Summer at Longshaw

From getting active outdoors to being an archaeologist for the day, there are loads of ways to have fun at Longshaw this summer.

Summer activities at Longshaw

Throughout the summer holiday we will be helping you to achieve some of the 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾. You can collect a wall chart and each time you visit you’ll be able to complete at least one thing. Will you be able to find your way with a map and compass, or maybe you’ll make friends with a bug?

girl running on grass trees in background — There's plenty of space to play at Longshaw

World Ranger Day activities

Kick-starting the summer events we’ve got World Ranger Day on Wednesday 31st July, where our ranger team will be celebrating the work of rangers all around the world, at the Moorland Discovery Centre. It’s a family event with lots to do, including hands on practical tasks, a quiz-trail, a tractor to climb into and some local wildlife themed fun. You can start your nature diary and tick off another of your 50 things to do!

Aiming and Archery Days

Every Tuesday throughout August we have Aiming and Archery days at the Moorland Discovery Centre, where you can be Robin Hood with some target practice, and practice your swing-ball, throwing and badminton skills. If you bring your nature diary with you, you can also test your creature identifying skills and make a record of your finds.

Wildlife Wednesdays

Our Wildlife Wednesdays throughout August are all about, yes, wildlife! Follow the signs from the café to find the rangers out and about, and discover some fascinating creatures and join in some crafts and challenges. Remember to bring your nature diary to capture your newfound knowledge. From ants to antlers, we’ll help you discover the tiniest and tallest inhabitants of Longshaw.

Our archaeologists are preparing for a Wildlife Wednesday Archaeology Take-over Day on Wednesday 14th August, when you can become a mini-archaeologist at the Moorland Discovery centre for the day. There will be challenges and hands-on tasks, as well as experts to quiz. There will be walks and information for curious adults too, and to guarantee a place on a timed walk you’ll need to go to the What's On page.

2 girls one boy with magnifying glasses looking at a fallen tree — Get close up to Longshaw

Absolutely Bogtastic

Thursdays in August will see the Bogtastic Van sited outside the café, with a view across to the heather moorlands. If you haven’t ventured onto the van you’re in for a treat. It’s spongy floor gives the sensation of being up on the sphagnum moss bogs, and it’s an fantastic place to learn more about the importance of the moors for wildlife and people. Again, your nature diary could come in handy.

Mini-Orienteering

Every Friday in August we’re hosting Mini-Orienteering and Adventures days at the Moorland Discovery Centre. You can come and learn to map-read, and do some other fun challenges in the grounds and surroundings of the centre. You’ll be able to get a sticker for your navigating with a map spot on your 50 things chart.

couple pushing pushchair on grassy path, children ahead under trees, view across to hills on left — Let the kids run free at Longshaw.

The weekends are all yours! We’d love to hear about your own adventures through our social media channels – tag us and share images on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram. Search PeakDistrictNT. Please remember to keep dogs on short leads and leave no trace – that way you can help us to look after Longshaw too.

We really hope you’ll join us this summer. It’s time to pack your bag for an adventure and come out and play!