The National Trust’s ‘Summer of Play’ is an exciting initiative that invites families to have fun and experience historic places in the South West in new and unexpected ways. This summer, families can enjoy a family-festival feel at various National Trust properties, with activities set against the backdrop of historic houses and gardens. The Summer of Play will continue every day throughout the summer holidays, offering a range of activities for families to enjoy.
Summer of Play is designed to be jam-packed with fun, with activities dotted around large fields, woodlands, and garden areas. Families can participate in games and activities, enjoy picnicking spots, shady rest areas, and access to amenities such as toilets, cafes, and pop-ups offering food and drink. In total, 191 National Trust places across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland will be hosting Summer of Play activities, providing families with plenty of options to choose from.
In the South West, there are several National Trust properties taking part in the Summer of Play. At one location, families can play and get active with animal-themed activities inspired by the animals depicted on the Long Gallery ceiling. Children can follow a play trail around the garden and engage in activities such as jumping like a kangaroo, racing like a cheetah, or balancing like a mountain goat.
Another property offers a variety of activities, including sack races, hurdles, egg and spoon races, and tennis to keep families active. Visitors can also try their hand at archery on Fridays, embrace their creativity in the stables, and explore the garden as part of a garden trail. There are opportunities for make-believe play, dressing up, and playing tabletop games, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
At Killerton, families can look forward to an action-packed summer of fun with six different play zones to choose from. From frisbee golf and loose parts play to arts and crafts, dress-up, bug identification, and fairy house hunting, there is no shortage of activities to keep children entertained. The property also offers quiet zones with sensory light bubbles and outdoor libraries for story time, ensuring that there is something for every preference.
Other National Trust properties in the South West, such as Buckland Abbey, Saltram, and Greenway, are also hosting Summer of Play activities. From medieval knight training to circus-themed fun, families can enjoy a range of activities that cater to different interests and age groups. Whether it’s learning sword fighting techniques, building castles, participating in art workshops, or testing circus skills, there is something for everyone to enjoy this summer.
For more information on activities taking place at National Trust properties during the summer holidays, families can visit the National Trust website. With a wide range of activities and events to choose from, the Summer of Play promises to be a memorable and enjoyable experience for families looking to have fun and explore historic places in the South West.