From pop-up play pavilions with a family-festival feel to interactive storytelling and open-air theatre, there are lots of events and activities on offer this summer from the National Trust.
Here we’ve rounded up some of the most exciting National Trust events and activities happening across Cambridgeshire to keep the whole family busy this summer.
To start your summer adventure, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Anglesey Abbey
Whether you’re after outdoor games to entertain the kids, a relaxing picnic in the garden or a sporty challenge to get your heart racing, there’s plenty of reasons to come out and play at Anglesey Abbey this summer.
Get your hearts pumping and smiles beaming with outdoor activities taking place daily. Drop in and play a relay race, speed bounce, and build your own fitness challenge. Join us every Saturday to participate in The Anglesey Races, a fun tournament style event for the whole family. There’s an adventure in nature waiting for you at Hoe Fen Wildlife Discovery Area. Nestled away, at the end of the woodland path, there’s something for everyone, from the treehouse and leaping logs to bird watching and den building.
A natural woodland, Hoe Fen offers you the space to have a nature-filled adventure with all the family. Head down there and let your imagination run wild.
Wicken Fen Nature Reserve
Wicken Fen is the National Trust’s oldest nature reserve, and England’s most famous fen. A wealth of wildlife lives in this important wetland with more than 230 species of bird, 30 types of mammal, 1,100 sorts of moth, 250 families of spiders and 400 kinds of fungi.
Explore the heart of the fen on foot via the raised boardwalk and lush grass droves or hire a bike and cycle across the reserve on the National Cycle Network Route 11, which offers plenty of options for short and longer adventures including a visit to the Konik ponies and Highland cattle.
See the Fen from the water with a cruise along the peaceful waterways on the ‘Mayfly’ electric boat. Summer is a great time to get curious about nature. Join one of the many nature inspired activities for families and learn all about the special wildlife at Wicken Fen. From pond dipping to a dragonfly safari, there’s a variety of events planned for the summer holidays that the whole family will enjoy.
Wimpole Estate
From Iron-age roundhouses to a sophisticated, modern estate, Wimpole has been lived on and farmed for over 2,000 years. Stroll around the colourful parterre garden and wander through the Pleasure Grounds to the Walled Garden, abundant with fruit, vegetables and beautiful herbaceous borders.
Home Farm contrasts the traditional farmyard with the noisy modern piggery and cattle sheds, with daily farm activities there is a chance to join in and discover more about farming. For active and creative family fun, a variety of hands-on activities can be found around the Estate. From bean bag tossing to nature-based art, there will be something for everyone. In addition, during the summer holidays Wimpole will have its very own play pavilion made of reclaimed timber.
Found in the scenic Pleasure Grounds, this structure will encourage families to observe nature differently. A giant ear trumpet, huge periscope and interactive displays will get young minds thinking.
Houghton Mill
Whether you want to explore the historic watermill, go on a scenic bike ride or enjoy a relaxing picnic, Houghton Mill has plenty of activities so you can make the most of the summer.
Join one of the new interactive Meet the Miller sessions which are a self-led exploration of the watermill. Witness the traditional milling process from the experienced millers and see how real stoneground flour is made. The whole family will experience the sights, sounds and smells of an 18th century water mill by exploring three floors of exhibits and interactive activities. You can even buy a bag of Houghton Mill flour to take home with you and bake some delicious treats.
In warmer weather, exploring the River Great Ouse by canoe is great fun for the whole family. You can either bring your own or hire a canoe, rowing boat or punt next to the mill (operated by Houghton Boats). Discover several walking and cycling routes along the river, through woods and across meadows from the far side of the mill pond.
There are also shorter bike trails for little legs or longer routes to the Hemingfords and St Ives for the more adventurous. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the way. In the summer the meadows are buzzing with the sound of wildlife and if you’re lucky you might spot a visiting seal playing in the mill pond.