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Summer of Play: Play through the ages

Step into a summer of timeless fun with Play Through the Ages! Travel from the Tudor courts to the 1970s as you discover and try classic games enjoyed across history.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Celebrate the summer holidays with an immersive journey through the history of play. Play Through the Ages brings centuries of games to life, offering visitors the chance to try activities enjoyed by children and adults from the Tudor period right up to the 1970s.

Test your skill with traditional toys, challenge a friend to a classic board game, or discover how past generations entertained themselves long before screens and consoles. Whether you’re mastering the art of graces, focusing on a strategic game of chess, or giving the diabolo a whirl, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Accessibility

There are several steep gradients in the garden with gravel and bark paths. The garden is accessible for pushchairs but not wheelchair users. The ground floor of the house is wheelchair accessible.

Meeting point

Discover the games throughout the garden as well as in the house.

Suitability for children

Everyone is welcome

What to bring and wear

Dress for the great outdoors

Upcoming events

Sound Bath at Newark Park 

Bathe in soothing vibrations as crystal bowls, chimes, and gentle frequencies guide you into deep relaxation. A restorative escape for mind and body in a beautiful, historic setting.

Event summary

on
2 Jul to 9 Jul 2026
at 09:30 to 10:30+ 1 other date or time

How archaeology helped to decode Newark Park: an archaeology walk 

Join a ticketed free outdoor guided walk and discover how archaeology has revealed some of the history of the house at Newark Park.

Event summary

on
7 Jul to 30 Jul 2026
at 11:30 to 12:30+ 15 other dates or times

Classic Cars at Newark Park 

Enjoy a display of pre-war and classic cars from the Bristol Austin 7 club on the lawns on Sunday 12 July.

Event summary

on
12 Jul 2026
at 10:30 to 15:30

Outdoor Theatre: Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles at Newark Park 

How can one show possibly contain so much action and adventure? Elementary, my dear!

Event summary

on
1 Aug 2026
at 18:30 to 20:30