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Ilam Park: Highlighted Event: Summer of Play

Bigger and better than ever, Summer of play is back! Join in the festival feeling and explore the many exciting play opportunities for all ages, from tiny tots, to not so grown ups all for free!

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event

Prepare for an unforgettable summer as the much anticipated Summer of Play makes a glorious return to the beautiful landscape of Ilam Park, promising an even more exciting experience than ever before. Spot fluttering flags and colourful bunting as you embark on a journey of discovery across the park's stunning terrain, where carefully curated play zones await! Throughout the week drop in and let the spontaneous spirit of play take over. Wander, explore, and engage with the five different play zones at your own pace, creating your own adventures under the summer sky. With activities for smaller kids like our mud kitchen and musical tent and activities for older kids like our Frisbee Golf and our Race Around the World challenge On the weekends and select dates join us for extra exciting events from mini dog shows, to dance workshops, silent disco and more. 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. So, mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and prepare to immerse yourselves in a summer brimming with joy, laughter, and boundless opportunities for play at the magnificent Ilam Park. There’s so much to see and do at Ilam Park this summer this is just a taste! See our events page for a full line up of what’s on.

Times

The basics

Booking details

Call 01335 350503

Suitability

All families welcome!

Meeting point

Meet us at the Welcome Hut to collect a map.

What to bring and wear

Dress for the weather, that might mean sunhats and sun cream or wellies and umbrellas. Let's embrace the British weather and enjoy it whatever it throws at us.

Accessibility

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

Ilam Park: Highlighted Event: Mole Hole installation by Bruce Asbestos 

Ilam Park is thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with the acclaimed contemporary artist Bruce Asbestos, bringing a vibrant and imaginative new artwork inspired by our stunning landscape.

Event summary

on
21 Aug to 2 Nov 2025
at
09:00 to 17:00
+ 73 other dates or times

Ilam Park: Go on a Mole Mission 

Go on a Mole Mission and explore Ilam Park and see where Pepperpot the Mole has been popping up. Uncover fun mole facts along the way—it’s free and full of surprises!

Event summary

on
21 Aug to 7 Sep 2025
at
09:30 to 16:00
+ 17 other dates or times

Annual Highlight: Summer at Ilam Park 

Nestled in the rolling hills, next to the pristine river Manifold, come and enjoy the beautiful Ilam Park this summer. We’re excited to be pulling out all the stops and filling the calendar with a wide range of wonderful events all for free!

Event summary

on
21 Aug to 7 Sep 2025
at
09:30 to 18:00
+ 17 other dates or times

Ilam Park: Molehole Hidden Nature Craft Workshops 

Join us for 10 free drop-in kids' craft workshops, nestled within a charming riverside bell tent at Ilam Park! Inspired by the whimsical Pepperpot the Mole and the fascinating hidden wildlife that calls this landscape home.

Event summary

on
21 Aug to 28 Aug 2025
at
10:30 to 14:30
+ 2 other dates or times