A whole summer of play awaits at these Mumsnet-loved National Trust sites

The summer holidays are a chance to spend some quality time together as a family and make memories that can last a lifetime. But if you’re struggling for spots that provide entertainment for all ages, as well as somewhere for you to relax and soak up the sunshine, look no further than the National Trust’s array of picture perfect spots.

From historical castles, to stately homes and stunning stretches of parkland and landscaped gardens, there’s so much beauty to discover. Plus, this summer sees the start of the National Trust’s Summer of Play, sponsored by Starling Bank, which invites families to experience their idyllic locations in new and immersive ways. 

What is the National Trust Summer of Play?

Taking place at 186 National Trust places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Summer of Play kicks off in July and stretches across the summer holidays. Designed for families and children of all ages, the outdoor spaces will become huge activity zones filled with everything from craft corners, to cosy reading nooks. 

Kids can get into the competitive spirit with classic games of croquet, tennis and cricket, but there are also opportunities to test their strength at tug of war, their sense of direction in hay bale mazes. Each site will also host drop-in events, which can range from open-air cinema to live circus shows. And if the sunshine doesn’t play ball, many of the sites are hosting indoor activities to keep the fun going.

Plus, there’s no need to pre-book and members can still gain entry free of charge. Non-members will need to pay entry fees, however under fives visit for free.  

What does a National Trust membership offer?

Membership offers an exciting array of benefits. You can gain free entry into more than 500 places in the National Trust's care and most of them offer free parking. You'll also get a National Trust Handbook, which features information on all the places looked after by the charity. 

Also, if you buy a new joint, family, individual or young person membership by an annual Direct Debit online, you can get a £15 National Trust gift card to spend in its shops and cafés.

What memberships are on offer?

Joint membership

This is for two people living together and works out to £151.20 a year or £12.60 a month.

Family with two adults

For two adults aged 18 and over who live at the same address and their children or grandchildren under 17, membership is £159.00 a year or £13.25 a month. Under 5s go free. 

For a family membership with one adult, it’s just £99.00 a year or £8.25 a month.

Individual membership

An adult membership for anyone aged 26+ is £91.20 a year or £7.60 a month. 

For 18 to 25 year olds, you can get a membership for £45.60 a year or £3.80 a month and a Junior membership, for anyone between 5 and 17, is just £12 a year.

What are the best National Trust places to visit for the Summer of Play?

• Best for gardens: Stourhead, Wiltshire

• Best for picnics: Calke Abbey, Derbyshire

• Best for woodland walks: Croome, Worcestershire

• Best for immersive play: Attingham Park, Shropshire

• Best historic site: Chirk Castle, Wrexham

1. Anglesey Abbey Gardens and Lode Mill, Cambridge

This Jacobean-style house with gardens is located in the picturesque village of Lode in Cambridge. 

There are five creative play hubs for your little ones to explore within the gardens. The disco den provides fun tunes to find their groove to, while the book nook offers a quiet spot for reading. 

There's even a zen zone for calm and relaxation and a games area to let off some steam. The creative corner on East Lawn has games and water play and don't miss the trundle track for under-5s. On Mondays there will be story-time, Wednesdays offer lunchtime discos and bubble shows and there's fun craft activities to try each Friday.

What Mumsnet users say

“Anglesey Abbey near Cambridge - never been into the house, but the gardens are fabulous in any season.” cloudjumper

“Anglesey abbey gardens are amazing - they have a great wild play area with a huge treehouse. It's worth going in the house too if you ever get the chance - full of amazing treasures.” FarFromBeingGruntled

When is it on? 20th July to 1st September, 2024

Nearest train station: Cambridge (7.1 miles)

2. Attingham Park, Shropshire

This 18th-century estate boasts a Regency Mansion, as well as 200 acres of parkland to explore. Situated in the idyllic Shropshire Hills, it's a gorgeous spot for a family day trip but there's also accommodation on site if you want a longer stay - including five newly-converted barns on the quiet northern part of the Attingham Estate.

