Summer of Play with the National Trust

Families enjoy the summer garden at Shaw's Corner in Hertfordshire (c) National Trust Images Arnhel de Serra

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.

And here’s a what’s going on at Dunstable Downs in Bedfordshire and Shaw’s Corner in Hertfordshire:

Dunstable Downs

  • Celtic Codebreakers: Festival of Archaeology | 19-20 July | 10am-4.30pm | £2 per child
  • Summer of Play, Dunstable Downs Sports Village | 21 July-31 August | 10.30am-4.30pm
  • Pepperstock Archers Soft Archery Sessions | 20 August | 12-4pm
  • Let’s Get Going nature-based games | 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 August | 11am-1pm
  • Big Camp at Dunstable Downs | 15-17 August | £110 per pitch
  • Kites Connect Festival | 2 and 3 August | 10am-5pm

Head to Dunstable Downs for a jam-packed summer of fun family activities. Celebrate The Festival of Archaeology with Celtic Codebreakers and crack the code of a mysterious Celtic message that ‘may’ have been left behind by the Iron Age Catuvellauni tribe, who once lived among our rolling hills.

The popular sports village returns to Dunstable Downs for Summer of Play every day between 21 July and 31 August. Take part in free activities, designed specifically for children and with fun in mind, such as football, table tennis, archery and much more. Activities are self-led, just pick up the equipment from the visitor centre, or join one of our coach-led activities, delivered by local sports groups, all completely free. Bring a picnic and enjoy the views or head to the Café.

Big Camp returns to Dunstable Downs for its second time this year from 15 to 17 August offering you the unique opportunity to camp out or two nights under the stars on the highest point in Bedfordshire.

Following the success of last year’s Kites Connect Festival, the colourful celebration go cultures and kites returns on 2 and 3 August. Join us as we celebrate unity and access in our local green spaces with dazzling displays from professional and amateur groups from around the word.

All activities are free unless otherwise stated. Car parking charges apply, free for National Trust members. Find out more at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunstable-downs.

Shaw’s Corner

  • Shaw’s Scrumptious Veg Garden Trail | Thursday to Sundays between 10 July & 31 August | Free – normal admission charges apply, free for National Trust Members. No booking required.
  • Outdoor family theatre: Robin Hood | 24 August | 5-6pm | Tickets from £11 (+ £1 booking fee) Booking essential

Head to Shaw’s Corner where little children are invited to explore the charming garden and discover the five ingredients needed to make a healthy vegetable grow on the fun an interactive garden trail.

Join DOT Productions as they present their family show, Robin Hood, in the beautiful garden at Shaw’s Corner. Meet Robin and his gang as they battle against the evil Sheriff of Nottingham and steal from the rich to give to the poor.

Visit the website for more information and to book tickets – Shaw’s Corner | Hertfordshire | National Trust.

Image © National Trust Images Arnhel de Serra