Family Guide to Temple Newsam
Inspiration for your visit
Here are some activities that might capture the attention of your little ones during your visit to Temple Newsam:
- Pick an object and see if others can guess it by using yes and no questions only
- Strike a pose like the paintings and sculptures you see
- Count all the dogs in paintings. There are more than you think!
- Copy some of the animal noises on the farm
- Study an object 30 seconds. Close your eyes (no peeking!) – how much can you remember about it?
- When you get home draw or paint your favourite thing about your day out
Play
Discover our family play bays dotted throughout the house. Aimed at children aged 2-8 years, you’ll find these themed bays filled with things from books to building blocks, and even an eco-friendly dolls house. Each play bay has toys linked to the history of the house.
The family fun continues over at Home Farm with interactives which help children learn about the history of the farm whilst having fun. Whether you have a tractor mad toddler or not, you’re never too old to sit on a real-life tractor! Climb aboard, feel like a farmer for the day and capture some family photos.
No visit to the farm would be complete without a stop-off at the under 8’s playground, including swings, slides and games.
Discover
Discover Home Farm and learn how the original farming machinery worked, plus everyone’s favourite – meeting the animals including rare breedsheep and pigs.
In the House, experience what it was like to live in high society with dressing up boxes and themed trails. Follow Faith’s trail with a self-led guide to enlighten your trip with lots of fun facts and stories about the colourful characters of Temple Newsam.
Take a short walk to the lakeside and walled gardens with lots of lovely outdoor space and picnic spots. From May-June experience the bright and beautiful Rhododendron walk, during the summer months the walled garden springs into life and in autumn grab those wellies to find fungi in the woodland.
Explore
There are always extra activities on offer during the Leeds school holidays, from family fun crafts to special event days. The full programme can be found on our what's on page.
Extend your visit with one of our estate trails and make the most of the great outdoors. There are a variety of options available whether you’re after a short stroll of a full day out. Pick one up for free from the stable courtyard shop.
Essential information
We want your family to feel as comfortable as possible here, so below is some handy information if you’re visiting with babies or small children.
Bags and pushchairs
House
There are steps up to the main entrance, but you will find level access to the house via the South Terrace, head round the house towards the formal gardens and you’ll find the alternative entrance.
Unfortunately, we can’t allow buggies around the house, but you are welcome to leave them in the buggy park in the Great Hall. Hip carriers are available to borrow, please ask a member of staff and they will be happy to help.
Home Farm
Buckle up! Due to the historic nature of the farm, there are some uneven surfaces so a buggy ride can be quite bumpy. Alternatively, you are welcome to leave your buggies with our staff by the main entrance.
Toilets & baby changing
You’ll find toilet facilities throughout the estate, baby changing facilities are available in the stable courtyard toilets and in the accessible ladies toilet in the House on the ground floor.
The toilets in the house are also toddler friendly having the added bonus of child toilet seat and step to reach the sink.
Feeding
Please feel free to feed you baby where ever you feel most comfortable. We do not have any dedicated feeding areas, but we are a breastfeeding friendly venue. Our staff are there to assist you and will guide you to somewhere to sit comfortably.
Eat and shop
Temple Newsam's Tea Rooms offer a children’s menu including hot meals, light snacks and picnic boxes, which can be enjoyed inside or within the stable courtyard. There are plenty of highchairs available for our littlest visitors.
We are a breastfeeding friendly venue so please feel free to breastfeed wherever you feel comfortable doing so.
Across the courtyard pick-up some Northern Bloc ice cream from Mrs Pawson’s Shop and browse other local produce. Opposite, the gift shop sells a variety of traditional toys, games and keepsakes to remind you of your day out.
Picnic
Temple Newsam offers a picnic paradise! There’s so many options for lunch with a view, here’s some of our favourites, trust us we’ve tested them…
- The north lawn looking up at the beautiful house, this location offers a little shelter with a lawned area surrounded by hedging.
- In front of the studding house, here you get both views of the wonderful architecture of the house and opposite you can look ahead to the hills and woodland, you can even see the original avenue path into Temple Newsam.
- The walled garden is a beautifully sunny spot to set up camp and admire the wonderful flower displays as you take a breather
- The lake offers pretty views over the water and often offers some shade if it is a sunny day.
- If you fancy dining al fresco but haven't brought a picnic, visit the Tea Rooms to pick up food and drinks and find yourself a spot in the grounds.