Three National Trust sites in Norfolk are joining this year’s Summer of Play. For the first time, the popular family programme is supported by Pokémon, marking the game’s 30th anniversary.
Blickling Estate, Oxburgh Estate and Felbrigg Hall are all taking part, with free outdoor activities, den building, garden games and a brand-new Pokémon trail exclusive to Blickling. Full details for each Norfolk venue are below.
New Pokémon Trail at Blickling Estate
New for 2026 is the Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail at Blickling Estate.
Families can pick up a Pokémon x National Trust sticker book on arrival. Collect five stickers, including Mega Charizard Y and Pikachu, to build a set. Complete the set for a chance to win a Pokémon TCG Elite Trainer Box.
There are also new National Trust Pokéstops and Gyms at participating sites, plus exclusive gameplay added to Pokémon GO.
What is Summer of Play?
Summer of Play is the National Trust’s annual family programme, running at 142 locations across England, Wales and Northern Ireland this year. It’s designed to help families connect with nature and the outdoors through shared experiences.
Expect nature reserves alive with bug hunting, shady woodlands made for den building, and wide open lawns perfect for team games and a kickabout. Many sites, including Blickling, will host Pokémon activities where families can tackle trails and collect stickers at each visit.
What the National Trust Says
Carl Greenman, the National Trust’s Programming and Production Manager, said:
“There’s such a natural fit between Pokémon and Summer of Play — both are about encouraging families to have fun together and explore the world around them.
“By bringing a globally loved brand, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, into the places we care for, we’re helping more families discover them as spaces for play, adventure and shared experiences.
“We hope this partnership sparks curiosity and imagination, inspiring children and their grown-ups to get outdoors, play together and build a lasting connection with nature and heritage.”
Cheaper Days Out This Summer
Visitors can also enjoy a day out for less at Norfolk’s National Trust sites this year. This follows the Government’s temporary cut to VAT.
From 25 June to 1 September 2026, visitors will pay less on admissions. Children’s meals in National Trust cafes will also be cheaper. Now is a great time to plan a visit.
Summer of Play at Norfolk’s National Trust Sites
Summer of Play at National Trust Blickling Estate
Bring the whole family for a fun-filled Summer of Play at Blickling Estate, packed with activities to entertain, inspire, and get everyone outdoors.
Set off on a mini-beast safari and discover a wide mix of self-led games, from insect-themed noughts and crosses to ‘pin the spots on the ladybird’. Enjoy timeless favourites like tennis, badminton and croquet, or join a busy programme of facilitated sessions throughout the week.
Highlights include archery on Tuesdays, balance bikes for little legs on Thursdays, creative Watercolour Wednesdays, and craft workshops on Fridays. Get ready to groove at a Silent Disco on 31 July and 1 August. Don’t miss the theatrical experience ‘Buzz’ on Sunday 9 August, presented by Smoking Apples Theatre with BSL interpretation.
For even more outdoor excitement, take on the Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail. Pick up a sticker book on arrival and let the adventure begin.
When it’s time to take a break, refuel with ice creams and refreshing drinks. Relax under the stretch tent or on a shady garden bench.
Make a full day out and explore Journeys – Global Textiles from the Karun Thakar Collection in the House. Collect a travel journal in the Great Hall, spot the ships in each room and create a kimono design.
Gardens open daily 10am to 5pm, last entry 4.30pm. House open 11am to 4pm, last entry 3.30pm. All activities are included with standard house and garden admission. National Trust members and under 5s go free. No booking required. Please note: assistance dogs only in the garden.
Plan your adventure: Blickling Estate | Norfolk | National Trust
Summer of Play at Oxburgh Estate
Discover action-packed fun and games for all the family at Oxburgh Estate this summer.
There’s a whole host of family-friendly games and activities to enjoy across the estate. Choose from traditional lawn games, badminton, football and basketball, alongside opportunities to get creative, dress up and play, or build a den in the shady woodland.
With a tempting range of seasonal food options, the Servants Hall tearoom is the perfect place to refuel or grab some picnic provisions. The Pantry kiosk will also be open for light bites, drinks and delicious ice-cream.
Visitors are very welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in a shady spot. There are plenty of picnic blankets to borrow, as well as deck chairs and picnic benches in picturesque spots.
Open 9:30am to 5pm daily from Saturday 18 July to Sunday 6 September.
Summer of Play at Oxburgh Estate | National Trust
Summer of Play at Felbrigg Hall, Gardens & Estate
Frolic at Felbrigg this summer, where there’s a host of wonderful activities from balance beams and tree trunks to climb, to a twist and jump racecourse, bowling and giant noughts and crosses.
Nature lovers can help fill the nature loom. For those seeking a spot of calm, there’s an area filled with nature books and traditional rugs to sit on, a nature pledge area and a space to get creative with chalks too.
The Squires Pantry tea-room is the perfect place to refuel, grab some picnic provisions or a cooling ice-cream before heading to the Great Wood with a trusty Tracker Pack, available to borrow from Visitor Reception.
In the wider estate, enjoy the shade of the tree-lined Victory V Avenue, discover the den building area and explore the curious Icehouse ruin. Pop on your sun hat and come and make some memories at Felbrigg this summer.
All activities are free, no booking required.
Open 10am to 4pm daily from Saturday 18 July to Sunday 6 September.
Summer of Play at Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate | National Trust
Image Copyright National Trust Images, Arnhel de Serra
