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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

Suitability

Everyone is welcome

Meeting point

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

What to bring and wear

Dress for the great outdoors

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.

Upcoming events

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on
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Event summary

on
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at 11:00 to 12:30+ 1 other date or time

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Event summary

on
22 May to 26 May 2026
at 11:00 to 16:00+ 4 other dates or times

May half term: Once upon a walk at Newark Park 

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Event summary

on
23 May to 31 May 2026
at 10:00 to 16:30+ 8 other dates or times