Things to do for families at Brockhampton

Visitors take a closer look at an animal carving in the orchard at Brockhampton | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Follow accessible paths to find wooden animal sculptures, step inside the unique apple core art installation, crawl through tunnels, leap across stepping logs and don't miss the chance to play make believe on the trow boat.

Jingles the jester has lost his socks

16 November – 5 January

Step into a whimsical garden adventure with Jingles the Jester, who's lost his brightly coloured Christmas socks during his playful antics. Jingles calls out for your assistance to reunite him with all his favourite socks hanging from the trees and lost in the bushes. Why not join in on a fun-filled journey entering the jester's playful world.

Purchase a trail for £3 from the visitor reception which also includes a prize (normal admission applies).

The whole site closes on 24, 25 and 26 December.

All events at Brockhampton

Family fun in the house

Throughout the year, you can take part in seasonal, family friendly craft activities as well as pick up a spotter sheet to keep the family entertained. Follow our social channels to see what's coming up. There are also sensory objects in most rooms and the 1950's Lounge is particularly child-friendly with lots of objects to hold and touch.

Orchard play trail

The orchard play trail is fun for all the family. Wind your way along the hard-standing, accessible orchard paths through the old and new orchards. Discover the largest orchards cared for by the National Trust, including 21 acres of newly planted fruit trees, which span three fields. Can you spot all of the wooden orchard sculptures, hidden among the long grass?

Step inside the apple core, designed by artist, Walter Jack. These five chambers house different fruit trees from around the world and visually describe the tale of the eating apple.

Run, jump and skip around the natural play equipment that you find along the way, including tunnels, stepping logs and more. Become the captain of the 'Hereford Bull' trow boat, which takes pride of place in the new orchards. Although you might be surprised to find a boat in the middle of the orchard, trows used to transport goods, such as fruit and cider, from Herefordshire down the River Severn and River Wye. Step aboard and imagine sailing down the river with your freshly harvested orchard apples.

Visitors by the 'Herefordshire Bull' trow | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Walking on the wider estate

You can download or take a photograph of the walks map of the estate if you feel like going a little further. The walks meander through woodlands, dingles, streams and orchards and consist of some great panoramic views at the top of the estate.

If you’re planning a woodland walk then keep your eyes peeled for deer and birds of prey such as red kites, buzzards and kestrels. Lawn Pool, on the yellow walk, is a great spot to stop and watch fish and closer to the manor, in the moat, you can sometimes see newts sunbathing on warm days, as well as the resident mallards and moorhens.

An aerial view of the apple core orchard, with it's 5 circular areas that over lap in the centre. The path ways wind through and around the circles, leading out into the rest of the reimagined orchards. — An aerial view of Brockhampton's apple core orchard | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

50 things to do before you’re 11¾

Another fun self-led thing to do is to download or print a copy of the National Trust’s ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ guide to bring along with you. Here there are 50 activities to try as a family outdoors which can be used over and over again.

Medieval manor house

Discover Brockhampton through the ages in the manor house. The house volunteers are always willing to tell you more about the history of the house.

There is plenty to keep your little ones entertained, including dressing up, playing with the model house and taking part in the free spotting trail every school holiday.

During the winter season, the manor house has different opening hours. See our homepage for full details.

Exploring the 14th century manor at Brockhampton | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

An older man raises a steaming hot drink in a takeaway cup up to his mouth

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Eating and Shopping at Brockhampton

Find out the places you can rest and refuel or treat yourself to a pre-loved book to take home at Brockhampton. From classic favourites in the café to pre-loved stories in the second-hand bookshop, every penny spent in the café or shop helps us to look after Brockhampton for future generations.