This summer, the National Trust’s much-loved Summer of Play, sponsored by Starling Bank, is back bringing a family-friendly festival atmosphere to Norfolk’s National Trust places – just turn up and join the fun.
Blickling Estate
Enjoy a Summer of Play pARTy at Blickling Estate, sponsored by Starling Bank, between July 23 and September 2. 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 see their accessibility guide to Blickling Estate, or take a look at the ACE Anglia guide.
Felbrigg
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
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
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
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. Normal admission charges apply/free admission for National Trust members and under 5s.
