Family-friendly things to do at Standen

Three boys walking along a woodland trail at Hatchlands with their arms round each other. — Run off steam at Standen | © National Trust / Karina King

Discover things to do as a family on a day out at Standen. From woodland walks to family trails in the house and garden, there's plenty to keep children entertained. Find out what family-friendly events are coming up and how best to plan your day out at Standen with children in mind.

Finding Father Christmas with 'This is My Theatre'

Sun 1 Dec, Sat 7 & Sun 8 Dec, Sat 14 & Sun 15 Dec, Sat 21, Sun 22 Dec & Mon 23 Dec (various sessions available).

Excitement is building as Father Christmas has arrived at Standen and needs the help of two of his festive helpers. Join the sprites on their adventure to find Father Christmas in his woodland home, spreading Yuletide cheer and Christmas magic. Expect merry mirth-making, festive folk tales and, of course, Father Christmas himself! £10 child, £8 adult. Booking is essential.

How do I book?

Please book a timed session here

Booking is essential.

Prices

Children are £10, including a gift (children must be accompanied by a ticket holding adult). Adults are £8 and accompanying carers are free.

A Christmas Surprise Family Trail

Sat 16 Nov – Sun 5 Jan: 10am–3.30pm

Fun for all the family with a festive trail around the garden. £4 including a gift.

Planning your family visit

Toilets and baby changing facilities are next to the shop, on the other side of Goose Green from the Barn Café
High-chairs, half portions and lunch boxes available in the café
Picnics welcome
Access to the woodland den and bothy involve steps and may not be suitable for buggies
Sheltered areas and benches throughout the garden.

Family-friendly events

School holiday trails

Each school holiday the garden buzzes with children’s activity as they have a go at one of our trails. There’s a new one for each holiday and they often take the garden, woodland and house as their inspiration. You might be guiding Bertie the Bee back to his hive avoiding obstacles along the way, or seeking out the little felted mice hidden throughout the house.

Family-friendly things to do in the house

Make friends with a mouse

Have fun hunting out the family of crafty felted mice that have taken up residence at Standen. Each room features a hidden mouse.

Useful information for visiting the house with family

Unfortunately buggies can't be taken into the house due to narrow corridors and fragile furnishings.
There are 'hippy chick' seats/baby carriers for young visitors and there's a covered space to leave buggies while you visit the house.

Discover the Little Room.

Have fun whatever the weather in the Little Room above the conservatory, where you'll find toys, games and activities for the youngest members of your family

Family-friendly things to do in the garden

Useful information for visiting the garden with family

The trees in the garden and rocks in the Quarry Garden are beautiful to look at but please don’t climb them, as they are old and fragile.
We're sorry but ball games, frisbees, bicycles and scooters are not permitted.

Family-friendly things to do on the estate

Explore Adventure Corner

Enjoy even more family fun at the Adventure Play Area. We’ve designed it so little explorers can make deeper connections with nature through imaginative play. Soar through the air in an accessible swing, clamber over the leaf shaped climbing frame or explore the contours of the willow maze.

The Play Area is suitable for adventurers of all ages, but adult supervision is required. Sorry, no dogs.

Take a walk in the woods

Breathe in the fresh air on a walk through the Wealden countryside. Stomp between the trees in Rockinghill Wood, or stroll along Hollybush Wood boardwalk to see what wildlife you can spot in the meadows. Ask at Visitor Reception for walking routes and maps.

A family with a baby sit on a white bench, surrounded by kitchen garden plants — In the Kitchen Garden at Standen | © National Trust Images/John Millar

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

From making mud creations to watching birds, your next adventure awaits. Experience '50 things to do before you’re 11¾' with the whole family at Standen.

No. 1 Get to know a tree: There are lots of fascinating trees to discover at Standen, from acers in the garden to a variety of native species in Hollybush and Rockinghill Woods
No. 2 Roll down a really big hill: See how far you can get rolling down the lawn at the back of the house. Challenge a grown up to have a go too
No. 16 Wear a wild crown: While on a walk through the woodland, see if you can make a wild crown from sticks, leaves and fallen flowers
No. 24 Go barefoot: The lawn is a great place for little explorers to try out barefoot walking while Mum and Dad take it easy. Maybe you could have a barefoot running race? Make sure you bring a towel to clean your feet before you put your socks back on
No. 25 Join nature's band: Pick a dry, thick piece of grass that’s quite long for the perfect trumpet – can you make a tune? Or try drumming with sticks you find while on a walk
No. 44 Watch a bird: As you walk around the garden and estate you’ll hear many different birds' songs – can you spot the birds and match them to their sounds?