Summer sorted with the National Trust's Summer of Play sponsored by Starling Bank

• Discover a world of adventure and play at over a 170 National Trust places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland this summer
• Mazes, den-building and pop-up sports days
• Music, performance and immersive storytelling
• No need to pre-book
• Summer of Play activities included within standard admission/FREE for National Trust members/guests of National Trust holiday cottages

Sponsored by Starling Bank the National Trust's Summer of Play invites families to experience Trust places in new and exciting ways.

Taking place over the summer school holidays and set against the backdrop of the National Trust's historic houses and beautiful gardens Summer of Play activities will have a family-festival feel.  

Designated areas will be jam-packed with outdoor games and experiences. Let imaginations run wild with role play and mini stages, unlock limitless possibilities to design and build with construction zones, make art and music with nature's materials, or slip away to a cosy book nook.

Give new (and old) sports a go with games including croquet, tennis and cricket. Get competitive with tug of war and egg and spoon races. Or, put your skills to the test with den building and mazes.

Designed with families in mind Summer of Play activities will be dotted around National Trust sites, so there'll be plenty of space to enjoy the games and activities as well as picnicking spots, shady rest areas and of course, toilets, cafes and pop-up kiosks offering refreshing food and drink.

Jo Killeya the National Trust's Head of Experience Development said “National Trust houses and gardens are places that have inspired and sparked imaginations for centuries and with that in mind we can't wait to invite families to let their imaginations run wild this summer.

“Take Chirk Castle in Wrexham and Castle Ward in Co. Down where the ingenious teams have created a straw bale fortress and 'Castle Straw Maze'. Or, the magical sounding Garden of Imagination at Calke Abbey in Derbyshire, where a secret door leads to den building and music-making. At Buckland Abbey, Devon families can immerse themselves in all things Tudor, with costumes, role play and even a mini stage to perform on.”

Rachel Kerrone, Director of Brand and Marketing, at Starling Bank said “We're delighted to be sponsoring the National Trust's Summer of Play. Our three-year partnership is all about helping the conservation charity reach more people and increase access to nature, beauty and history. Summer of Play is a great introduction to the work the Trust does, and we can't wait to see the thousands of families enjoying the activities on offer.”

Over 170 National Trust places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be hosting Summer of Play activities, sponsored by Starling Bank. With 14 extra-special play hubs offering additional events, activities and experiences.

For more information on activities taking place on each day of the summer holidays visit nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/family-friendly

Chirk Castle, Wrexham

• Summer of Play, 22 July– 3 September
• Straw Bale Castle with four unique play zones 22 July– 3 September
• Costume and roleplay, sensory and construction zones
• Led Archery Sessions with Blaidd Field Archers (29–30 July and 26–28 August)
• Led Fencing Sessions (19–20 August)

With far-reaching views over the Cheshire and Shropshire plains, 480 acres of working farmland and 4.5 acres of award-winning gardens, Chirk's estate makes for a stunning backdrop to the perfect summer adventure. Near to Home Farm, an 18th century model farm which now houses the Ticket Office, Shop, Bookshop and Kiosk, Chirk's new summer experience awaits with a Medieval twist. Get ready to jump, climb, run and skip through bales, because this year the centrepiece of Chirk Castle's Summer of Play is a huge straw bale castle. Within the straw fortress lies four unique play zones where you can discover different ways to play, be active, engage your senses and have fun. Get close to nature as you build dens and try your balance along an obstacle course, then use your imagination to transport yourself back to Medieval Chirk through costume and roleplay. Let your creativity flow and take a moment to relax in the sensory zone, before trying your hand at building your very own fortress in the construction zone. No visit would be complete without an exploration of the Medieval castle itself, with stunning gardens, preserved dungeons and state rooms fit for a king. There's something for everyone this summer at Chirk Castle.

Normal admission charges apply/free for National Trust members

No additional event charges

Stay: Chirk Home Farm Cottage, stay in the grounds of 700-year-old Chirk Castle in this pretty stone cottage. It sits just a few hundred metres from the castle in its own enclosed garden. Inside reveals a bright and airy interior with room for four people and two dogs.

