Family-friendly things to do at Nunnington Hall

Young children running down avenue at Nunnington Hall — Come and enjoy a family day out at Nunnington Hall | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

There's plenty for all of the family to do on a visit to Nunnington Hall. From art exhibitions to games, crafts and more, including our Lion's Den play area. Visit during half term for extra activities for the kids to enjoy.

Planning your family visit

Here's all the information you need at a glance, to help plan your next day out to Nunnington Hall:

Baby-changing facilities are available on the first floor
Pushchairs can't enter the house, so you will need to leave them outside the hall or return them to the car
Picnics are welcome in the garden.

Storm the Castle - October half-term activities

Saturday 26 October – Friday 1 November

This October half-term dive back 380 years in history to the time of the English Civil War, when roundhead soldiers lived at Nunnington Hall. Train up to become a soldier with family games such as archery and hobby-horse races, or become a spy for the royalist side by cracking the secret message in a codebreaker trail.

Inside the house, children can enjoy playing with the shadow puppet theatre and the civil war themed crafts available.

With a host of children’s activities to choose from, this is a fun day out for all the family!

Storm the Castle is on at Nunnington daily between Saturday 26 October – Friday 1 November from 10.30am – 5pm with last entry at 4.15pm. Normal admission applies to access the house, gardens and all activities. Free entry for National Trust members and under fives.

Living history weekend with the Sealed Knot

Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 November

For one weekend only, join re-enactment society the Sealed Knot as they turn Nunnington Hall’s grounds into an English Civil War encampment.

Families can try on armour, chat to costumed reenactors and watch showstopping musket drills happening throughout the day. Experience history at its most immersive, in this unmissable weekend!

No booking required. Normal admission applies with free entry for National Trust members and under fives.

Christmas at Nunnington

Friday 22 November to Sunday 15 December

Get ready for Christmas this year with a visit to festively decorated Nunnington Hall.

Explore the house and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Christmas traditions. There'll be carol singing every Sunday and two festive evenings to come and enjoy, when the candles glow and the decorations look truly enchanting. Find out more.

Follow the link to find out more about our events and activities at Nunnington Hall throughout the year: What's on at Nunnington Hall

Children enjoying Lion's Den play area at Nunnington Hall — Enjoy the children's Lion's Den play area at Nunnington Hall this autumn | © National Trust Images/James Beck

Family-friendly things to do

Things to do when it rains

For the inevitable rainy days, there is plenty to see and do indoors at Nunnington Hall. Next to the exhibition space on the top floor there are colouring in activities for children, as well as a childrens second-hand bookshop.

Elsewhere in the hall, children can dress up as evacuees and learn about the history of Nunnington Hall during World War Two. Then there's the impressive Oak Hall, the Carlisle Collection of miniature rooms and, of course, the quintessential tea-room in the old dining room offering table service.

The Lion's Den play area

Enter the Lion's Den play area where little explorers can climb up, over, and wobble along a natural obstacle course. There are tree stump steps to jump across, a rope bridge to climb across as well as a wooden climbing frame to conquer. There's also a picnic bench for mums, dads, or grandparents to sit and have a rest whilst your little ones burn off some energy.

Bird watching and observation area

Come and see how we garden organically at Nunnington. We've got our compost beds up here so you can see how we break down our waste to reuse around the garden. Help us by feeding your food waste to the RolyPig. Wander along the path to our bird watching area - see if you can spot some of our resident feathered friends. Use the chalk board to write down and tell us what you've seen.

Children enjoying dressing up in 1940s costumes in the west bedroom at Nunnington Hall — Children can enjoy dressing up in the west bedroom | © James Beck

50 things to do before you’re 11¾ at Nunnington Hall

Let the adventure continue and tick off some items from the ‘50 things’ activity list. Here's a few suggestions to get you started:

No. 1 Get to know a tree: Head to the orchards and admire our blossoming trees. Which will be your favourite?
No. 33 Go cloud watching: Lie back on the lawn and watch the clouds go by. What shapes can you spot?
No. 36 Make a home for wildlife: Be inspired by the bug hotel and hedgehog house in the garden - could you help animals in your garden or local area?
No. 44 Watch a bird: Head to the cutting garden and take a peep through the bamboo bird hide to see what you might find. Birds can be easily scared, so be as quiet as a mouse and watch them fly in to feed. You might also spot a frog or newt swimming in the pond.