Summer at Longshaw

Children enjoying archery

Longshaw Estate, provides a stunning backdrop for an adventure in the great outdoors this summer. It’s a great hub to start from before you explore Burbage and the Eastern Moors where you can enjoy the view from Dukes Seat or take a walk through Padley Gorge. This summer you can also to try a range of sports or have a go at spotting insects. You could even learn more about archaeology and the history of the area.

Come out and play

Come out and play at the Moorland Discovery Centre. Join us on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the summer holidays where you can have a go at a range of sports and activities. You’ll find something different to try each week. From the more familiar activities, to things you might not have tried before!

No booking necessary, all these activities are completely free.

  • 26th & 27th July, Find your Way around our mini orienteering
  • 2nd & 3rd August, Over and Under the obstacle course
  • 9th & 10th August, Hit the Target using soft archery equipment
  • 16th & 17th August, Get Creative with natural art
  • 23rd & 24th August, Build it Up with den making

On any day of the week you can pick up a challenge card from the Welcome Building for ideas about things to do when you are here. How many of these activities can you cross off?

  • Reach the Top Visit Owler Tor and soak in the view
  • Keep your Balance Find a fallen tree, have an adult make sure it’s safe, and then test your balance
  • Step it Up See the view from Duke’s Seat, counting how many stone steps there are on the way up from the drive
  • Get Creative Make up your own walk by looking at the map and joining your own mix of footpaths
  • Hop, skip, jump, move Don’t just walk! Take inspiration from the animals you see around the estate and copy their way of moving
  • Beat your Best At each gate or crossroads, see how many starjumps you can do in a minute! Can you do more at each stop?
There's plenty of space to play at Longshaw
girl running on grass trees in background
There's plenty of space to play at Longshaw

Bee trail

There are lots of different species of bees to discover at Longshaw. Throughout July, you can pick up a spotter’s guide at the Welcome Building to help you look and listen for these important creatures. You will learn all sorts of fascinating bee facts along the way too!

See the display in the Welcome Building and explore the Kitchen Garden to find out which plants the bees prefer.

Festival of Archaeology

From 16 – 31 July there is a chance to discover more about the archaeology of Longshaw Estate. What will you find out about the icehouse, the duckpond and more? Pick up your spotter’s guide from the Welcome Building and connect with the rich history of the area.

50 things to do before you’re 113/4

Challenge yourself to tick off the list of 50 outdoor adventures, from rock clambering to watching a sunset. How many can you do at Longshaw? Find out more here.

Family exploring the woodland at Longshaw

Family activities for outdoor adventures 

There are lots of different ways to take in the sights and sounds of nature. Why not try out some of these fun family activities when you visit our places in the Peak District ? You could try spotting butterflies and bees among wildflower rich meadows, look out for seasonal colours, or see if you can tick off a sounds of nature bingo.