Over half term we visited The Vyne, which is a beautiful Grade 1 listed house in Hampshire. The house developed over time and sits in a beautiful landscaped garden.

Exploring The Vyne with kids (and a dog)

The kids had a two week half term, so we found that most Halloween activities were over by the time we went away. However when we arrived at The Vyne we found they were running two activities: a Witch’s Recipe Trail and an autumn leaves colour wheel. We picked up both from the ticket booth and set off to explore The Vyne.

Unfortunately the house was closed but luckily the gardens and grounds were huge and kept us busy. My daughter enjoyed the Witch’s Recipe Trail, which was a trail to follow with clues. When the answer was collected from each question on the trail it made a short poem. The clues were hidden around the grounds and were a great way to explore the pretty walled garden, the cafe and gift shop.

There was lots to see at The Vyne and we loved the pretty walled garden with the restored glasshouses. We walked down the ancient lime avenue.

This led to a 17th century summerhouse. which may have been one of the first in the country.

We stopped for lunch in the pretty cafe which was once the brewhouse for the estate, then carried on our walk around the outside of the house. The leaves were changing colour and we all enjoyed our walk along the river to the bird hide.

Little Sis completed the Witch’s Recipe Trail and was rewarded with some chocolate which made her happy. We also got our Pooch Passport stamped. The Vyne is very dog-friendly and our little pup was allowed everywhere, even inside the cafe and shop.

We can’t wait to go back and explore the house one day but we loved our trip to The Vyne.