Family-friendly things to do at Petworth House and Park

Family exploring nature in the park at Petworth, West Sussex | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

With plenty of space to run, jump and play there's lots of fun for families at Petworth. Explore the Pleasure Garden and park, while looking for deer on your family walk, and discover games and activities throughout the school holidays.

Ben Plants a Butterfly Garden family trail

Families can pick up a free Ben Plants a Butterfly Garden trail map to follow the buggy-friendly paths of the Pleasure Garden and discover fun games and activities along the way. The trail will run as part of our Spring Festival from Saturday 5 until Monday 21 April, then for the May half term from Saturday 24 May until Sunday 1 June. The trail is free but normal admission applies. No booking required.

Look What I Found in the Woods outdoor adventure

There's treasure in the trees! On Friday 11 April join author Moira Butterfield as she leads families on a one-hour nature treasure hunt around the Pleasure Garden, inspired by her book Look What I Found in the Woods.

This walk is ideal for children aged 3-6 accompanied by parents/guardians, but is suitable for all.

These walks are part of our Spring Festival, and take place at 11am and 1pm on Friday 11 April. Please meet by the Garden Theatre Marquee. Booking essential. £13 per child including purchase of the book Look What I Found in the Woods, or £5 per child without the book.

Look What I Found in the Woods

Little Antlers

Join us for our Little Antlers hands-on fun and story time sessions for pre-schoolers at Petworth.

Roll up your sleeves with Wild Wednesdays, when there will be crafts and activities, specially designed to offer a closer look at Petworth House and Park for our littlest visitors. These will take place at 10.30 - 11.30 on the first Wednesday of each month.

Dive into the wonderful world of books with a special story time. Learn new stories or enjoy some classics, and afterwards take part in a ‘make and take’ crafting activity based on the book.

10.30 - 11.30 on 7 March, 4 April, 9 May and 6 June.

All activities and story time sessions are suitable for children under 5. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Sessions are free but normal admission applies.

Little Antlers & other events

A family day out in the park at Petworth, West Sussex | © James Dobson

Planning your family visit

Here's all the information you need at a glance, to make the most of your family day out at Petworth:

Baby-changing facilities and access-friendly toilets are located at the main car park and in the Servants Quarters
Pushchairs are welcome inside and out and there are gently-sloping areas and wide pathways around much of the grounds. Pathways are uneven in some places so sturdy tyres are recommended
Drinks, snacks and light lunches are available from the café, with indoor and outdoor seating areas and picnic benches around the grounds
Breastfeeding is welcome anywhere on the property
Sensory bags are available to borrow from the main car park reception or House reception.

Discover Petworth House

Roam through the large State Rooms in Petworth House and marvel at the fascinating collection items on display. Our friendly room guides are happy to answer questions and share stories about the incredible history of the house and its treasures.

Family talking to a room guide in the North Gallery, Petworth House and Park, West Sussex — Family exploring the North Gallery at Petworth House, West Sussex | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Explore Petworth Park

Step out into the 700-acre Deer Park with the family, enjoy a picnic and have fun spotting the fallow deer roaming the hills - there's so much space to explore and adventures to be had.