Family fun at Croft Castle

A family sitting on a bench under a tent-like structure weaved out of willow in the walled garden. — Fun at Croft Castle and Parkland | © National Trust Images / James Dobson

Are you ready for autumn colour adventures? Here are just a few suggestions of how you can spend a fun-filled family day out in the 1500 acre estate including two play areas at Croft Castle.

Illuminate 2024

Explore the wonder of the illuminated outdoors around the castle and gardens, gothic arch and the church and look for the special sparkle of our ancient trees lit up for our Christmas winter light show. Go indoors to see the castle dressed for Christmas and join us each evening for a varied programme of activity including fire performers, musicians, storytellers, choirs, and glow games for families.

After you've explored the castle and gardens, don't forget to grab a bite to eat! We will be joined by external caterers each evening, in addition to the tea-rooms serving some festive snacks and warming mulled wine.

Illuminate will be running from 6pm to 9pm on the following dates:

Friday 22 November, Saturday 23 November, Thusday 28 November, Friday 29 November, Saturday 30 November, Thursday 5 December, Friday 6 December, Saturday 7 December

Book your 2024 tickets

Booking is essential. You will need to book one ticket per person in your group (including children over 5).

Ticket prices: £6 per adult, plus normal admission. £3 per child, plus normal admission. Under 5's free.

Full information and daily programme here

Book your tickets

Family-friendly things to do in the parkland

50 things to do before you’re 11¾

Get your kids closer to nature with ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’. There are plenty of outdoor activities to do all year round, from watching the sunset to creating some wild art. Why not download a copy of the '50 things' guide to bring along with you? There are 50 activities to try as a family outdoors which can be used over and over again.

Play areas

There are two play areas at Croft, the mini-castle play area which is situated just outside the Carpenter’s tea-room and suitable for younger children to run, jump and climb around as they pretend to be the king of the castle. Families can also run wild in our natural play area, complete with stepping logs, a den building area, rope swing and giant noughts and crosses.

All Events at Croft Castle

Two children and one adult with a ranger hunting for bugs on Wildlife Explorer Day at Ormesby Hall, North Yorkshire — Explore the ancient woodland at Croft Castle | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Family walks

There are several walks which run through the 1500-acre estate. Families with younger children may wish to explore the newly revived Fishpool Valley where water cascades through the woods from pool-to-pool. Older children may enjoy the challenge of trekking up Croft Ambrey, an Iron Age hillfort, to enjoy the wonderful 360˚ views at the top.

Family friendly things to do in the castle and garden

Step back in time inside the castle and have a go at spotting trails during the school holidays. Our volunteers can show you some of the fascinating objects we look after.

Don't forget to explore the gardens, including the homely walled garden, and see who's checked into the giant bug hotel. Spot every colour of the rainbow in the beautiful flower beds and see if you can find bees and butterflies feasting on the nectar of flowers.

This is the perfect spot for a picnic or to enjoy your takeaway snacks from the Carpenter's tea-room, including hot snacks and drinks to warm you up after you've explored the parkland and gardens.

Facilities

Baby-change facilities can be found in the disabled toilet near the tea-room. Please ask at the tea-room for the key. Breast feeding is welcome anywhere you feel comfortable, or if you'd like a little privacy, please ask.

There's lots to choose from for your little ones in the cosy Carpenter's tea-room, with smaller portions and high chairs also available.