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Pokémon joins Hardwick's Summer of Play

Unleash your energy with the National Trust’s Summer of Play supported by Pokémon. Explore exciting zones filled with activities to entertain all ages.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

This summer there's a variety of Elizabethan themed activities to get stuck into. Don a costume and take to the stage in The Minstrels Court, make a tune on our music station, or challenge a friend in Champions Corner.

For the more competitive kids, watch them compete in races, hurdles, football, tennis and badminton. Or why not set up an archery competition and see if you can find the next Robin Hood.

There's lots for the little ones too in the Merry Meadow with soft play, Mud Kitchen, bug hotel, and chutes, perfect for young families or siblings wanting to play together.

On top of an already jam-packed Summer of Play, discover all-new Pokémon zones. Get stuck into the Pokémon Trading Card Game, flex your skills and collect Mega Evolution stickers!

Get stuck into extra activities on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays:

• Tuesdays: workshops which include Minibeast Safari, Tudor Dance, and Family Writing Workshops. Additional charges may occur for these.

• Wednesdays: free craft activities with a different theme each week in the Summer of Play zone.

• Thursdays: On selected dates, join the Discover With Us team for natural crafts like wet felting and herb sachet making. These activities are free.

Dogs are not allowed in the main Summer of Play play area, but there is dog friendly seating towards the entrance point.

For non-members of the National Trust, or visitors without a general admission ticket to the House and Gardens, the Wider Estate admission fees apply.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

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

Check admission prices

The basics

Meeting point

The activity zones will be the North Orchard, please proceed to Visitor reception as normal, who will be able to point you in the right direction.

What to bring and wear

The activity zones are all outdoors, please dress for the great British weather! Wellies may be needed if visiting after heavy rainfall and suncream for those extra warm days.

Other

For more information on the additional events on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, please see our main events page.

Upcoming events

Bess: unframing the family 

Following conservation and analysis, several family portraits return to the collection. Discover what new insights can be found beneath their surface.

Event summary

on
31 Jul to 1 Nov 2026
at 11:00 to 15:30+ 93 other dates or times

Bess's Dream 

This new display explores the memories that might have surfaced in Bess's dreams during her final days.

Event summary

on
31 Jul to 1 Nov 2026
at 11:00 to 15:30+ 93 other dates or times

Create With Us: Creative Writing Workshop 

Come and join us for creative writing workshops through the year exploring themes of Elizabethan festivals, changes in the seasons, or empowering women.

Event summary

on
2 Aug to 9 Dec 2026
at 10:00 to 11:15+ 4 other dates or times

Junior archery ‘have a go’ sessions 

Enjoy a junior archery taster session at Hardwick for only £3.

Event summary

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