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Summer of Play: the circus

Join us for an entire summer jam-packed full of fun and games here at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Join us for an entire summer jammed full of fun and games here at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. You’ll be hopping, skipping and jumping around different activity stations and racing to have a go at games you might have never seen before!

Head to the circus tents on the ball games field and see what we've got in stall for you. Challenge your friends and family to a game of soft archery. Who's going to win the space hopper racing? Hop on a balance bike and see who can reach the finish line first. And, if you still have some energy, head to the play area where inquisitive little minds can be let loose to play even more.

Most Summer of Play activities will be taking place in the circus tents on the ball games field at the visitor centre so little legs won't have to far to wander.

Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

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

Check admission prices

The basics

Suitability

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Meeting point

Head to the ball games field, just behind the visitor centre.

What to bring and wear

Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.

Accessibility

There is level access and hard standing paths to the ball games field. The grass on the field is cut short but could be difficult to navigate if very wet.

Upcoming events

Event

Garden and abbey tour 

Join one of our volunteer tour guides to discover the secrets and surprises of Studley Royal Water Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Event summary

on
18 May to 31 Aug 2025
at
11:00 to 12:30
+ 211 other dates or times
Event

Abbey tour 

Join one of our volunteer tour guides to discover more about the largest monastic ruins in the country.

Event summary

on
18 May to 31 Aug 2025
at
12:00 to 13:00
+ 211 other dates or times
Event

'Rocks and Roots' geology walk 

Join us on a guided walk to discover more about the rocks and roots that lie beneath the estate.

Event summary

on
19 May to 1 Sep 2025
at
11:30 to 13:00
+ 1 other date or time
Event

Fountains Mill tour 

Join one of our volunteer tour guides to find out more about the oldest building on the estate.

Event summary

on
20 May to 21 Oct 2025
at
14:30 to 15:30
+ 11 other dates or times