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A child climbs Strawton Castle in the play meadow at Stourhead
A child climbs Strawton Castle in the play meadow at Stourhead. | © National Trust Images/Betsy Ogilvie

Family-friendly places in Wiltshire

Ancient landscapes, world-famous gardens and outdoor adventures await in Wiltshire. Why not visit somewhere new with the family?

Places to visit with the family

Discover all the best places to bring the family for great days out this season.

Stourhead 

A world famous garden packed with temples, grottos, trees and water features, just waiting for little legs to explore.

Family exploring the garden at Stourhead, Wiltshire

Lacock 

There are lots of things at Lacock for families to enjoy all year round. With a busy programme of activities from family crafts to the magic of live theatre, find out more about what you could discover on your next visit.

Two children taking in the atmosphere of Lacock's Cloister, they are gazing upwards off camera and the sun is shining.

Avebury 

With lots of space, fresh air and history all around, Avebury is a perfect place to bring the family - whatever the time of year.

A woman and two children walking among the standing stones at Avebury.

Mompesson House 

Entertain the whole family this summer at Mompesson House. Discover unique stories in the house, go on an adventure in the garden and stop for a bite to eat in the tea-room.

Two girls enter Mompesson House through the front door.

What's on during the summer holidays in Wiltshire?

Planning ahead for the school summer holidays? Unleash your energy with the National Trust’s Summer of Play supported by Pokémon.

Pokémon joins Stourhead's Summer of Play 

Join us in July and August for fun at the Stableyard and Meadow. Climb the straw castle, try archery, and race through the maze. Plus, enjoy all-new Pokémon zones with trading, games, challenges, and sticker collecting!

A cartoon of two children playing outside. One is juggling balls and the other is holding a pencil.

Pokémon joins Lacock Abbey's Summer of Play 

From the 18 July follow the paths through the summer grass and let your imaginations run wild at Lacock Abbey. Den-building, craft-making, barefoot walking, mud pie-baking, match-winning and make-believing: how will you play this summer holiday?

Child jumping on a green background with the words “Unleash your Energy”

Summer of Play at Avebury 

From 23 July dive into a summer of creativity, relaxed play and outdoor adventure at Avebury. Enjoy the charm of traditional fete games alongside gentle story time moments designed to spark the imagination of visitors of all ages.

A mother and baby sitting on grass under multi-coloured bunting.

Summer of Play at Mompesson 

From 24 July Summer of Play has gone Regency at Mompesson! Why not take part in an immersive character trail in the house, make your own fan, indulge in a spot of croquet or get drawing in our creative garden zone? There is also a special dedicated baby section to our Summer of Play with a selection of sensory baby toys.

A woman holding a babay wearing a sun hat with rainbow of ribbons in the background

Find more places to play near you this summer

Find more places with Pokémon activities 

Calling Pokémon fans new and old! Get outdoors with our Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trails. Complete the trails to find Mega Evolution Pokémon, discover their powers and complete fun challenges.

A brightly coloured graphic split into four quadrants. The largest, righthand quadrant has a bright green background and an image of a male child in a red waterproof jacket is grinning at the camera. Each other quadrant contains a Pokémon from the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Series.

See all places with Summer of Play 

Make the most of the school holidays with the National Trust Summer of Play. We're welcoming families of every shape and size to slow down, reconnect and enjoy time together outside. Held in historic gardens across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Summer of Play offers games, activities and trails to keep young and old entertained.

Kids enjoying Summer of Play activities at Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire

Open air entertainment this summer in Wiltshire

Outdoor music, theatre and film events 

Watch a show in the great outdoors with a music, theatre or film event at a place near you. Bring some popcorn to watch outdoor cinema, enjoy music under the stars or be gripped by a theatre production held in beautiful surroundings.

Performers from Immersion Theatre presenting Peter Pan on the stage outdoors

'50 things to do before you're 11¾, come rain or shine

Top ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities in summer 

Plan an adventure this summer with our activity guides for children. Try everything from floating in a boat, to rock-pooling, identifying animal poo and fossil hunting.

Visitors canoeing at Attingham Park, Shropshire

Top ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities to do when it’s raining 

We've compiled a selection of items from the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ list that are perfect for rainy days, so grab your waterproofs and get involved.

Boy jumping in a puddle. The boy is wearing a woolly hat and wellies
Two adults and a child look at the house, with its pediment supported by columns, at Stourhead, Wiltshire

Discover more in Wiltshire

World-famous gardens, villages and ancient landscapes, and some lesser-known gems can all be found in Wiltshire.