Summer of Play

Family adventures whatever the weather

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Discover more than 500 places to visit and lots of events to get involved in.

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Walking

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

Two boys playing in The Log Stack wild play area at Dyffryn Gardens, Vale of Glamorgan

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Top natural play areas for kids

There's nothing quite like playing outdoors. Discover the best natural play areas where children can run wild at the places in our care.

A view of the Temple of Venus at Stowe in Buckinghamshire across the lake

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Where to see ‘Capability’ Brown landscapes

Explore estates designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, who still defines our view of the British landscape today. Take in serpentine lakes, gothic follies and tree-fringed parkland.

A man sits with two children, a girl and a boy, at the bottom of tall sand dunes on a sandy beach. It's a warm sunny late afternoon or early evening and the sea can just about be seen in the distance.

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Best picnic spots on the coast

If you’re looking for the perfect spot for a picnic on the coast, this selection includes secret coves like Hayburn Wyke in Yorkshire and well-known sandy beaches like Portstewart Strand in County Londonderry.

Archaeologists digging in an excavation area

Festival of Archaeology

Join us as we celebrate the UK's annual Festival of Archaeology from 13–28 July. Find events and activities at a number of archaeological sites in our care and uncover hidden histories.

A close-up view of the bodice of Lady Mary Curzon's peacock dress

History

Learn about people from the past, discover remarkable works of art and brush up on your knowledge of architecture and gardens.

Start your journey of discovery

Delve into history, get tips from our experts, learn a new skill and go behind the scenes of your favourite places.

Learn something new

Pencil portrait on paper of Rabindranath Tagore by Singannachar Narasimha Swamy which can be seen at Shaw's Corner, Hertfordshire

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South Asian histories at the places in our care

To mark South Asian Heritage Month (18 July–17 August), learn about the places and collections we care for that reveal stories from and connections to South Asian history, from princesses to a peacock dress.

A wide shot of a few cedar of Lebanon trees bordering the lawn at Upton House, Warwickshire

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Ancient and notable trees

Ancient trees are links to our past, they're species-rich habitats that support countless other organisms. This World Conservation Day (28 July), discover what makes a tree ancient and how to recognise them.

Gardener working in the upper garden at Quarry Bank, Cheshire

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Gardening tips for summer

Find out how to get more out of your blooms this summer as our gardeners share their tips on how to garden during the warmest season.

Making seed bombs at Houghton Mill and Waterclose Meadows, Cambridgeshire

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How to make wildflower seed balls

Discover how to make your own wildflower seed balls to add some colour to the garden with this step-by-step guide.

More news

Illustration showing a young Sir Isaac Newton, Paul McCartney and Beatrix Potter against a colourful background

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Winners of the Time + Space Award announced

Thank you to everyone who entered their world-changing idea for the Time + Space Award. We’re pleased to announce the winners in each of the categories, who'll have the opportunity to bring their idea to life at Sir Isaac Newton's home, where he discovered gravity.

Camping at Great Langdale Campsite, Cumbria

Sleep under the stars

Get closer to nature on a camping holiday. Pitch your tent by the coast, go camping in the woods or park your campervan at the base of a mountain on your next holiday.

A spread of children's toys including a kite, binoculars and an outdoor activity book

Entertain the kids this summer

Make the most of the outdoors this summer with our range of family-friendly toys and games. Fly a kite, build a den in your garden or sail a toy boat at the seaside.