Castle Ward, County Down

• Summer of Play presents World of Exploration, 8 July–3 September
• Castle Straw Maze with surprises and challenges at every turn
• Owl Barn historical hub of play
• Mud kitchen, music area, sports day activities and den building

Experience the ultimate summer adventure at Castle Ward's Summer of Play event, World of Exploration. Explore Castle Ward and learn more about this place and the world we live in through games and activities. Adventure calls and Castle Straw Maze awaits, cross the drawbridge and enter a world of wonder where you'll wander through castle walls and embark on an exciting journey. Discover surprises and challenges at every twist and turn of the maze, from testing your archery skills to perfecting your balance. And don't forget to ring the bell at the end to claim the title of king or queen of the castle! For the bravest explorers, climb the wicker castle and explore the uncharted territory. This is an experience like no other, so let your kids be the first to blaze a trail and unlock the wonder that awaits within the Castle Straw Maze. But the fun doesn't stop there. The Barn has been transformed into a historical hub of play, where kids can learn about the fascinating world of Castle Ward's past while immersing themselves in a variety of engaging activities. Discover the Mud Kitchen and pretend to be a 19th century cook, stirring up delicious treats with spoons and bowls. Create your own melodies in the Music Area with dancing ribbons and traditional instruments, or take on classic outdoor board games like tic-tac-toe, dominoes, and Jenga. Experience history first-hand with Sports Day activities such as tug of war, egg and spoon races, hula hoops, and bean bag games. And for the more adventurous, the Den Building kit provides everything you need to build your own natural shelter. The Textile Dress Up Area offers an enchanting experience where you can try your hand at traditional crafts such as threading and weaving while learning about the fascinating history of textiles. The Barn will be decorated with historical facts, including photographs of the old estate, its buildings, tenants, and the Ward family, creating a truly immersive experience for the whole family. Don't miss out on this opportunity to create unforgettable memories with your family, learn about the past while having a blast this summer at Castle Ward.

Normal admission charges apply/free for National Trust members

No additional event chargesStay: Sitting in the farmyard at Castle Ward, Potter's Cottage (sleeping four) is a dog-friendly, stone cottage with Strangford Lough and miles of footpaths on the doorstep. Castle Ward's caravan park offers accommodation for tents, campervans, caravans, motorhomes and pods can be hired too.

Calke Abbey, Derbyshire

• Summer of Play presents the Garden of Imagination, 8 July–3 September
• Mazes, den building, music making
• Calke Explore, natural play area, cycle hire, walking trails, car park, toilets, Changing Places facility and refreshments kiosk also available

This summer, families can join the characters of Calke and discover a world of adventure and play across the historic parkland and gardens. Try your hand at traditional games in the Stableyards or unleash your imagination in the Garden of Imagination, which returns to the Walled Kitchen Garden. Go wild in the natural play area at Calke Explore or hire a bike for a bigger adventure on the Tramway Trail. For those a little wobbly on the pedals, book onto a cycling lesson, or have a go at a balance bike course on select days. Inside the seemingly abandoned Baroque house, discover a vast collection ranging from an elaborate state bed to a large crocodile skull, before following the twists and turns of the tunnels to exit and emerge in the summer sun.

Normal admission charges apply/free for National Trust members

No additional event charges

Stay: Southwood House Farm, perfect get-together pad with seven bedrooms, a large garden and miles of parkland walks. Or, for smaller gatherings Thatch Cottage sleeps six and is a beautifully restored thatched cottage with a modern rustic interior.

Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire

• Summer of Play, 22 July–5 September
• Play Field with outdoor games, mini stage and straw bale maze
• Natural play area, discovery centre and bike hire and trails also available

Carved out of the ancient forest of Sherwood, Clumber Park is a place of pleasure and playfulness on a grand scale. This year Clumber Park invites you to re-charge, unwind and make treasured memories at Clumber's Summer of Play. The Play Field will be the centre for family fun, with plenty of opportunities to challenge one another with outdoor games, build something together using natural materials or act out your imagination on the mini stage. Conquer the straw bale maze and when it's time to relax, grab an ice cream and take it easy in the deck chairs and hammocks in the shaded picnic space. Once a ducal estate, Clumber Park has 3,800 acres to enjoy and explore. Whether you want to picnic by the lake, cycle through the forest or take your dog for a run around one of the many green spaces, you will be surrounded by nature, history and beauty.

