Summer holidays at Speke Hall

Escape to Speke Hall this summer — Escape to Speke Hall with the family

Child and mother having fun exploring the Childe of Hale trail, pointing at the giant's feet — Meet the Childe of Hale at Speke Hall

Looking for things to do with the kids near Liverpool this summer? There's plenty to do at Speke Hall. Come out and play with free sports activities on the North Lawn, run wild in the maze and play areas or discover stories inside the Tudor house.

The gardens, estate, play areas and restaurant at Speke Hall are open every day, 10.30am–5pm. The house is open Wednesday-Sunday, 12.30pm–5pm (last entry at 4.30pm). You don't need to book your visit, just turn up. Entry is free for National Trust members and under 5s, admission charges apply to non-members. For everything you need to know before visiting, click here.

What's on

'Spin to play' mini sports activities

21 July and 3, 9, 19 & 25 August, 12-4pm

Which activity will the spinning board choose for you? From hopping on one leg for 30 seconds and hula hooping to running with a bean bag on your head, spin to play and find out. You can also enjoy giant chess and quoits.

Three children taking part in a sack race outdoors

Sports day races

27 July and 5, 15 & 26 August, 12-4pm

Who will be the fastest in your family? Get your hearts racing with Sports Day races on the North Lawn including egg & spoon, bean bag, sack races, hoopla and hobby horse races (races vary each day). You can also enjoy giant chess and quoits.

Archery & hobby horse hurdles

1, 11, 17 & 23 August, 12-4pm

Test your aim with family-friendly archery or watch your little ones gallop over hurdles on hobby horses on the North Lawn. You can also enjoy giant chess, quoits and skipping ropes.

All sports activities are free to enjoy as part of your visit, thanks to funding from Sport England. Normal admission charges apply. Booking isn't needed, just turn up.

A family enjoys National Trust outdoor theatre

Outdoor theatre at Speke

From the magical journey of Finding the Fairies on 10 August to a hilarious twist on Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing on 24 August, make some unforgettable memories with your family in Speke's gardens this summer.

Child on the zip wire in Speke Hall's woodland play area — Zoom along Speke Hall's new zip wire

Family fun, every day

Any day out at Speke Hall is guaranteed to be filled with fun. From the colourful safe haven of the gated play area to the hidden woodland play area filled with fun challenges and 30-foot-long zip wire, you'll be spoilt for choice. Solve the giant hedge maze, explore the Tudor house or dare to follow the interactive Giant Childe of Hale trail and meet the local legend himself.

Discover our places to play

Visitors eating ice cream in the summer at Speke Hall — Tuck in to a treat

Grab a bite to eat

Home Farm restaurant is open every day, 10.30am-4.30pm. Take a seat inside or outside to enjoy a delicious range of hot and cold food, sandwiches, cakes and drinks, or pick up a children's lunch box filled with their favourites. Grab some award-winning Cheshire Farm ice cream from our kiosks. Bringing a picnic? There are plenty of spots to choose from around the gardens.

See what's on the menu

What families need to know

You'll find toilets and baby-changing facilities at Home Farm and in the Dairy Courtyard next to the house.
Home Farm restaurant offers tasty kids lunchboxes containing sandwiches, fruit, a treat and juice or water. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
You're welcome to bring a picnic. There's plenty of picnic tables, benches and spots to lay out a blanket. Please use the bins provided when you're finished.
Balance bikes and small bikes with stabilisers are allowed, but please don't bring large wheeled bikes. The paths around the gardens and grounds are too narrow.
Dogs are not allowed in the play areas, maze or Childe of Hale trail (except for assistance dogs).
Buggies cannot be taken inside the house. You can leave them in the central courtyard in our designated buggy area, but please be aware this at your own risk.

Visitors in the walled garden at Hare Hill — Stop and smell the flowers at Hare Hill

School holidays in the North West

Summer is the perfect time to visit these special places in the North West.

Plan your day

Things to do at home

Mini Makers at Speke Hall

Looking for fun craft activities that the whole family can get stuck into? We're bringing Speke Hall's much-loved Mini Makers event online with plenty of fun activities and ideas for your little ones to enjoy at home.

Speke for Nature activities for kids

Are your little nature explorers looking for a new adventure? Have a go at these fun Speke for Nature activities and learn as a family how we can all do our bit to help protect nature.