Summer is sorted with the National Trust’s Summer of Play

Make the most of the longer days, warmer weather and quality time with the family with the National Trust’s Summer of Play, sponsored by Starling Bank.

Taking place across the UK, the Summer of Play will include activities at Dunstable Downs in Bedfordshire.

During the summer holidays, experience National Trust places in new and exciting ways with a family festival feel and designated areas jam packed with outdoor games and experiences. Get active and have a go at sports and garden games, with archery, croquet, athletics, ball sports and plenty more to spark your competitive side. Explore and play in nature with wild art, bug hunting and pond dipping, enjoy performance play with story telling and dress up sessions and get crafty with art workshops and craft making. With a range of activities and events at each National Trust place, there is something to make everyone’s summer day out special.

The sports field and family fun activities return to Dunstable Downs this Summer of Play. Join us every day between 22^nd July and 3^rd September to take part in free activities, designed specifically for children and fun in mind. Take part in activities such as football, table tennis, archery and much, much more. Activities are self-led, just pick up the equipment from the visitor centre, or join one of our coach-led activities delivered by local sports groups, all completely free.

At Dunstable Downs, there will be coach-led active fun and games starting at 11 am and soft archery sessions starting on 26^th July and running on 2^nd, 9^th, 16^th, 23^rd and 30^th August. There is another Have a go at archery with Pepperstock Archers activity on 5^th and 20^th August.

Designed with families in mind, Summer of Play will be dotted around the site, so there will be plenty of space to enjoy the games and activities, as well as picnicking spots, shady rest areas and of course, facilities like toilets, cafes and pop up kiosks offering refreshing food and drink. Bring a picnic and enjoy the views, car parking charges apply to non members.

Find out more here www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunstable-downs

Image: Kite flying at Dunstable Downs (credit National Trust Images Arnhel de Serra).