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Ilam Park: Festival of Archaeology

Calling all young Archaeologists! come and get involved over the two weeks hunting for history and taking part in our craft events all for free as part of Summer of Play

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event

-Pick up a trail sheet to go history hunting across the parkland can you find all the pieces of the puzzle and solve of the mystery of Ilam Park's History? Pick up your sheet from the Welcome Hut any time over the 2 weeks.

-Get creative in the Stables Second Hand Bookshop and do your best colouring in any time over the 2 weeks.

-Make your own Roman Pot Drop into our riverside bell tent on Wednesday 23rd July to get your hands mucky a create some real pottery pieces inspired the Roman pottery we've found locally. Have a go at making a small hand pot with air drying clay, and learn about Roman Ilam Park and what the Roman artifacts have uncovered about life 2000 years ago! Free - Drop in 10:30 - 14:30pm

-Become a tree detective Drop into our riverside bell tent on Wednesday 30th July to learn all the wonder of trees and how to find out just how old some of these ancient giants are. Can you find a tree ring as old as you? Free - Drop in 10:30 - 14:30pm

This year's Summer of Play is proudly sponsored by Starling Bank, whose generous support has enabled Ilam Park to elevate this beloved event to new heights, ensuring an even more enriching and accessible experience for the entire community.

Times

The basics

Booking details

Call 01335 350503

Suitability

All families welcome.

Meeting point

Activities will run from the riverside bell tent just off the accessible path by the bridge.

What to bring and wear

Dress for the weather, that might mean sunhats or raincoats.

Accessibility

The route to the Bell tent is fully accessible. We are proud to offer a circular accessible path (1 mile), a changing place, an accessible path, and step free access to our Coach House Kiosk and Stables Bookshop.

Other

Ilam Park is open to everyone and there is no admission charge. There is only a charge for car parking £6 for 4 hours and £8 all day, National Trust members and blue badge holders park for free. The Manifold Tearoom (upstairs) and Coach House Kiosk (downstairs) are open throughout the summer holidays, serving a range of delicious food, drinks and all important ice creams! Please note we do not allow BBQs, fires or cooking of any kind on site. We do welcome picnics but ask that you take all your litter home with you or use the bins provided.

Contact info

White Peak Estate Office

Upcoming events

Event

Ilam Park: Guided Walk: Map Reading for Beginners 

Join us for the day and learn a skill that has been used to travel the world for thousands of years!

Event summary

on
22 Jun 2025
at
09:30 to 15:30
Event

Ilam Park: Canihike 

Join us for an exciting new kind of event with your four legged friend!

Event summary

on
22 Jun to 20 Jul 2025
at
10:00 to 13:00
+ 1 other date or time
Event

Ilam Park: Guided Walk: Folktales of the White Peak 

Mysterious creatures, ghostly apparitions, spooky settings, the White Peak is full of folk tales. Come along to hear these tales told in their original setting.

Event summary

on
28 Jun 2025
at
10:00 to 15:00
Event

Ilam Park: Summer: Yoga at Ilam Park 

Join Gavin for guided outdoor yoga classes, connecting with the beautiful landscape and the nature that surrounds Ilam Hall.

Event summary

on
1 Jul to 29 Jul 2025
at
10:00 to 11:00
+ 4 other dates or times