AS June emerges and the school summer holidays loom, The National Trust has revealed its top events for the summer.
From houses to gardens, The National Trust has hundreds of sites – all with different histories and stories.
The National Trust will be hosting ‘Summer of Play’ across 180 places this summer[/caption]
Across 180 National Trust places for the six weeks of the school summer holidays, there will be Summer of Play.
This includes gardens and parks jam-packed with free drop-in activities and playful experiences.
Some venues will have mini stages, others will have meadow mazes.
Families will also be able to build dens, experiment in craft corners, learn circus skills, visit pirate lairs, experience sensory spaces and burrow in cost reading nooks.
Summer of Play activities are included within admission and there’s no need to book.
Tom Freshwater, head of visitor programming at The National Trust has picked out some of the top events on this summer.
Summer of Play at Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland
Seaton Delaval may have been one of the architect Sir John Vanbrugh’s smallest country houses, but it was home to the larger-than-life Delaval family.
Tom explained: “Known as the ‘Gay Delavals’ due to their high spirited and flamboyant lifestyle, an invitation to one of their parties was the hottest ticket in town.
“In an age notorious for extremes of behaviour, they stood apart as the most notorious of all Georgian partygoers and pranksters.
“Like a party from the Delavals’ Georgian heyday, expect the unexpected with pop up Summer of Play activities throughout the summer.”
There will be drop-in circus activities, experts with mini circus performances and demonstrations and a recycled junk orchestra.
In addition, children can head to the Delaval Playdium play area with multi-level stages, pulleys and leavers which allow ‘productions’ to be brought to life.
Tom added: “See who’s competitive in hobby horse races, or delve into a chest full of sports kit and ball games, plus table tennis and badminton and traditional games like tower block building or four-in-a-row.”
Also, every Friday in the Community Kitchen Garden, there will be the chance to harvest and get crafty with nature – or curl up in the sheltered story corner, with Young Gardeners.
Activities include crafting, outdoor games and book nooks[/caption]
Summer of Play at Chirk Castle, Wrexham
Steeped in 700 years of history and nestled in the atmospheric Welsh Marches, Chirk Castle is a magnificent 13th Century Medieval fortress that later became a family home for over 400 years.
Tom shared: “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.
“And of course, 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.”
This summer, families can head to Chirk Castle’s Big Play Adventure – an outdoor experience for young adventurers.
There will even be opportunities to harvest from gardens or participate in a hobby horse race[/caption]
There will be four themed zones to be explored, inspired by the estate itself – Forest, Meadow, Stream and Kitchen Garden.
“Each zone is packed with interactive activities designed to spark imagination and encourage active play,” Tom added.
“From den building and designing your own obstacle course to relaxing in the mindfulness zone and engaging in imaginative play, there’s hands-on fun for everyone.
“Finish your adventure by climbing the straw bale lookout posts to admire your creative efforts from above.”
Summer of Play at Hanbury Hall, Worcesterhsire
Hanbury Hall is a country retreat in the heart of Worcestershire.
“This year’s Summer of Play [at Hanbury Hall] is inspired by the magnificent wall paintings inside the Hall, and the Victorian fetes held by the Vernon family,” Tom revealed.
There will be areas for smaller children too[/caption]
“Challenge your family to play traditional fete games including coconut shy, hoopla, and tin can alley.
“Dance around a giant maypole, dress up as historic characters and put on your own show, and get your heart pumping with games of football, badminton, and cricket.”
Amongst the activities, there will also be opportunities for smaller children to let off steam, including a play area, building blocks, rocker bikes, balance boards and a sensory table.
Events include circus skills, face painting and bracelet making too.
The National Trust also recently revealed its top family-friendly attractions for May half term with fairytale castles and ‘book jungles’.
All activities will be included in admission and do not need to be booked[/caption]