This year sees Attingham's seven-acre Field of Play taken over with ‘Worlds of Play’, which offers families festival fun for all ages and an ever-changing calendar of activities and events. 

The parkland is beautiful to explore on foot and you may even spot fallow deer roaming around. Discover the botanical charm of the Wall Garden which is brimming with produce and flowers and if you're bringing a picnic, grab a spot under an apple tree in the orchard. 

What Mumsnet users say

“Attingham park in Shrewsbury is beautiful, massive park , stream kids can paddle in . Lots of lovely places to stay and visit in the area.” mycatsanutter

“Visit Attingham park. It's a lovely national trust house. Ludlow is beautiful and the ludlow farm shop is awesome!” ginsparkles

When is it on? Summer of Play presents ‘Worlds of Play’ at Attingham 19th July to 3rd September, 2024

Nearest train station: Shrewsbury (5 miles)

3. Belton Estate, Lincolnshire

This stunning 17th-century house was the home of the family of Baron Brownlow for three centuries and the estate boasts an impressive 1,300 of surrounding parklance with grazing sheep, woodland walks and ponds. 

Belton's Avenue of Adventure is ideal for families this summer and offers an immersive journey through some of the countries the Brownlow's visited. You can design your own Chinese wallpaper, build sandcastles or even compete in a hobby-horse race. 

No trip here would be complete without a ride on the miniature train, plus the estate is also home to the National Trust’s largest outdoor adventure playground. 

What Mumsnet users say

“If you've got kids then Belton House is amazing - apart from the house and beautiful gardens there is a fantastic outdoor adventure playground with mini railway plus indoor soft play for toddlers too.” Whistle73

“Belton House in Lincolnshire- huge outdoor adventure play park, little train ride, den making area and cafe with good coffee and nice toilets in the play park. Indoor soft play and cafe area is also very nice.” eyeoresancerre

When is it on? 20th July to 1st September, 2024

Nearest train station: Grantham (3 miles away)

4. Calke Abbey, Derbyshire

Enjoy Calke's Garden of Imagination this summer, which makes a welcome return to the Walled Kitchen Garden. In a stunning open meadow, kids can let themselves and their imaginations run wild. 

And if you need a moment of calm, the Slip Garden is a tranquil space to escape the noise and seek shade under the apple, cherry, plum or apricot trees. Calke is open all year round and has many walking routes located on the estate for families to discover. There's also cycle-hire facilities, a human-sized badger sett and a Tramway Trail. 

Every Thursday in August, kids can enjoy the Calke Experience and tackle new balance bike courses with ramps, slaloms and obstacles to help build their confidence. 

The natural play area is perfect for kids who love to soak up the great outdoors. They can go bug spotting in the bug hotel or even build dens in the woods. If the weather isn't as sunny as you'd hoped, take a trip indoors to the seemingly abandoned Baroque House and enjoy an eclectic collection - including an elaborate state bed and even a large crocodile skull.

Between the 8th and 11th of August, Adventure Cinema will run four nights of an open-air cinema and show Grease Sing-A-Long, Top Gun, Mamma Mia and Back To The Future.

What Mumsnet users say 

“Calke is great for gardens and grounds.” BogRollBOGOF

“I love Calke (...whispers .... I volunteer there! .... ) ... great parkland for walking, gardens lovely all year round, deer park, stable yard to explore, cafe, shop etc. House closed at the moment. Pre booking essential however , even for members. Can be done through the web site.” MrsExpo

When is it on? 20th July to 1st September, 2024

Nearest train station: Derby 9½ miles; Burton-on-Trent 10 miles

5. Chirk Castle, Wrexham

Thought to be built around 1295 during the reign of the conquering Edward I, Chirk Castle is a mediaeval fortress brimming with historical charm. 

Your little ones can feel transported back to the Middle Ages and take part in Chirk Castle's Medieval Knight's Training Camp where they'll dress up like warriors, construct their own castles and weave and balance their way through straw obstacle courses. 

