IT'S ALL FUN AND GAMES

BRINGING a family festival atmosphere to 175 National Trust sites across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Summer of Play offers hundreds of events - including music, performances and immersive storytelling, straw-bale mazes and castles, den building, pop-up sports days and special events.

- By Matt Nixson

National Trust Director General Hilary McGrady says: "There are endless adventures waiting to be uncovered - and who knows, your child might just turn out to be a dab hand at archery or a budding David Attenborough. There's truly something for everyone, everywhere."

SOUTH WEST ENGLAND

Killerton, Devon, (July 19 to Sept 7), boasts six different play areas, with frisbee golf, swingball and loose parts play to climb and build. At Saltram, Devon, (July 19 to Aug 31), step into the spotlight with a playful celebration of all things performance, imagination and adventure.

Kingston Lacy, Dorset, (July 19 to Sept 7), boasts giant building blocks, puppet theatre and games and activities. Pack a picnic or pop to the picnic trailer or café for lunch, hot and cold drinks or ice creams.

Covering 300 acres of countryside, Trelissick, Cornwall, (July 19 to Sept 2), offers plenty of adventures. Play tennis on the West Lawn, try lawn games or embrace your creativity and makebelieve in the stables where you'll find a stage ready for you to put on a show. The Victorian Gothic Revival house at Tyntesfield, near Bristol, (Jul 19 to Aug 31), offers pastimes from giant chess, to more modern games like the floor is lava-work your way around the world, learning their origins. There are also plenty of great play activities at Lanhydrock, Cornwall, (July 24 to Aug 31).

Enjoy adventures at the world-famous gardens at lake at St summer fete-themed fun at Barrington Court, Somerset, (July 19 to Sept 1). No longer a home for cows and pigs, the 1920s farmyard will host the play hub with activities for all the family.

Experience the Ultimate Roman Adventure at Chedworth Roman Villa, Gloucs, (Aug 4 to Sept 1); with games, puzzles, crafts and artefact handling and more.

LONDON AND SOUTH EAST