Family-friendly things to do at Nymans

Published:: 10 May 2023

Illustration from The Tiger Who Came to Tea — What can you spot at Nymans? | © © 2024 Kerr-Kneale Productions Ltd. Licensed by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.

Build a den in the Play Glade, a part of the garden dedicated to natural play for children, follow woodland trails or explore the garden at your leisure. During the school holidays join in with special events and activities.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea - garden trail

Sat 4 May - Sun 14 Jul: 10am - 5pm (last admission 4.30pm).

Explore this very special teatime through extracts and illustrations from Judith Kerr’s classic story, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, on a family trail around the garden, produced in partnership with HarperCollins Publishers.

The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don't expect to see at the door is a big, furry, stripy tiger! In the Story Room (closes at 4pm), take a seat at Sophie's kitchen table, play dress-up with costumes from the story or cosy up and read the book together.

Free trail, normal admission applies.

Summer of Play at Nymans

Sat 20 Jul - Sun 1 Sept: 10am - 4.30pm

Discover fun filled activities on offer at Nymans as part of our Summer of Play, sponsored by Starling Bank.

Discover hidden corners through stone archways, spot the animal shaped topiary, walk along tree-lined avenues while surrounded by the lush countryside of the Sussex Weald. Have free range fun for all the family in The Play Glade, Nymans natural play space, with woodland cabin, play stage, balancing logs and wooden chimes. Picnic in a shady spot in the garden, stroll in the adjoining woodland with its tranquil lake and abundant wildlife and in the summer holidays join in the fun with games and activities in Comber’s Field, named after Nymans first Head Gardener, Harold Comber.

Summer of Play at Nymans | National Trust

Family Open Air Theatre

Bank Holiday Monday 26 Aug 6pm.

See 'Five Childen and It' this summer at Nymans with a family friendly production performed in the garden against the backdrop of the ruins. Arrive an hour before the performance begins and enjoy your picnic in the garden. Tickets available from the link below. Booking essential.

Outdoor family theatre: Five Children and It - BH Mon 26 Aug 2024 (Gates 5pm, performance 6pm) | National Trust

Nymans family map | © National Trust / Nymans

New family map for Nymans

Sometimes it's the little things that make the best family memories, like building a den, spotting a red kite and having an ice cream at the end of a family walk. Our new family maps are free to pick up when you arrive at Nymans and explain exactly how hop, totter or dash over to the Play Glade and more.

Nymans printable family map

Planning your family visit

You’ll find toilets and baby changing facilities by the Riding House Tea-room in the centre of the garden. There are also facilities at the top of the garden, including a changing places toilet
There are gravel and grass paths throughout the garden
Picnics are welcome in the garden or in the woodland among the cool shade of trees at the side of the lake.
There are sheltered spots throughout the garden.
Ice cream and picnic treats can be found in the welcome cafe, Riding House or, if you're in a hurry, from the kiosk or horse box.

Family-friendly things to do in the garden

Let off steam in the garden

The Messel family loved to play in the garden – why not follow in their footsteps? By the bookshop, you'll find the Play Glade, where you can play games, build a den or act out your imagination on the mini stage. Then explore the nearby bamboo jungle and hide among the topiary shapes, or have a go at a spotter activity hunt to look for seasonal flowers, plants, birds and bugs.

School holiday trails

Discover the hidden stories of Nymans with a family trail. There’s a different theme each school holiday. Follow the trail to find the clues and complete the challenge.

Family-friendly things to do on the estate

Head for the woods to discover the boardwalks, water cascades, mud, flowers and very tall trees. Try one of three circular walks to see some of the best bits, or strike out on your own to explore for yourself. See if you can find the large wooden sculptures, including a kingfisher, owls and a giant beetle.