Normal admission charges apply/free for National Trust members

No additional event charges

Stay: Tucked away in the heart of Clumber Park, between the walled garden and the cricket ground, Kitchen Garden Cottage (sleeps 4 + 1 dog) is the perfect base to explore this country estate.

Croome, Worcestershire

• Summer of Play, 26 July - 3 September

Entertain the kids all summer long with Croome's Summer of Play. The grand Palladian House surrounded by wide open garden and parkland, historical buildings, lakeside walks, shaded woodland walks, wildflower meadows, large café and plenty of picnic spots, as well as a full calendar of activities, makes Croome a great place to meet up with family and friends this summer. The kids can explore every side of their personality with a wide range of activities at Croome. They could be at their most extrovert in the performance play area on a festival inspired stage, explore their creative energy with nature craft activities and think about their wellbeing with chill out yoga, forest bathing and meditative play. Croome's theme of Looking Closely, especially at birds, will be a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to think about nature and habitats. Sit in the giant bird's nest in the natural play space and seek out foraged materials in the surrounding area and have a go at building your own bird's nest. Look closely at birds with two exhibitions in the House including highly detailed wood block prints in 'A History of British Birds' by eighteenth century artist Thomas Bewick, and giant paper mâché bird heads in A Conference for the Birds by contemporary artist Marcus Coates. From burning off energy with energetic and creative play, sensory bags to help with access, contemplative chill out activities, perfect picnic spots and opportunities to think about art and nature, will Croome be the family's favourite place this summer?

Normal admission charges apply/free for National Trust members

No additional event charges

Attingham Park, Shropshire

• Summer of Play presents Summer of Gold, 29 July–3 September
• Den building, natural balance beams, mini stage, drop-in yoga
• 'Fort Attingham', a huge straw bale fort
• Hammocks in the Whispering Wood

This year Attingham's seven-acre Field of Play is being taken over with a festival feel with the 'Summer of Gold'. With an ever-changing calendar of activities throughout the summer, there is always lots to do including building a den or a natural balance beam course, getting active with games designed in partnership with Shrewsbury Town in the Community, jumping on the stage and acting out your favourite line or taking part in some family friendly drop-in yoga sessions under the big top. If it all gets a bit much, take some time out relaxing in a hammock in the 'Whispering Woods' and let the sound of the birds and the calm of the trees settle you down.  After last year's success the giant straw bales are returning for 'Fort Attingham', a huge straw bale fort perfect for games of tag, hide and seek, king of the Castle and just letting off steam. Who will rule the roost this year? If this isn't enough for a great day out, Attingham has everything you need for a summer adventure: with wide open parkland roamed by fallow deer, streams flowing alongside cool woodland paths, a Wall Garden overflowing with growing produce and flowers and a Regency Mansion full of history and stories to investigate. Top it off with a picnic under the dappled light of the apple trees in the orchard or in front of the Mansion where you can play a game of croquet, and it makes for a perfect summer day.

Normal admission charges apply/free for National Trust members

No additional event charges

Stay: There are five newly-converted barns on the quiet northern part of the Attingham Estate, Tern Barn (sleeps 4 + 2 dogs), Canal Barn (sleeps 4 + 2 dogs), Forge Barn (sleeps 4 + 2 dogs), Smethcote Barn (sleeps 4) and Severn Barn (sleeps 5 + 2 dogs).

Ickworth, Suffolk

• Summer of Play, 22 July–5 September
• Build your own summer house, perform on a mini stage
• Maze and sensory garden
• Adventure play area, cycle hub and multi-use trails also available

Ickworth is an Italianate Palace in the heart of an ancient deer park. Formal gardens, pleasure grounds, rolling Suffolk landscape and woodlands invite gentle strolls or long walks, runs, bike rides and picnics. Endless possibilities to play await you at Ickworth Estate this summer. Head to the 'Play' Garden and you'll find lots of activities to fill the long summer days. With your support, we're restoring the 1st Earl's Summer House, one of the oldest buildings on the estate. You'll have the chance to get creative as you build your own summer house and perform on the summer house stage overlooking the stunning canal lake. With many different activities, you can lose track of time weaving through wild mazes or immersing yourself in the sensory garden.

