‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’
Have fun exploring nature and the great outdoors with our list of ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’.
Let the adventures begin! Explore a moated castle, discover hidden paths and natural play areas, take a walk over the estate or get involved with a packed programme of family-friendly events and activities.
Sometimes everyone just needs to get out of the house to blow away the cobwebs. Here are some ideas for activities you can do with your family this spring and summer at Scotney Castle. Do book your car parking in advance to guarantee entry to the site, but there's no need to book for the trails.
Have an outdoor adventure out on the estate, spotting sheep, counting the chocolate brown Sussex cattle and seeing all the diffent colours of the spring flowers. Or why not make a camp in the ancient woodland? The estate's blue route is buggy friendly but the ground is still quite wet and muddy at this time of year so, for a shorter, drier option, you can always explore the garden instead with its hard-surface paths and hidden walkways - perfect for a game of hide and seek. Finish off with a creamy marshmallow-topped hot chocolate or a delicious ice-cream from the tea-room or kiosk and you'll have very happy little explorers.
Discover what 10 pairs of underpants, Grandma's false teeth, burnt broccoli, a rubber chicken, a beloved acorn and the complete works of Charles Dickens have in common this half-term at Scotney Castle ...
Create your own story-time classic with our summer half-term trail. Pick up a trail booklet from Visitor Entrance, find the numbered dials around the garden and spin your way to creating your very own very own classic story-time adventure. Once you've finished share your masterpiece with the team in the shop and collect your crayons to colour in the pictures and add your own.
This family-friendly trail costs £3 and is very suitable for 4-10 year olds.
There's no need to book for the trail but do book your car parking well in advance to guarantee entry to the property. For more details visit Half-term trail: 'The Scotney Story Book' (25 May-2 June) | National Trust
Roll up, roll up!
Get ready for fun family-freindly days out this summer with great Big Top-themed games and activities which are included in your entry. Little ones and big ones alike can test their stilt-walking skills, try their hand at juggling, plate-spinning and diablo, conquer the ring of fire and balance your way safely across shark-infested waters. Whatever the ages there'll be lots of activities to enjoy.
More details at 'Big Top, Big Fun' Summer of Play (27 July–1 September) | National Trust
Pack up a picnic and treat the children with a trip to experience the joy of open air theatre this summer. Two of Scotney's four productions are aimed at younger audiences, the nail-biting tail of the hapless Jemima Puddleduck and family favourite, Great Expectations. Older children might also enjoy Shakespeare's classic tale of Henry V.
Click the links above for details of individual show times and ticket prices.
The Badger and Pepper play area, complete with mud kitchen, ball run, play house, toddler swing and natural drum kit, is a perfect place for younger children to let off steam. You'll find it in the main garden, half-way down the hill on the right-hand side.
Here are just a few of the ideas from the list ...
Why not check out the full list here?
Have fun exploring nature and the great outdoors with our list of ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’.