The National Trust’s annual Summer of Play programme returns this year, offering families a wide range of outdoor activities across 142 sites in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland from mid-July until early September. This year’s edition includes a new partnership with Pokémon, enhancing play zones with themed challenges, trading card games, and interactive experiences designed to engage children and encourage outdoor exploration.

Summer of Play takes place in diverse settings, from nature reserves and historic gardens to expansive parklands and woodland areas. The programme aims to foster family connections with nature through activities such as den building, storytelling, races, team games, sports, and creative workshops. The introduction of Pokémon zones, featuring trading, Mega Evolution trails, and game challenges, adds a contemporary element to the traditional outdoor adventures.

In the Midlands and East of England, sites such as Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire celebrate with decade-themed play zones tied to its centenary, including mini golf and woodland play. At Wimpole Estate, also in Cambridgeshire, visitors can explore Pokémon-themed trails amidst one of the UK’s largest rare-breed farms. Belton House in Lincolnshire hosts giant games and adventure playgrounds, while Calke Abbey in Derbyshire offers nature play alongside Pokémon trading and games. Additional locations like Hardwick Hall, Attingham Park, Clumber Park, and Wicken Fen provide a variety of sporting, creative, and nature-based activities incorporating Pokémon elements.

Northern sites include Dunham Massey and Lyme Park in Cheshire, where Pokémon zones complement traditional family fun like supersized games, circus skills, and play hubs. Fountains Abbey Estate in North Yorkshire presents ball games, archery, and large-scale play areas, while Gibside in Tyne and Wear offers a festival-style hub with crafts, storytelling, and den building. Many locations feature accessible walking trails and outdoor leisure facilities.

In the South East, families can engage in obstacle courses, performance arts, and garden games at Cliveden, Stowe Gardens, Polesden Lacey, Scotney Castle, and Nymans. Each site integrates Pokémon play areas alongside historical and natural attractions, including activities such as maze exploration, natural play areas, and musical installations made from estate-grown materials.

The South West features vibrant play hubs at Kingston Lacy, Killerton, Tyntesfield, Stourhead, Lacock Abbey, and Trelissick. These sites combine traditional summer fete-themed games, puppet theatres, nature trails, craft workshops, and woodland play with Pokémon trading and challenge zones. In Wales, locations like Chirk Castle and Tredegar House offer themed play spaces and creative activities, while Northern Ireland’s Mount Stewart and Rowallane Garden provide energetic and imaginative zones along with Pokémon-themed trails.

The National Trust has enhanced the visitor experience with additional Pokémon-themed elements such as exclusive Pokéstops, Gyms, and meet-and-greet events with Pikachu at select locations. Carl Greenman, the Trust’s Head of Visitor Experience, noted that the partnership aligns with the programme’s goal of encouraging families to explore and play outdoors, hoping to inspire curiosity and foster lasting connections with nature and heritage.

For further details on specific activities, trails, and Pokémon events, families are advised to consult the National Trust’s official website.