Family Summer Fun for Newtlings

Join us this summer from 24 July for a nature-filled adventure. From Forest School to hands-on experiences and creative workshops, there’s something for every young nature lover at The Newt.

Tickets and Information

Members

Entry to the gardens and our drop in workshops is included in your membership, some events will require pre-booking and others have an additional cost associated with them. Children (0-16 years) are free of charge if they are accompanied by an adult member.

See timetable below for details.

Buy Membership
Buy Guest Pass

Non-members

To book Newtlings activities, you will need a member to purchase an adult guest pass on your behalf, giving you access to the gardens. Children (0-16 years) gain free entry when accompanied by an adult member, or an adult with a Guest Pass.

See timetable below for details.

Play, learn & explore, Newtlings style

The return of our Summer Programme packed with children’s activities for all ages is set to make the holidays in Somerset more fun.

With school holidays stretching before us, now’s the time to scope out our growing summer programme. New, exciting and trusty experiences from a cheeky toad trail to tree climbing, falconry meet-and-greets and forest school offer respite for parents and a world of fun for children of all ages.

We’ve added Newtlings Shorts, family-friendly workshops, drop-in Friday storytelling, and a few surprise pop-up children’s activities along the way. Make a beeline for the top lawn for bubble wands, shadow art and more.

Explore what's on below.

Book Your Adventures

Dates through August

Forest School Holiday Club

Back for the Summer holidays, keep youngsters engaged and entertained come rain or shine at The Newt Forest School!

Sessions will run from 9am - 4pm on 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28 August £50 per person.

Book Now

Dates through August

Summer Tree Climbing

A safe and fun way to get closer to nature and enjoy trees from a new perspective. Test balance and coordination and have an adventure this summer!

Sessions run daily at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, on 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21 August £20 per person.

Book Now

Mondays through July & August

Creative Printmaking: Print & Make

An all-new 1-hour family workshop with celebrated printmaker Liz Clayton of Slow Sunday. From 9am – 4.30pm on 2, 16, 23, 30 August £20 per person

Booking link coming soon

New: Newt Shorts

Newtling Shorts are curious little offshoots of our much-loved Forest School — a brand-new offering brought to life by The Newt’s expert team. Choose between Bug Architects, perfect for budding entomologists and curious young minds alike, or Bug Architects, where you'll design and build your own bug hotel to take away with you.

Falconry Meet & Greets

Join our falconry expert and gamekeeper Jim on Thursdays through July and August (please check dates) from 1 - 2pm for a family-friendly meet-and-greet to get up close to awe-inspiring birds of prey.

This is a rare chance to come face-to-face with Jim’s majestic birds and encounter owls, kestrels, hawks and more. Designed for children and curious minds of all ages, you’ll learn about their lives, habits and experience the bond that develops between these fascinating birds and their trusted handler.

This will run on 24, 31 July & 7, 14, 21, 28 August

Included in Membership. No booking required.

Summer Trail

This summer, our garden trail leaps to life as the cheeky characters from our children’s book, ‘The Spitting Toads’, can be found hiding around the estate

Newtling adventurers are invited to step into the story and set off with an illustrated map to seek the hidden characters around the estate. Along the way, they’ll complete silly quests, solve clues and play a game of ‘spot the difference’ to complete their sticker sheets and bring the joyful tale to life.

For super-spotters and return adventurers, bonus questions and secret spots will keep things fresh all summer long. Be sure to pick up a copy of the book in the House & Garden shop or online for bedtime reading at home, and keep an eye out for our new Spitting Toads colouring book, coming soon.

Daily from 24 July – 1 September. Included in Membership. No booking required. Pick up your trail card on arrival at The Threshing Barn.

Tales In The Garden

Join education leader Martha for drop-in lunchtime storytelling sessions tucked away in magical corners around the estate.

These intimate storytelling sessions offer a gentle escape from the buzz of the day. Each session will feature a different storybook, carefully chosen to inspire and delight young listeners. With soft blankets, cosy cushions, and nature all around, we will create a warm, welcoming space where imaginations can soar, and families can slow down and reconnect.

Simply ask at the Threshing Barn for details of the story and location on the day.