They can re-energise at the Rest Station with a selection of food and drink and put their creative skills to good use with some storytelling boards. On selected dates, they'll even be archery and fencing sessions. Plus, the fully-trained knights will get the chance to put their newly-acquired skills to good use and return to the castle in autumn for the ultimate mediaeval monster challenge. 

The mediaeval castle is also a sight to behold in itself. Enjoy the stunning gardens or take a trip to the preserved dungeons and staterooms that were fit for a king. 

When is it on? Summer of Play presents a ‘Mediaeval knights' training camp, from 20th July 2024

Nearest train station: Chirk Station (¼ mile)

6. Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire

For over three centuries, Clumber Park was the country estate of the Dukes of Newcastle but this stunning landscape is now open to the public. The 3,800 acres cover parkland, heath and woods and were carved out of the ancient forest of Sherwood.

The Play Field will be the centre of fun for this summer and offers a ton of immersive experiences, including performance and nature play. Your little ones can also brush up on their navigating skills in the straw bale maze or you could grab some respite from the sun in the shaded picnic area and enjoy an ice cream in the deck chairs or hammocks. 

There's also a ton of drop-in events to keep kids entertained throughout the summer holidays, including storytelling, face painting, and sports coaching.

What Mumsnet users say

“My favourite place in the world is Clumber Park (Nottinghamshire) - it’s more of a park than a property so better in good weather. Belton Hall is also fab and we’ve had a couple of great visits to Southwell Workhouse.” EnglishGirlApproximately 

When is it on? 22nd July to 5th September, 2024

Nearest train station: Worksop 4½ miles; Retford 6½ miles

7. Croome, Worcestershire

Croome’s parkland was rescued from almost total loss and enjoyed a magnificent restoration. From the scenic views over the Malverns to the snaking river that runs through the estate, it provides a gorgeous backdrop for a summer's day out. This year, Croome is celebrating the wildlife-rich parkland with a bugs and biodiversity-themed Summer of Play. 

Your little ones can help build a bug hotel in the Wild Play Area, or serve up mud pies in themed kitchens. They can even choose a quiet spot and grab a nature book to brush up on their knowledge of wildlife. 

For a little more action, there's bug themed obstacle courses and fun wheelbarrow races. Or kids can head to the stage and create their own musical performance. 

For those days when the sunshine feels like hiding behind the clouds, you can head indoors to try your hand at an array of activities, including some nature inspired origami.

What Mumsnet users say

“Croome has got plenty of space to run around, a decent play area and a tree with a hole that small children can climb into.” borntobequiet

When is it on? 20th July to 1st September, 2024

Nearest train station: Nearest railway stations are Worcestershire Parkway, Pershore, Worcester Foregate or Worcester Shrub Hill

8. Hatchlands Park, Surrey

Hatchlands Park is one of the largest country estates in the area and offers 400 acres of parkland and woodland for visitors to explore. It was ordered to be built by Admiral Edward Boscawen and this summer celebrates the naval hero with Treasures of Hatchlands, which offers a fun choice of nautical adventures. 

Little ones can explore the parkland for buried treasure or even become a pirate with the dressing up boxes and play in the hay bale pirate lair. On the lawn, there are games for the whole family, including volleyball, badminton, football or tennis. 

For some relaxation, the newly reclaimed walled garden will provide the perfect sanctuary as you can sink into the deck chairs and breathe in the calming scents of sweet peas, fruit blossom and vegetables that are all used in the cafe. 

What Mumsnet users say

“Hatchlands Park has nice enclosed natural area for children to play in, baby changing facilities, picnic area, donkeys and some pushchair-friendly walks and a lovely cafe.” RiceKrispie22

“Hatchlands is great.” AlbusPercival

When is it on? Summer of Play presents ‘Treasures of Hatchlands’, 13th July to 1st September, 2024

Nearest train station: Clandon Station (CLA), Station Road, West Clandon, GU4 7TE is approximately 2.5 miles from Hatchlands Park

8. Killerton, Devon

This stunning 18th-century home offers visitors the chance to take a walk around the glorious landscaped gardens or the surrounding parkland. The perfect location for a sundrenched summer’s day.

