Families looking for an affordable day out during the school holidays can head to Avebury this summer as the National Trust’s popular Summer of Play returns with six weeks of activities for children of all ages.
Running from Thursday, 23 July until Monday, 31 August, visitors can enjoy a packed programme of creative activities, traditional games and outdoor adventures, all set within the historic grounds of Avebury Manor Garden.
Open daily from 10am until 5pm, the event has been designed to encourage children to explore, play and use their imagination while making the most of one of Wiltshire’s best-known heritage sites.
Young adventurers can tackle an obstacle course in the farmyard, discover puppets in the Dovecote or get creative with chalkboards, wildlife masks and a dedicated reading corner in the Racquets Court.
Elsewhere in the gardens, traditional village fete favourites including skittles, a coconut shy and tin can alley will be available in the Church Garden, while the South Lawn will feature classic lawn games such as croquet, giant Jenga and noughts and crosses.
Visitors can also take part in the weekly Craft Fridays, held in the Racquets Court, where a different hands-on activity will be available each week. Sessions include badge making, creating stained glass flowers and a paint-along workshop led by artist-in-residence Georgie Weedon.
Normal admission charges to Avebury Manor Garden apply, although entry is free for National Trust members and children under the age of five.
With its combination of history, open spaces and family-friendly entertainment, Summer of Play offers plenty to keep youngsters occupied throughout the school holidays while giving parents the chance to enjoy the unique surroundings of Avebury.
