This summer, the National Trust’s much-loved Summer of Play, sponsored by Starling Bank, is back – bringing a family-friendly festival atmosphere to over 175 National Trust places across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Running throughout the school holidays, Summer of Play is jam-packed with playful experiences and family activities. Best of all, it’s included with standard admission (and free for National Trust members), with no need to pre-book – just turn up and join the fun.
There’s something to keep everyone entertained this summer – step back in time on a historical quest complete with costumes and tournaments, discover magical pop-up play zones filled with games and sports, take to the stage and perform or get stuck into a whole host of crafts and arty activities.
Carl Greenman, the National Trust’s National Programming and Production Manager, said:
“We know just how powerful it is when kids get the chance to play outside and connect with nature – it’s great for their health, happiness, and development. That’s why every summer, we throw open the gates to National Trust gardens, parks, and estates for Summer of Play. These spaces are brought to life by our amazing staff and volunteers, and they’re designed to spark imagination and adventure. It’s all about giving families the freedom to explore, play their own way, and make memories together.”
To find your nearest Summer of Play experience visit:
nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/family-friendly and filter by region to find local places to play.
Here’s what’s on in Norfolk:
Norfolk
Blickling Estate
Summer of Play, 23 July – 2 September
Enjoy a Summer of Play pARTy at Blickling Estate, sponsored by Starling Bank. The gardens at Blickling Estate are the perfect setting for days out full of fun and adventure. Explore, move, play games, get crafty and create lasting memories.
Head to the Parade to discover a whole host of self-led activities. Find games and fun activities for little tots in the nature zone. Test your building skills with tumble towers and building blocks in the construction zone, head to the art zone for chalk board Pictionary and a weaving wall, or put on a show in the performance area, with fancy dress and a stage. At the sports zone, you’ll find hula hoops and parachutes, and older kids can test their skills at tennis, badminton and football on the Acre. Bring a picnic and enjoy it under the shade of the stretch tent, or grab a kids packed lunch and ice-creams from the trailer next to the play area.
See website for more details about balance bikes, archery, craft activities and storytelling sessions – all included within standard admission prices, free for under 5s and National Trust members.
Head into the house between 11am – 4pm (last entry at 3.30pm) for a botany and insects trail, inspired by Rebecca Stevenson’s sculptures ‘Inspired by Nature: Mary, Maria, Marianne’, on display in the Upper Ante. Be an artist and add to the growing installation artwork of flowers and insects extending down the Long Gallery.
Visit AccessAble to access their accessibility guide to Blickling Estate, or take a look at the ACE Anglia guide.
Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate
Summer of Play, 23 July – 2 September
Frolic at Felbrigg this summer with sports equipment and activities filling the meadow area by the 17th century Hall. After a whirlwind of activity re-fuel with a picnic in the grounds before heading to the Great Wood with a trusty Tracker Pack. Here you will discover the curious Ice House ruin and ideal plots for den building and relaxing.
Don’t forget to visit the Walled Garden filled with fruits and vegetables growing and hens clucking.
The meadow area and Walled Garden have level surfaces. A map of suitable routes around the estate will be provided at any welcome point.
Visit AccessAble to access the full accessibility guide.
Normal admission charges apply/free admission for National Trust members and under 5s
Horsey Windpump
Summer of Play, 23 July – 7 September
There’s something for everyone in the Summer of Play at Horsey Windpump. Feeling competitive? Take part in races or test your skills with a game of giant Jenga and other traditional family favourites. Reward yourselves with ice creams from the café or unwind in the wildlife garden as you soak up the sights and sounds of summer on the Norfolk Broads.
The self-led Summer of Play activities are available from Wednesday 23 July to Sunday 7 September, 10am – 4pm. Standard car parking charges apply.
Morston Quay
Summer of Play, 23 July – 7 September
Enjoy fun for all the family and allow imaginations to run wild against the backdrop of the beautiful north Norfolk coast. Head to the Lookout Building for throwing games, giant Jenga and balancing beams. Challenge each other to a hoola hoop competition or have a go at more traditional games like giant skittles and noughts and crosses, or create your own coastal vibes with musical instruments.
The self-led Summer of Play activities are available from Wednesday 23 July to Sunday 7 September, 10am – 4pm. Standard car parking charges apply.
Oxburgh Estate
Summer of Play, 23 July – 2 September
Come out and play this summer holiday at Oxburgh Estate.
Bursting with energy, enjoy an activity packed day suitable for the whole family at Oxburgh this Summer. Experience and take part in a range of fun-filled activities within the grounds, including giant chess, hobby horse races, a dress up stage, music stations, wild weaving and so much more. Take a moment to relax in a deckchair whilst soaking up the sunshine with a freshly scooped ice cream, or tasty treat from the Pantry Café or Servants Hall Tearoom.
Visit AccessAble to access our full accessibility guide.
Normal admission charges apply/free admission for National Trust members and under 5s
