Summer of Play and family days out at Hanbury Hall

Published:: 29 June 2022

Two children running across a field of grass holding hands, one is wearing butterfly wings — Summer of Play at Hanbury Hall | © NTI/Steve Haywood

Hanbury Hall is full of fun adventures for all the family. There’s always lots to do to keep little ones busy in the great outdoors, from exploring the playground, to discovering the gardens in a seasonal trail.

Planning your family visit

Baby changing facilities are located in the Stableyard toilets.
We request that children over 5 years of age do not ride bikes onsite. Children under 5 with small trikes are permitted. Visitor Reception will use their discrection on the day for other children's toys.
Highchairs available in the Courtyard Kitchen.

Summer of Play

Saturday 19 July - Sunday 31 August

Get ready to play as you step into a world of creativity and colour, with all the excitement of a traditional village fete mixed in. This year’s Summer of Play is inspired by the magnificent wall paintings inside the Hall, and the Victorian fetes held by the Vernon family.

Challenge your family to play traditional fete games including coconut shy, hoopla, and tin can alley. Dance around a giant maypole, dress up as historic characters and put on your own show, and get your heart pumping with games of football, badminton, and cricket.

There are also activities for young children to enjoy including building blocks, a mud kitchen, and sensory games.

Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.

Enjoy a fun-filled timetable of events

Join local artist Tom Cross for Hanbury Hall inspired art workshops every Friday.

25 July & 15 August: Greek Gods If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Would you be invisible, throw lightning bolts, control the oceans, or possess super speed? Draw yourself as your own god or goddess with whatever powers you choose! Inspired by James Thornhill’s wall and ceiling paintings inside the Hall.

1 August & 22 August: Paper flowers If you could create the most amazing flower in the world, what colours would it be? Would it be enormous or tiny? Using tissue paper and pipe cleaners create flowers exactly how YOU imagine them! Inspired by the beautiful flowers in the Hanbury Hall gardens.

8 August & 29 August: Design your own palace and garden Hanbury Hall was originally built as a special summer palace for holidays! If you could build your dream summer palace, what would it look like? Towers reaching the clouds? Secret gardens? Design your own magical palace using patterns and prints inspired by George London's garden designs.

10 – 15 minute drop-in free activities, all materials provided.

A little girl running excitedly through colourful bunting — Get ready to play at Hanbury Hall | © Shaun Fellows

Ghost Tree Trail

Pick up a free Ghost Tree Trail from Visitor Reception on arrival to take on your walk. See if you can find all the trees and complete fun activities about these eerie but beautiful silhouettes in the landscape.

Find out more.

Books and Babyccinos

Every Wednesday from 10am - 11.30am

Bring your little ones along for storytelling, babyccinos, sensory toys and colouring activities in the Courtyard Kitchen.

Find out more

Explore the playground

Open 9am until 4.30pm, the playground is situated at the edge of the parkland behind the Stableyard.

With a swing, a slide, climbers and wooden tipis, the playground is the perfect place for little explorers to let off some steam and spend time in nature.

The playground is suitable for children under 12 years of age. Please ensure children are supervised at all times. Assistance dogs only.