Normal admission charges apply/free for National Trust members

No additional event charges

Stay: Take your pick from a Victorian farmhouse Ickworth Keeper's Cottage (sleeps 8), a Victorian semi-detached cottage Carpenter's Cottage (sleeps 4), Ickworth Gardens House (sleeps 6) once lived in by the head gardener, a mini-rotunda tucked away near Fairly Lake The Round House (sleeps 6) and a characterful Georgian cottage Horringer Park Gates (sleeps 4).

Buckland Abbey, Devon

• Summer of Play 21 July – 3 September
• Tudor sports, role play, dressing up and mini stage
• Elizabethan Weekend, 22–23 July, Tudor games, Falconry displays and demonstrations of Tudor life including cooking

There is plenty to discover at Buckland Abbey and this summer there will be even more to explore as you enter a Tudor themed Summer of Play. From the 22 July you will be able to immerse yourself in Tudor and nature themed activities across the gardens and inside the Great Barn and Abbey. Designed to give everyone a chance to access the past there will be Tudor sports, an opportunity to act and dance Elizabethan style on the mini stage and be inspired by Tudor cooking in the sand kitchen on the Abbey lawn. Visitors can pop to the Abbey for a peaceful moment and visit the 'book nook' where they can read a story, create their own or listen to a storyteller. We'll be kicking things off with an Elizabethan Weekend on 22 and 23 July which will host Tudor games, Falconry displays and demonstrations of Tudor life including cooking. While inside the Abbey follow over 700 years of footsteps; from the Cistercians who built the Abbey and farmed the estate, to seafarers Grenville and Drake who changed the shape of the house and the fate of the country.

Normal admission charges apply/free for National Trust members

No additional event charges

Stay: Cider Cottage (sleeps 4), tucked away on the Buckland Abbey estate with its own private garden and a bright interior.

Stourhead, Wiltshire

• Summer of Play, play meadow, 22 July–3 September
• Dens to hide in, obstacle challenges, puppet theatre
• Summer crafts: On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays each week (from 22 July–3 September), 10.30-15.00, you can join volunteer led arts and crafts

Stourhead is a world-famous landscape garden and a real family adventure. The twists and turns of the garden paths offer views of what is to come later in your visit. The summer play meadow is the perfect spot for families to play and picnic, with opportunities for parents and children to run free and enjoy time together. There will be lots to challenge young and old alike with active and creative play to enjoy. From putting on a show in a puppet theatre, to creating wild music, outdoor games and for those more adventurous, there's an obstacle course to experience.

Normal admission charges apply/free for National Trust members

No additional event charges

Stay: 89 Church Lawn (sleeps 7) has the world-famous garden on the doorstep.

Polesden Lacey, Surrey

• Summer of Play, 15 July–31 August
• Drop-in sports, games and activities
• Nature inspired arts and crafts, including flower crowns
• New, natural play area made using wood from the Polesden Lacey estate now open

A country retreat, only four miles from Dorking and junction 9 of the M25, Polesden Lacey has glorious views across the rolling Surrey Hills and acres of countryside to explore. Head to Crab Apple Orchard for a whole host of playful events and activities all inspired by the Royal Couple's honeymoon visit in 1923. Did you know that the King's grandparents spent part of their honeymoon at Polesden Lacey? Follow in their footsteps and play tennis, create your own artistic masterpiece, or maybe crown yourselves kings and queens? We're exploring all kinds of play this year – whether its active, creative, nature inspired, or something else, there's bound to be something for the whole family.

Normal admission charges apply/free for National Trust members

No additional event charges

Stay: The Regency-style Polesden Garden Cottage (sleeps 6) sits next to the rose gardens of the Polesden Lacey estate.

