Mapperton for Families
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Mapperton is one of Dorset’s hidden gems - a Jacobean manor house nestled in rolling countryside, with award-winning gardens, wild play areas and 500 acres of Wildlands to explore.
Wander the Italianate terraces, head out on a self-led safari through rewilded valleys, or spot butterflies, birds and deer as you follow nature trails across the estate.
Children can let off steam in the Beaver Play Area or discover the woodland-themed Lost Village, while grown-ups enjoy coffee, cake or a light lunch from the Coach House Café.
Whether it’s a peaceful stroll or a full day of adventure, Mapperton is a place to return to again and again - with something new to discover each season.
Mapperton Wildlings
Where young explorers roam free - enjoy a summer of nature, creativity and wild play.
This summer, Mapperton is inviting families to explore, discover and get creative with six weeks of themed activities across the gardens, Wildlands and play areas.
From forest trails and storytelling to sketching wildlife, scavenger hunts and postcards from the past - there’s something new to enjoy every week.
The best part? Children go free all summer with any adult ticket or membership. Plus, if you join us for 3 out of the 6 weeks, you’ll receive a free visit to see Father Christmas at Mapperton this winter.
Week 1: Art Week 27th - 31st July 2025
Let Mapperton be your muse
Grab a clipboard and coloured pencils from the Coach House, then head off to capture Mapperton’s creatures, trees and hidden corners through your own eyes.
Create your own Mapperton masterpiece and take part in our Summer Bunting Gallery - design a triangle flag to add to our growing line in the Coach House Cafe. At the end of summer, The Earl and Countess of Sandwich will pick their favourite to win a family season pass!
Week 2: Scavenger Week 3rd - 7th August 2025
Seek, find and create your own woodland world
Start at the Coach House and snap a photo of the scavenger sheet, then set off to explore Mapperton’s gardens and Lost Village play area.
Collect sticks, leaves, feathers and other natural treasures - then return to the Coach House to craft your own twig people or build tiny fairy houses.
Tuck your creation into the undergrowth, ready to welcome woodland creatures - or take it home to bring a little Mapperton magic to your garden.
Week 3: Mystery Week 10th - 14th August 2025
Solve the case of the missing tortoise
Something’s gone missing at Mapperton… Percy the tortoise has vanished, and we need your help to find him!
Start at the Coach House to collect your mystery map and clue sheet, then follow the trail through the gardens and Lost Village, where ten animal suspects are hiding with clues.
Can you crack the case and discover who took Percy? Return your answer to the Coach House to claim your prize!
Week 4: Story Week 17th - 21st August 2025
Wander, wonder, and write your own Mapperton tale
Start your day with a magical storytelling session in the gardens led by children’s author Lynda Stewart (check our website for times!.
Then grab a story sheet from the Coach House and set off to find a spot that sparks your imagination, then write or draw the beginnings of your very own Mapperton story.
Week 5: Nature Bingo Week 24th - 28th August 2025
Eyes on the wild
Pick up a bingo card from the Coach House, then set off on a nature hunt through the gardens and Wildlands.
How many animals can you spot? Buzzing bees, fluttering butterflies, birds in the trees - there’s something around every corner.
Tick off what you see and return your card for a Mapperton Wildlings sticker!
Back at the Coach House, take a break with nature-themed board games like Bird Bingo - perfect for a quiet moment or a bit of friendly competition.
Bonus: Can you guess which animal is the Earl and Countess of Sandwich’s favourite? Look for the clues along the trail!
Week 6: History Week 31st August - 4th September 2025
Step into Mapperton’s magical past
Pick up a time-traveller’s postcard from the Coach House - written by the 4th Earl of Sandwich himself (yes, the inventor of the sandwich!)
Each card reveals a curious moment from Mapperton’s past, with a challenge to complete or a question to ponder as you explore.
Then post your own message back through time using our Mapperton time box — what would you say to someone who lived here 300 years ago?
Families can also enjoy delicious treats and plenty of space to play.
The Coach House Cafe is open daily for tea, cake, light lunches, kids lunchboxes, and ice cream. Alongside our wild adventures, little ones can enjoy the Beaver Play Area, while older explorers head for the Lost Village.
No need to book - just turn up, pick up your activity from the Coach House, and make your own wild memories this summer.
EVENTS:
Mapperton Wildlings Summer (27th July – 4th September 2025): Six weeks of nature-themed children’s activities, crafts and trails — kids go free with adult tickets
Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night (16th July 2025): Open-air theatre on the Croquet Lawn, perfect for older children and teens.
For more information, please visit Mapperton House & Gardens.
