

Open each day 11am - 3.30pm. From 4 November the house will be closed for three weeks while we prepare for our Christmas offer. Then, between 23 November and 5 January, several rooms in the house will be beautifully dressed as if for a sparkling Masquerade Ball.

Families are welcome to come and wander around the house. Most of the downstairs is as it was in Margaret Greville’s day, with sumptuous interiors, from the stunning décor in the gold Saloon to the inviting library and intimate tea room. Margaret Greville's extensive collection of books, ceramics, objets d’art and paintings are beautifully displayed throughout.

Unfortunately, buggies are not allowed in the house, please park them outside while you visit. Hip carriers are available to borrow, if you ask a member of staff at the house doors, they will be happy to help.

‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ activities

No. 4 Build a den

There are lots of perfect den building spots to be discovered at Polesden Lacey. What will your den be? A meeting place for spies, a fairy castle or perhaps a bear’s den?

No. 34 Discover wild animal clues

Badgers, squirrels, rabbits and more - there are lots of different things that you can search for when you're on the trail of an animal at Polesden Lacey. Look out for footprints, fur and poo, and you might find something sooner than you think.

No. 50 Take a friend on a nature adventure

Double your fun by sharing your next nature adventure with a friend. Explore your secret wildlife hideouts together and make the great outdoors your new playground.

No 33: Go cloud watching

Head to the sloping South Lawn, lie back and watch the clouds go by. Delve into your imagination to create whole worlds, and the tall tales that might take place there, from the shapes you see in the clouds.

Download all 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾ here.