SUMMER FUN FOR EVERYONE...

The National Trust offers activities and experiences with a family festival feel

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NATIONAL Trust's Summer of Play invites families to have fun and experience Trust places in new and unexpected ways.

Taking place over the summer holidays and set against the backdrop of the National Trust's historic houses and beautiful gardens, Summer of Play activities will have a family festival feel.

Jam-packed with games and experiences, let imaginations run wild and give new (and old) sports a go with lawn games at Rowallane Garden and boat trips down the River Blackwater at The Argory.

Get competitive with golf challenges at the Giant's Causeway, or, take a sensory children's tour of the house at Castle Coole.

Designed with families in mind, Summer of Play activities will be dotted around large fields, woodlands and garden areas, so there'll be plenty of space to enjoy the games and activities as well as picnicking spots, shady rest areas and of course, toilets, cafes and popups offering food and drink.

Janet Vance, Experiences and Partnerships Curator, said: “National Trust houses and gardens have inspired people for centuries and it’s in that same spirit that we're throwing open the doors and inviting families to have fun at Trust places this summer and let their imaginations run wild.

“This summer you can enter a medieval world at Castle Ward, ‘Choose your own adventure’ at Mount Stewart or why not visit Florence Court for the Honey Show as it celebrates its 20th year.

“Summer is set to burst with colour, creativity, and adventure and there’s something for everyone.”

For more information on activities taking place on each day of the summer holidays visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ni-summer.

Here are just some of the exciting events and activities on offer this summer...

CASTLE WARD, CO DOWN

■Summer of Play: July 5-August 31, 10am-6pm

■Festival of Archaeology: July 26&27

■CraftFest: August 2-3, 11am-5pm