Family-friendly things to do at Petworth House and Park

The enchanted winter forest in the Marble Hall at Petworth, West Sussex | © Megan Taylor

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.

A Christmas Spectacular

Explore Petworth House with your family this Christmas to see showstopping trees, twinkling lights, beautifully adorned garlands and floral displays. Discover eight of our historic showrooms dressed for Christmas, and be sure to look closely as there are some mischievous mice who have come to play. You might spot them hiding amongst the puddings in the Historic Kitchens, riding mini hot air ballons and a cable car, playing cards, and more. There will also be child-size foliage mice in the Marble Hall.

Listen to choirs singing festive songs in the courtyard on weekends from Saturday 30th November - Sunday 15th December at 11.30am and 2.30pm.

A Christmas Spectacular at Petworth House is open 30 November 2024 - 5 January 2025, 10.30am - 4pm. Normal admission applies. Closed 24 & 25 December.

A Christmas Spectacular

Little Antlers

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

10.30-11.30 on 4 September, 2 October, 6 November and 4 December.

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 6 September, 4 October, 8 November, 6 December.

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.