Nymans, West Sussex

• Summer of Play, 22 July–3 September
• Play Glade featuring, den building, play stage, arts and crafts
• Comber's Field obstacle course and sports day activities

Nymans is a grade II listed garden set around a romantic house and ruins. Discover hidden corners through stone archways, play hide and seek along tree-lined avenues while surrounded by the Sussex Weald countryside. The adjoining woodland, with its dappled light and lake makes Nymans a perfect spot for picnics. The Play Glade by the bookshop is just the spot for families to enjoy playing in nature. As well as den building, stepping logs, natural art and the play stage, there are some exciting new additions to look out for too, especially for the summer! Comber's Field will once again host a range of fun and active play opportunities. Challenge your friends and family to a race, manoeuvre your way through the obstacle course or see who can win a tug of war. Look out for the play points around the garden too, each with a different activity to try including skipping, badminton and soft archery.

Normal admission charges apply/free for National Trust members

No additional event charges

Stay: Woodlands Cottage (sleeps 4 + 2 dogs) is a former game keeper's house, surrounded by woodland.

Wentworth Castle Gardens, Barnsley

• Summer of Play, 24 July–3 September
• Pop-up sports days throughout the summer, including archery, athletics and football
• Natural play space in the wilderness, messy play space, sensory play and quiet games also available

With a fairy-tale castle, secret gardens and winding wilderness paths, Wentworth Castle Gardens is the perfect setting for your Summer of Play. Find an array of outdoor games on the Play Field: somewhere to enjoy an old favourite or have a go at something new. Look out for pop-up sports days throughout the summer, including archery, athletics and football.

Discover the new natural play space in the wilderness, where you can scramble and climb and keep your balance. Up at the magical setting of Stainborough Castle, become a storyteller and weave a tale of knights and dragons. Where will your imagination take you?

For smaller members of the family, there's the chance to become a mini gardener and get digging in the messy place space in the Union Jack Gardens. In another section of the maze-like gardens, take a break from the noise and the sun with sensory play and quiet games.

Normal admission charges apply/free for National Trust members

No additional event charges

Ormesby Hall, North Yorkshire

• Summer of Play starts, 22 July–4 September
• Circus inspired activities, play field with drop-in sports
• Storytelling and performance areas
• Archery on select days during the summer holidays
• Pond Dipping on select days during the summer holidays

Home to the Pennyman family, Ormesby Hall is a green oasis surrounded by the urban landscape of Middlesbrough and offers the perfect place for play within the 240 acres of garden and parkland, sitting in the shadow of the Georgian mansion and Grade II listed stable block. Roll up, roll up! Join in with some circus inspired fun for a Summer of Play at Ormesby Hall. You'll be able to head to the acrobatics zone to test your circus skills, from spinning plates, stilt walking and just having fun clowning around. Families will also find pockets of play throughout the garden and play field. Activities include tennis and cricket, arts and crafts in the orchard and letting your imagination run wild in the storytelling and performance stage areas.

Normal admission charges apply/free for National Trust members

No additional event charges

Gibside, Tyne & Wear

• Summer of Play, 22 July – 5 September
• Play Labyrinth, sports, Georgian garden games, sensory activities, a teddy bear's picnic area and more
• Music and performance in the Walled Garden

There are plenty of ways for kids (and big kids) to play at Gibside. Explore a landscaped estate where there are adventures to be had around every corner. Discover gardens, woodlands and sweeping stretches of grass, perfect for games of all kinds. Be king or queen of Strawberry Castle play area, build a den and challenge your family at the Low Ropes course. During the summer holidays Green Close field will be transformed into a Play Labyrinth, with a family-festival feel where grassy paths lead to a series of play zones, featuring summer sports, Georgian garden games, sensory activities, a teddy bear's picnic area and more. Enjoy musical and performance activities in the Walled Garden.

Normal admission charges apply/free for National Trust members

No additional event charges

- ENDS -   

Event listings correct at time of writing please use individual property webpages for the latest information   

For further press information and images please contact:   

sally.davies@nationaltrust.org.uk    

The National Trust is a conservation charity founded in 1895 by three people: Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Hardwicke Rawnsley, who saw the importance of the nation's heritage and open spaces and wanted to preserve them for everyone to enjoy. Today, across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, we continue to look after places so people and nature can thrive.   

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