Summer holidays are here!

Stuck for activity ideas for the long summer holiday? Take a family trip to Orleans House Gallery with its beautiful riverside location, woodland surroundings and rich history.

This summer the gallery is hosting ‘Mirror, Shape, Play’ - a free, fun & sensory child-inspired exhibition from Unitlab. It is perfect for 3-8 year olds although all are welcome (and our own 10 & 11 year olds certainly enjoyed their visit)!

Dedicated relaxed sessions are also available, designed to be accessible and comfortable for disabled and neuro-divergent children.

The gallery are also running wonderful ‘Families in the Forest’ guided nature walks in the grounds around us during August 🌲🐞 🌳. As with Mirror, Shape, Play this is designed for 3-8 year olds but all ages are welcome.

You’ll also find Orleans House’s regular Playnation (including a special Dance series for the holidays) and Curious Tots activity sessions running throughout August.

When hunger strikes no need to pack a picnic as we’ll be waiting for your here at The Stables Café with delicious dishes for everyone, plenty of high-chairs, a box of books to entertain and baby changing just across the Courtyard. Kids love our mini pizzas & pasta bowls with home-made sauces and the simple yet tasty toasties will let you off picnic-making duties without breaking the bank. Wash it down with Pip! Organic juices and when it comes to pud how about a Jude’s Ice Cream or Lolly.

🍒 The final cherry on the cake might be the traditional play-park next door to Orleans House, where little ones can run wild and release the last of their energy for the day. Just a hop-skip from the gallery gates, it is shaded by majestically tall trees and has views of the river and Ham House for the grown ups to enjoy, perhaps with one of our delicious barista coffees to-go 😉

⏰ Orleans House Gallery is open Tuesday-Sunday whilst our Stable doors open daily from 9am-5pm, with kitchen to 4pm.

📝 💻 Book ahead at orleanshousegallery.org.uk for all featured activities above - but bear in mind that spontaneous visitors can still enjoy one of two lovely self-guided family trails. Find out more online or ask for details at reception.

🚂 The gallery has a small car park but to help those who really need to drive we do recommend public transport if you can. Our nearest stations are Twickenham or St. Margaret’s.

Happy holidays all and we look forward to welcoming you soon!