Killerton's Summer of Play has something for everyone. There are mid-week drop-in sessions that offer everything from circus skills to sports activities, as well as nature-based fun. 

Try your hand at frisbee golf or discover your inner artists with the arts and crafts equipment. For a chance to shine on stage, there's also a mini theatre and a dressing up box. Need to wind down? 

The Quiet Zone offers sensory light bubbles and an outdoor library, plus there's plenty of covered areas across the grounds so the fun doesn't need to stop if the rain starts. 

What Mumsnet users say

“Killerton is a good shout, if your child loves the outdoors, then you don't need activities necessarily, there's loads of space to run around in and things to climb on. In the summer they often put outdoor games out. There are a couple of orienteering trails and the bear's hut is pretty cool.” TheSmallAssassin

When is it on? 20th July to 2nd September, 2024

Nearest train station: Pinhoe, 4½ miles

9. Stourhead, Wiltshire

With a rich history spanning across the centuries, Stourhead first opened its doors in the 1740s and was described as a ‘living work of art’. Its landscape gardens are world-famous and in the centre sits a stunning lake surrounded by exotic trees.

The summer play meadow provides a gorgeous spot for families to play or soak up the sunshine with a homemade picnic. The craft tent can help hone the skills of any budding artists and the helpful team of volunteers will provide guidance through the weekly drop-in sessions. You could even construct impressive structures from wooden blocks or build a giant marble run.

The large outdoor area has distinct and interesting activity zones to cater to all ages and tastes and it's a great spot for kids to roam free.

Between the 3rd and 4th of August, Bigtopmania offers circus shows and skills and on the 17th and 18th of August, Fab Drumming's Junk Drumming teaches you to make music with junk and recyclable objects.

What Mumsnet users say

“If you belong to the National Trust I would definitely visit Stourhead.” Beachrules

When is it on? 6th July to 1st September, 2024

Nearest train station: Gillingham 6½ miles

10. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, North Yorkshire

Head to one of North Yorkshire’s most recognisable landmarks, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal this summer. You and the family can visit four different play stations across the estate and discover ways to play together - be it an obstacle course, walking barefoot through the grass, getting creative in Swanley Grange with chalk and logs or taking to the stage in Quebec to perform with puppets, costumes or musical instruments. 

Every Monday, visitors can enjoy Movement Monday activities on the ball games field, which is just two minutes from the visitor centre. Prefer something more slow-paced? Walk around the estate with a buggy with ease on hard-standing paths and grassy areas. Plus, four-legged friends are welcome on a lead. 

The estate here is large, so give yourselves plenty of time to explore on your visit and make the most of your visit.

Summer of Play activities are free to take part in here, and will run from 20th July to 1st September during standard opening hours. You needn’t prebook, just turn up on the day. 

What Mumsnet users say

“Fountains Abbey isn't far and is a wonderful place.” Welshponyslave

“Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal (near Ripon) is a lovely day out, plus there are often activities for children and a play park.” BeyondSea

When is it on? 20th July to 1st September, 2024

Nearest train station: Harrogate station 12 miles

About the National Trust

The National Trust is an independent 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, they continue to look after places so people and nature can thrive.

They care for more than 250,000 hectares of countryside, 780 miles of coastline, 1 million collection items and 500 historic properties, gardens and nature reserves. 

About the author

Kat Romero is a writer and journalist with over a decade’s experience in the industry. Hailing from London, she has become experienced in scouring the market to find the best products, things to do, advice and top tips for parents and families.

Away from her desk, Kat can be found consuming far too much coffee and spending her weekends with her toddler and partner, soaking up the sights of London, and sampling anything new and exciting that has opened up within walking distance.

Read next: Disover the best National Trust sites Mumsnet users love