This summer, the National Trust’s much-loved Summer of Play returns, and this year it’s better than ever!
Taking place in some of the National Trust’s most inspiring locations in Hampshire, Summer of Play is designed to help families connect with nature and the outdoors through memorable shared experiences.
You’ll find places packed with activities that’ll inspire adventure and creativity, including all-new experiences supported by Pokémon at Mottisfont. And with unique surprises at every property, each visit is fresh, exciting, and full of summer magic.
Plus there’s cool shade to relax in whilst kids play, and wide-open lawns perfect for family team games and space hopper races. Drop in for an hour or two, or pack a picnic and make a lazy day of it. There’s acres of space to run, roam and relax.
All play activities are free upon normal admission, and this summer, the Government has introduced a temporary reduction in VAT, running from 25 June to 1 September 2026. This means the admission price you pay at the till may be less than advertised, meaning you can enjoy more summer activities for less!
Here’s what’s on offer in Hampshire; you can also find the details here: www.nationaltrust.org.uk;hampshire
Mottisfont, near Romsey, 23 July to 6 September
Are you ready to unleash your energy? At Mottisfont, there are no less than seven themed play zones set out in acres of garden. Among them is an all-new Pokémon zone where families can try out mini games inspired by their favourite Pokémon. Practise your Pokémon Trading Card Game skills and build confidence in battle strategies. You can also connect with other Pokémon trainers through trading or battle sessions and collect Mega Evolution stickers.
There’s loads to do in Mottisfont’s Summer of Play zones too, with giant tops for spinning in, space hoppers to race and circus skills to perfect. Mini tepees make a shady retreat to plan more adventures – check out the nature ID kits and binoculars. There are even hammocks to chill in.
There’s everything you need for family tug of war and egg and spoon racing, and a magical fluttery rainbow tunnel to dash through. Fire up kids’ imaginations with giant Tetris, build-your-own- marble runs, chalk art and Mottisfont’s pirate ship, ‘anchored’ in the garden’s Beech Circle.
There’s even an Under 5s zone, with a music-making station, super-sized construction materials, play kitchen, and wooden stepping stones.
Carl Greenman, the National Trust’s Programming and Production Manager, said: “There’s such a natural fit between Pokémon and Summer of Play — both are about encouraging families to have fun together and explore the world around them. By bringing a globally loved brand, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, into the places we care for, we’re helping more families discover them as spaces for play, adventure and shared experiences. We hope this partnership sparks curiosity and imagination, inspiring children and their grown-ups to get outdoors, play together and build a lasting connection with nature and heritage.”
Hinton Ampner, near Alresford, 18 July to 6 September
Get ready for a swashbuckling summer of fun, with Hinton Ampner’s action-packed Pirate Adventures. You’ll find lots of different activities spread across the gardens that the whole family can join in with, from little ones to grandparents.
Start off with a spot of training to get the crew into shape – climb aboard your ship, try the pirate name game and practice some essential pirate phrases. Sea-faring fun challenges include octopus ring toss, walk the plank and feed the crocodile!
Don’t miss the pirate selfie station too, with pirate bowling and foam sword fighting.
There’s fun for pre-schoolers too, with a Spot the pirate crew trail and side-splitting jokes.
These idyllic gardens, littered with hidden paths and tall hedges, are perfect for games of hide and seek and running about. There are panoramic views over the parkland (which you can also explore) and plenty of shady spots to fling out a picnic rug whilst you watch the kids, as well as cool indoor café seating. For a quieter visit, why not drop in mid-afternoon? You’ll still have plenty of time to try out all the activities.
The Vyne, near Basingstoke, 23 July to 13 September
This summer, the entire family can enjoy games and activities together in The Vyne’s gardens, with six new challenges spread across these spacious grounds.
Delve into the dressing-up box and create your own show on the mini stage, then try out some percussion beats at the music station. You’ll need to concentrate on the balance beams, before challenging the family to a hilarious sack race and nail-biting giant Jenga game.
Boogie Beat Music and Movement sessions, 29 July, 5, 19 & 26 August, 11-11.30am & 11.30am-12pm
Perfect for young families with children aged two and above, these free, 30-minute sessions in the cool shade of the garden’s Lime Avenue are designed to boost creativity and encourage expression. Kids are shown how to create their own stories with the help of props and illustration prompts from classic stories. Sessions involve music and movement and a parachute play experience.
Free tickets available on a first come first serve basis from Visitor Reception when you arrive (no pre-booking). All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Family outdoor theatre
On top of Summer of Play, you’ll find fabulous outdoor family theatre performances too, including:
Hinton Ampner: Treasure Island, 30 July & 20 August, 6.30-8pm (gates open 5.30pm for picnics), booking essential
Join plucky Jim Hawkins and his crew of salty old sea dogs on their search for buried treasure in Quantum Theatre’s exciting adaptation of the pirate adventure classic.
Hinton Ampner: The Tale of Peter Rabbit, 13 & 28 August, 6.30-8pm (gates open 5.30pm for picnics), booking essential
Join Peter and his naughty cousin Benjamin on their hair-raising adventures in Quantum Theatre’s delightful adaptation of Beatrix Potter’s much-loved Tales.
Mottisfont: Sherlock Holmes & The Hound of the Baskervilles, 23 July, 7-9pm (gates open 6pm), booking essential
The critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre Company present a brand-new riff on this fiendishly famous case. Will famous detective duo Holmes and Watson discover the deadly secret of the Baskerville family curse or are they barking up the wrong tree?
Mottisfont: The Jungle Book, 29 July, 6-7.45pm (gates open 5pm), booking essential
Filled with music, audience interaction and larger-than-life characters, join Mowgli and his friends Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther on a madcap jungle adventure, with Immersion Theatre.
We look forward to welcoming you to National Trust places this summer.
