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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

Drop spin wool making 

Join local artist, Kate, as she spins wool for her art installation at Newark Park in collaboration with Cotswold Sculpture Association this autumn.

Event summary

on
13 Aug 2026
at 11:00 to 15:00

Artist in Action 

Tim Wells, local sculptor, is at Newark Park completing the final touches to his sculpture ‘Spirit of Place’ which will be featured in the Cotswold Sculpture Association exhibition this autumn.

Event summary

on
15 Aug 2026
at 10:00 to 16:00

Bug hotel making at Newark Park 

Looking to invite some bugs into your garden? Why not build your own Bug Hotel?

Event summary

on
19 Aug to 20 Aug 2026
at 11:00 to 14:00+ 1 other date or time

‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ at Newark Park 

Get ready to swish, splash and squelch your way through this new sensory trail as 'We’re Going on a Bear Hunt' comes to Newark Park this autumn.

Event summary

on
4 Sep to 15 Nov 2026
at 10:00 to 17:00+ 72 other dates or times