Summer of Play at Wentworth Castle Gardens
With a fairy-tale castle, secret gardens and winding wilderness paths, Wentworth Castle Gardens is the perfect setting for your Summer of Play, sponsored by Starling Bank and supported by Sport England. Join us every day throughout the holidays.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Are you ready for a fun filled Summer of Play?
We'll have an array of outdoor games on the Play field: somewhere to enjoy an old favourite or have a go at something new. Discover our natural play space in the wilderness, where you can scramble and climb and keep your balance. Up at the magical setting of Stainborough Castle, become a storyteller and weave a tale of knights and dragons. Where will your imagination take you?
In our messy play space in the Union Jack Gardens there’s the chance to become a mini gardener and get digging. In another section of the maze-like gardens, take a break from the noise and the sun with sensory play and quiet games.
We will have pop-up activities on selected days throughout the summer including:
Archery taster days, Teddy Zip-line, Drop-in Butterfly crafts, Yoga Bunny, composting fun, a parkland explorer family walk, skills sessions with Barnsley FC community trust and Rockingham colliery cricket club, a pop-up story shell on tour with Barnsley Libraries, a South Yorkshire Orienteers taster day and even a silent Disco to celebrate National Playday!
To find out more about each of these events including times and dates please visit the things to see and do, events page of our website.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Suitability
Suitable for all the family
- Meeting point
Collect your Summer of Play map from the Visitor Welcome building on arrival.
- What to bring and wear
Dress for a fun filled day of adventure!
- Accessibility
A buggy is available at the Visitor Reception building to support those who need extra help. Accessible toilets are available. Please visit the access page of our website for further information.
- Other
Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank and supported by Sport England.
Contact info
Business Services and Booking Enquiries
Upcoming events
Orienteering at Wentworth Castle Gardens
We've teamed up with South Yorkshire Orienteers so you can give orienteering a go any day of the year at Wentworth Castle Gardens.
Kaleidoscope of butterflies
Visit our new summer art installation created by local artists Jo Veal, Patrick Amber and our community. Inspired by The HERDS project, a groundbreaking public art and climate initiative, and our grassland habitat restoration work.
Big Bookshop Sale
Visit the Blackbourn room to explore our Big Bookshop Sale and discover a range of pre-loved books.
Archery Experience with Iron Age Archery
As part of our Summer of Play, try your hand at archery on the play field. Who will be the first to hit the bullseye?