Visiting Packwood House with Children
Packwood House is a Tudor house cared for by the National Trust in Lapworth, Warwickshire, a short drive from Solihull and Warwick. With its timber-framed house, its famous yew garden and open parkland, it makes a good family day out, and it's easy to combine house, gardens and a walk in one visit. Here's how to make the most of it with children.
The house
The house dates from the Tudor period and was restored and furnished in the twentieth century, so it has the feel of a lived-in home full of tapestries, furniture and interesting objects. With young children, a visit inside is usually best kept fairly short and focused.
- Turn it into a game. Historic houses often run trails or spotting activities for children in the school holidays. Ask on arrival whether anything is running. If not, make up your own: count the fireplaces, spot animals in the tapestries or find the oldest-looking clock.
- Talk to the room guides. Volunteers often have stories that bring a room to life and are usually happy to pitch them at children.
- Agree the rules first. Explain before you go in that there's no touching, no running and quiet voices, then keep the visit short enough that children can manage it.
- Buggies and bags. Many historic houses have rules about pushchairs and large bags indoors, so a baby carrier can be handy. Check the property's current access information before you visit.
The yew garden
Packwood's best-known feature is its yew garden, with dozens of large clipped yew trees. Tradition holds that the planting represents the Sermon on the Mount, with a raised mound at one end. Children tend to love it: the towering, oddly shaped trees make it feel like a maze, and it's perfect for gentle games of hide and seek. Keep younger children in sight, as it's easy to lose each other among the trees, and remind them not to climb the yews or the mound's hedges.
Gardens and parkland
Beyond the yew garden there are formal gardens, colourful borders and walled areas to explore, plus a kitchen garden in season. Children who enjoy growing things can spot fruit and vegetables and talk about what's being grown at that time of year.
Outside the gardens, the wider estate has parkland, a lake and woodland paths, which give children room to run after the quieter time indoors. In spring, look out for flowers in the woods; in autumn, collect leaves and conkers. Paths can be muddy after rain, so wellies or sturdy shoes are a good idea.
Practical tips for families
- Check before you go. Opening days and times, entry arrangements and prices change through the year, and parts of the property may close for conservation or events. See the National Trust's Packwood House page for current details.
- Membership. If you visit National Trust places often, a family membership can work out good value. Members usually need to show their cards on entry.
- Dogs. Dogs are generally not allowed inside historic houses, and rules for gardens and parkland vary by property and season. Check the dog policy before you bring yours.
- Food. Check what café or refreshment facilities are open on the day, or bring a picnic for the parkland.
- Pack for the outdoors. Layers, waterproofs, snacks and wipes make a garden-and-walk day much more comfortable.
- Nearby. Baddesley Clinton, another National Trust property, is close by if you want to make a weekend of it.
A relaxed day out
Packwood House works well for families because you can mix a short look at a Tudor interior with plenty of outdoor space. Keep the house visit brief, let children explore the yew garden and finish with a walk in the parkland. For more ideas to keep children busy on days out and holidays, see our guide to holiday activities for kids.