Half-term fun

This May half-term, Goodwood Art Foundation will hum with nature discovery for all the family, from birdsong walks to soil discovery, sun-printing to mammal surveys.

Richard Grindy, director of Goodwood Art Foundation, said: “Our 70-acre natural landscape provides an ideal space for families – including their four-legged friends – to roam at their own pace, whilst activating their imaginations through encounters with incredible art. This half term, our relaxed family activities focus on the wealth of flora and fauna in our grounds which are of vital importance to our mission to foster wellbeing through connection with art and nature.

“Families can become nature detectives as they explore the Foundation’s woodland, meadows and wooded glades. Picking up wildlife surveys, they can spot birds in the trees, look for insects among the grass and see what signs of life can be found in different habitats. These simple, hands-on activities are a great way for children and their grown-ups to slow down, get curious and connect more deeply with the natural landscape, and will be running every open day during half term week (the Foundation is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays).

“Drop-in free activities including clay hedgehog-making and sun-printing will be available in the Foundation’s stunning Learning Hub – a beautiful tipi nestled amongst the trees – and the reading nook will be well-stocked with a selection of art and nature themed books to explore together.

“A dedicated Family Nature Discovery Day takes place on Thursday 28 May is, when families can spend the day exploring wildlife, habitats and the hidden systems that shape natural landscapes through relaxed drop-in activities for all ages. There will be bee-hive introductions, small mammal survey walks, nature-inspired art activities, soil discovery sessions and seasonal strolls through the landscape with the experienced gardening team. “Throughout the day, children can also take part in Big Nature Count, borrowing binoculars and spotting birds, insects and other wildlife across woodland and meadow trails. All activities are free with adult admission or membership.

“For the early-risers, a Family Bird Song Walk will take place led by Goodwood Estate’s Natural Landscape Manager ‘Noz’, offering a journey of discovery from 8-10am. Listening for their songs, families can discover the birds that call the woods and meadows home and learn to spot different species while exploring the habitats they live in, hearing stories along the way. This event for children and grown-ups includes a hot drink and breakfast pastry, and costs £5 per person (plus standard admission charges for non-members).

“Throughout the half-term holiday, the Foundation’s School in Residence exhibition in the Learning Hub showcases an installation of artwork created by Year 7 pupils from Chichester High School.

“As always, under 18s are free at Goodwood Art Foundation when accompanied by a paying adult (£15). A membership is a great way for families to have regular access to the Foundation’s grounds and family activities during school holidays – the perfect way to get all generations outdoors. A children’s menu serving organic and locally sourced produce can be enjoyed in the restaurant, 24, ensuring full bellies and happy children all round.”

To book online visit: https://www.goodwoodartfoundation.org/families/

Goodwood Art Foundation is a new not-for-profit destination for contemporary art in the UK, that opened in May 2025. Work by the very best international artists shows in the galleries and across the 70-acre wooded landscape, and in 2026 a multi-artform events programme will launch, marked by a world premiere with musician Nabihah Iqbal.

Art, landscape and learning are the three pillars at the centre of the Foundation’s ethos. Its vision is to foster wellbeing, creativity and lifelong learning for all, through engagement with art and connection with nature. The Foundation’s art programme is led by consultant curator Ann Gallagher, previously Director of Collections, British Art, at Tate.

The landscape, named Schwarzman Gardens, has been devised by renowned landscape designer Dan Pearson. A carefully structured creative learning programme with a focus on pupil mental health and wellbeing has been devised by Sally Bacon, a writer and consultant with a career in championing cultural learning across the education and arts sector. 

The Foundation’s restaurant, 24, is led by Head Chef Harry Cartwright. Nestled in the trees with panoramic views towards the Sussex coastline, 24 offers a small plates menu inspired by the surrounding landscape and showcasing seasonal ingredients alongside organic produce from Goodwood’s Home Farm. Situated on the Goodwood Estate in West Sussex, the Foundation builds on the Estate’s long history of supporting art and delivering world-class visitor experiences.