Summer fun at Wightwick Manor

Wightwick's gardens are the perfect place to bring your family this summer. Explore the 17-acre gardens, discover our woodland play, find the barefoot walk and treat yourself to an ice-cream from our tearoom.

Please help us to look after our special gardens by leaving bikes and ball games at home and keeping dogs on a short lead.

Playful summer nights

Folksy Theatre presents Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' - Thursday 19 and Friday 20 August, 7pm

We are delighted that Folksy Theatre have chosen to host their outdoor theatre at Wightwick Manor and Gardens this summer. This event is presented by Folksy, please see the details below for more information and how to book.

Prospero conjures a storm and torments the survivors of a shipwreck, including his treacherous brother, Antonio. Meanwhile Prospero’s slave, Caliban, plots to rid himself of his master but is thwarted by Prospero’s spirit-servant Ariel. Ferdinand then falls in love with Prospero’s daughter Miranda. Will Prospero grant Ariel her freedom and be restored to his dukedom? Will Ferdinand and Miranda’s love overcome all?

Folksy’s wonderful production is filled with live music, colourful characters, enchantment and a little touch of magic.

Bring along your picnics, blankets, folding chairs and friends and family to this outdoor performance!

To book your tickets, please click here.

Unwind

Wightwick's gardens offer the ideal spot to stretch out and relax on the lawns for an afternoon in the sun. Bring a good book and listen to the birds sing in the trees.

You are welcome to picnic anywhere in our gardens, but if you’re looking for benches or a shady spot then head to our picnic area between the pools. Please remember to leave all areas how you found them and help us by taking your rubbish home with you.

Don't worry if you forget to bring a packed lunch - our tearoom is open from 10am - 5pm each day for hot and cold drinks, ice-creams, sandwiches, a selection of light-bites and cakes. You could even treat yourself to a cream tea!

Feeling energetic?

Join us every Wednesday in August from 11am - 3pm on the Tennis Lawn for summer fun and games.

On Wednesday 4 August, join us for National Play Day! Have a go at some of our outdoor games on the tennis lawn - who in your family can win the sack race? Learn about what games Victorian families liked to play and try out the cup and ball, skipping ropes and bagatelle games. Free event, no booking required, normal admission costs apply. Please note, all activities are weather dependant and may be cancelled in bad weather. Please call ahead to check if activities are still on.

Our popular barefoot walk is also back in the Little Orchard this summer - ask our reception team for directions and feel all of the different textres under your feet - suitable for adults too!

Bring your family up to the woodland and see who can build the best den and explore our natural woodland play.

Suitable for young and old alike (youngsters under supervision please!) see the woods from a higher level on our tower, balance along the log walkway, scramble over the tangle climb and stretch those legs on our stilt walk.

Learn a new skill

Make more of your photography at Wightwick Manor and Gardens, with Lindsey Bucknor OBE - 19 August, 5 September, 29 September, 8 October and 14 October, 10:30am - 12:30pm. £45 per session, pre-booking essential.

Join Lindsey in the wonderful surroundings here at Wightwick to build on what you already know and see what you can do with your photography. Tutored Sessions for beginners and intermediate level photographers.

Professional photographer, Lindsey Bucknor OBE, will help demystify some of the language and help you to gain more confidence and enjoy what is a great activity.

Book via Lindsey Bucknor's website, here.

Tai Chi and Qigong demonstrations

Come along every Tuesday at 2pm this summer to watch some beautiful demonstrations from Diane Brindley and her group performing Qigong exercises and Tai Chi routines on the Thimbles Lawn. (weather permitting).

Qigong is an ancient Chinese system of body and mind healing through working with energy. It combines breathing techniques, gentle movement and focused intention to strengthen and cleanse the body, and to support smooth flow of energy and blood circulation.

Tai Chi is a form of martial art using smooth and seemingly effortless, yet powerful and dynamic movements.

Come and watch and even have a go yourself. No booking required, normal admission costs apply.

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50 Things to do before you’re 11 ¾

From creating wild art to watching a bird, getting to know a tree or eating a picnic in the wild - you can complete many of the '50 things' here at Wightwick this summer. See our guide below for a few ideas of things to do and don't forget to collect your leaflet from our Visitor Reception team.