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Summer of Play

Sat 19 Jul - Sun 31 Aug | 10am-4pm Young adventurers can get active with eight fun family games and challenges hidden in The Vyne’s sprawling gardens.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Throw some hoops, play a game of chess or create a tune on our music station. How many skips can you do on the north lawn? Who can win the relay race? In our summerhouse you can sit and read a selection of children's books. You can enjoy a game of quoits in the tea garden near our shop and tea-room. Or create your own play on our stage in the wild garden.

Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

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

Check admission prices

The basics

Suitability

Families welcome

Meeting point

Enter The Vyne via Visitor Reception.

What to bring and wear

You'll need to dress for the weather and wear walking shoes.

Accessibility

The garden has hard gravel pathways and some trail points will be on grass.

Upcoming events

Event

Regency Ramble 

In a landscape familiar to Jane Austen, follow a 3.9 mile route leading from The Vyne to the neighbouring village of Sherborne St John. Free trail map available from Visitor Reception, or download a PDF version. Normal admission applies.

Event summary

on
3 Jul to 2 Nov 2025
at
10:00 to 15:30
+ 122 other dates or times
Event

Regency Revisited - Celebrating Jane Austen 250 

Discover Jane Austen’s links to The Vyne, her views on the Chute family and what Regency life, and love, was like for those living here at the time.

Event summary

on
3 Jul to 2 Nov 2025
at
11:00 to 15:00
+ 122 other dates or times
Event

Jane Austen Tours of The Vyne 

Join a one-hour tour and hear about the family’s interactions with Jane Austen.

Event summary

on
5 Jul to 1 Nov 2025
at
14:30 to 15:30
+ 34 other dates or times
Event

Lace making drop-in sessions 

Sunday 13 July, 11am-3pm: In the old kitchen in the house, catch live lace-making demonstrations by experts. Feast your eyes on the intricate detail of delicate lace work before having a go yourself.

Event summary

on
13 Jul 2025
at
11:00 to 15:00