The annual event transforms National Trust properties into outdoor play spaces with games, activities and family experiences. This year, Pokémon is joining the programme for the first time, bringing themed challenges, Trading Card Game activities and Pokémon GO experiences to selected locations.
At Stourhead, Summer of Play runs from Sunday 6th July until Saturday 6th September. Children can explore a giant straw castle, try archery, race through a meadow maze and discover a hidden camp.
A dedicated Pokémon area will also feature Trading Card Game activities, large-scale games, skill challenges and collectible stickers.
Lacock Abbey will host its Summer of Play programme from Friday 18th July until Saturday 6th September.
Visitors will be able to take part in den building, barefoot walks, mud kitchens and craft workshops, alongside Pokémon-themed Trading Card Game sessions, games and sticker collecting. Workshops with Wiltshire Scrapstore and climbing activities led by the Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team will also be available.
Across the South West, six National Trust locations will feature dedicated Pokémon zones, while four properties will host Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trails. The trails encourage families to search for giant Pokémon characters while completing physical and imaginative challenges inspired by their abilities.
Pokémon GO players visiting participating National Trust sites will also be able to discover new PokéStops, Gyms and Official Routes designed to encourage exploration of parks, gardens and historic landscapes.
Carl Greenman, the National Trust’s Programming and Production Manager, said:
“There’s such a natural fit between Pokémon and Summer of Play, both are about encouraging families to have fun together and explore the world around them.
“By bringing a globally loved brand, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, into the places we care for, we’re helping more families discover them as spaces for play, adventure and shared experiences.
“We hope this partnership sparks curiosity and imagination, inspiring children and their grown-ups to get outdoors, play together and build a lasting connection with nature and heritage.”
Summer of Play is included with standard National Trust admission, while National Trust members can take part free of charge.
No advance booking is required, although activities vary between locations. More information, opening times and details of participating sites are available on the National Trust’s Summer of Play webpage.
