Throughout the school holidays, there’s loads of new family fun laid on, with the National Trust’s Summer of Play, sponsored by Starling Bank. Jam-packed with playful experiences and drop-in activities, all set against the backdrop of the Trust’s historic houses and beautiful gardens in Surrey and Sussex. Let imaginations run wild.
National Trust Images_Chris Lacey
Polesden Lacey, Surrey
Spend long summer days enjoying games and activities in Crab Apple Orchard, inspired by the work carried out by the rangers and gardeners who look after Polesden Lacey's outside spaces.
Ride on mini tractors in the Tiny Explorer toddler zone, play at the bean bag toss, and try a game of Ranger-versus-Gardener Top Trumps.
Let off steam clambering over our hay bales - returning this year by popular demand. Or climb, swing and slide at the natural play area. There are plenty of cool shaded spots when you need a break and a bite to eat.
Summer of Play at Polesden Lacey is free with usual entry, open daily 19 July to 14 September.
©National Trust Images_Arnhel de Serra
Hatchlands Park, Surrey
It's a Summer of Play to remember at Hatchlands Park. Challenge your friends and family to games and sports. Choose your dressing-up costume, put on a show on the outdoor stage, and enjoy creative and sensory play.
Have fun scarecrow spotting - see how many you can find dotted around the parkland. Picnic in the walled garden, surrounded by the scent of sweet peas. Scramble around at the natural play area. Or cool off with a delicious ice cream in the courtyard.
Don't forget to say hi to donkeys Callum and Morris on the way! Summer of Play at Hatchlands Park is free with usual entry, open daily 19 July to 3 Sept.
NT Andrew Butler
Moomins family trail at Claremont Landscape Garden, Surrey
Claremont Landscape Garden invites you to take a magical wander inspired by Moominvalley this summer, with a family trail around the garden, meeting characters from the Moomin stories. Pick up a Moomin trail sheet and receive Moomin stickers when you find all the characters.
Alongside each character is a QR code, that once scanned leads to a Moomin, which you can save onto your phone or use as a selfie lens. The event is presented by the award-winning creator of interactive theatrical events, Bakehouse Factory.
26 July to 31 August 2025, 10am to 6pm (open until later in summer, last entry at 5pm). Free trail with usual entry.
National Trust Images, Arnhel de Serra
The Very Hungry Caterpillar™ at Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey
Join us for one of nature’s greatest transformations as you become the world’s most famous caterpillar from Eric Carle’s best-selling book The Very Hungry Caterpillar™.
Wiggle along the trail to spot juicy fruits and tasty snacks before emerging as a beautiful butterfly. Along the way you’ll digest fascinating facts and enjoy games and activities in our stunning grounds. Feast your eyes, feed your mind and spread your wings.
16 July to 17 August, free trail with usual admission. When the trail ends, enjoy pirate fun in the play area and a treasure map to search for missing gold, 19 August – 5 September.
Surrey Hills
Watch the award-winning Smoking Apples puppetry and theatre company at Frensham Little Pond (3 & 24 August), Hindhead Commons (10th August) and Box Hill (17 August), with their new production 'Upstream'. It follows the story of brave little Lyra as she camps out under the stars next to the river and her favourite willow tree. As daylight turns to moonlight, Old Mother River comes to life, a spectacular three-metre-tall puppet, with willow hair and a beautiful creased and crinkled face. Free performances twice a day, no need to book.
Dapdune Wharf, Surrey
Every day in August, Dapdune Wharf will be buzzing with sports, creative fun and workshops run by Guildford Shakespeare Company, ArtVenturers and more. Explore the new play area too. Pre-booking is needed for some workshops.
Hindhead Commons, Surrey
The green near the viewpoint at Hindhead Commons will have a variety of free sporty fun where you can challenge friends and family to games such as volleyball, football or bowls.
©National Trust Images_John Millar
Nymans, West Sussex
At Nymans, Comber's Field has been transformed into a kid-friendly zone, jam-packed with games, races and active challenges. The play glade in the garden is the perfect shaded spot for free range fun, with den building, a woodland cabin, play stage, balancing logs and wooden chimes to discover. Have a picnic anywhere you like in the garden or stroll in the woodland with its tranquil lake and easy-to-follow paths and tracks. Then enjoy an ice cream while you cool off.
Summer of Play at Nymans is free with usual entry, open daily 19 July to 5 Sept.
Standen, West Sussex
Explore the garden, its hidden corners and winding hillside paths, play in Adventure Corner and discover the free activities in the woodland den. Have a go at archery and swingball near Adventure Corner. On Goose Green discover hopscotch, balance beams, dominoes and have a game of giant Connect 4. Practice your circus skills up in the woodland den with plate spinning, juggling and dress up.
You can even play a game of Crazy Golf on the Croquet Lawn (paid for activity, 19 July to 31 August, 10am to 3.30pm), booking essential for Crazy Golf. Summer of Play is open daily at Standen, 9 July to 7 Sept.
NTI, Megan Taylor
Petworth, West Sussex
Set sail for a nautical adventure through Petworth's Pleasure Garden, with the help of a cheeky seagull guide. Inspired by JMW Turner’s magnificent paintings of Petworth and of the sea, the Ship Ahoy! trail will have you tackling arty tasks and seafaring games. Try the sailors’ knots test, race to pack Turner’s painting satchel, create and sketch your own mini ruin and climb aboard a ship for an imaginary voyage. On weekdays, the studio space offers a cool retreat and extra activities. The free Fun Art Fridays encourage kids to have fun and get creative using different techniques, just like legendary painter JMW Turner.
©National Trust Images - Chris Lacey
Sheffield Park and Garden, East Sussex
Play your way through the summer holidays with an eclectic mix of fun-filled, active games and playful musical activities. Head down to our Play Glade for another active summer of fun! We will be filling the garden with a wide variety of joyful games and music for all ages. Or why not settle down with a good book at our book nook, before getting stuck into a race through the woods, curling up with a picnic or building a den. 19 July - 7 September.
©National Trust Images Arnhel de Serra
Bodiam Castle, East Sussex
Take your family on a medieval or Viking adventure with games like castle building, hobby horse racing, and quoits. Join in with medieval activities and get hands-on with archery and armour demonstrations. Summer of Play: 19 July to 3 September.
Or join Hiccup, his trusty dragon Toothless, and lots of other familiar friends. Discover different dragon species, learn Dragonese, find out gruesome facts about Vikings, and so much more! How to Train Your Dragon trail: until 7 September.
Bateman's, East Sussex
Join Pete the Badger and his woodland friends for a fun summer adventure. Whether you're a super organiser or a little on the messy side, this interactive trail is perfect for the whole family.
Inspired by Emily Gravett’s popular picture book Tidy, you’ll step right into Pete’s story as he cleans and tidies up the forest, perhaps a little too much! Along the way enjoy games and activities to help bring the beauty of nature back to life.
£3, admission applies (included a small prize).
Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/surrey and www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sussex
