In a world where screens dominate children’s free time, stepping outside for some old-fashioned outdoor play is essential for their development – and there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy it too.
The National Trust offers plenty of family-friendly activities that can be embraced across the UK. One of the best ways to keep your little ones occupied during the warmer months is with outdoor playgrounds and adventure parks.
We’ve compiled a list of the best National Trust playgrounds, with indoor play areas, den-building spots, sensory toys, tree houses and rope swings.
Benefits of outdoor playgrounds for kids
Children spend an average of seven hours a day staring at their phones, tablets, consoles, and other electronics, but what difference can an outdoor playground make?
There are many benefits to children playing outdoors and in nature, including advanced motor skills, reduced stress and improved problem-solving skills.
- Outdoor play helps improve a child’s physical health, improving coordination and strength.
- Spending time in nature reduces stress and anxiety by lowering cortisol levels and promoting relaxation.
- Outdoor environments improve focus and attention especially for children with ADHD, by providing a natural setting for concentration.
- Unstructured outdoor play fosters creativity, allowing them to use their own imagination and think for themselves.
- Playing outside improves social skills by encouraging teamwork and communication.
- Nature stimulates all five senses, offering a rich experience sure to top any form of screen time.
Source: [1] [2]
The best National Trust sites with playgrounds
Experiencing the beauty of the UK can be done as a family, with lots of play areas and playgrounds now a part of National Trust sites.
Here, we list the best National Trust playgrounds and what’s available for kids and adults to enjoy.
Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire
Address: Quy Rd, Lode, Cambridge CB25 9EJ
Anglesey Abbey is a National Trust property located in the northeast of Cambridge, offering 98-acres of exploration.
There are landscaped gardens, trails and a working mill available for the entire family to enjoy. The playground at Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire is ideal for the little ones with the Woodland Play Area and a place for children to build their own den.
Belton House, Lincolnshire
Address: High Rd, Belton, Grantham NG32 2LW
Belton House has a huge play area consisting of treehouses and zip wires sure to keep children occupied.
They’ll sleep well after the excitement of this outdoor area, it’s one to marvel at, featuring 30 different play structures, a miniature railway and an indoor play area for those rainy days.
You’ll also find immaculate gardens, information on the history of the house and events throughout the year, including festive themes during Christmas.
Emmetts Garden, Kent
Address: Emmetts Ln, Ide Hill, Sevenoaks TN14 6BA
Emmetts Garden is a fantastic family day out with garden trails, wild play areas and picnics.
For those looking for tea or coffee while the kids keep themselves entertained, there’s a cafe available.
It’s also easy to find and they have designated parking.
Tyntesfield, Somerset
Address: Wraxall, Bristol BS48 1NX
Tyntesfield showcases a beautifully well-kept garden and estate with three play areas; the Home Farm courtyard, farm play area and a big tractor (it seems more like an adopted climbing structure these days).
Initially a small Georgian house, Tyntesfield has been transformed into an accessible Victorian Gothic Revival house.
A rich history that dates back to the 16th century but as you well know, there’s only so long you can keep kids occupied while walking around an estate, but luckily they can enjoy any of the three main play areas.
Unfortunately, pushchairs and prams aren’t allowed unless they’re required for mobility. They can provide Hippychick carriers and other child holders when you arrive.
Calke Abbey, Derbyshire
Address: Ticknall, Derby DE73 7JF
Calke Abbey is a family-friendly site with plenty of activities to enjoy, including bike rides, woodland walks and five of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 3⁄4’.
Whether you want to cycle along the Tramway Trail and take in the scenic views or explore the estate, there’s an assortment of choices for you and the little ones.
Something worth mentioning is that most of the trails and areas aren’t suitable for buggies (unless you opt for the Tramway Trail).
Fountains Abbey, North Yorkshire
Address: Fountains, Ripon HG4 3DY
Fountains Abbey displays a stunning water garden, a deer park and Abbey ruins. This is one for walkers, so if you fancy taking the family for a brisk walk, you’ll want to consider the fountains.
The play area features a zip line, a dark tunnel along the walking route and a ‘secret upstairs room’.
Chirk Castle, Wrexham
Address: Chirk Castle LL14 5AF
Chirk Castle, based in North Wales, has a history that dates back to 1310 and despite the interesting history of the castle, it also appeals to children for its play area and large grounds.
The landscaped garden makes for an amazing walk during the warmer months. There’s also a chance to try on period costumes inside the castle, a wild play area, some unusual staircases, and a small gift shop on your exit.
Mount Stewart, County Down
Address: Portaferry Rd, Newtownards BT22 2AD
Mount Stewart is a National Trust site in Northern Ireland, showcasing a 19th-century house and a garden.
Steeped in history, the house is full of stories that go back to 1719. Fortunately, in addition to the historic home, there’s also den building fun, sensory bags and buggy-friendly trails around the estate.
Mount Stewart also boasts a Natural Play Area, lakes and gardens for the entire family.
Polesden Lacey, Surrey
Address: Great Bookham, Dorking RH5 6BB
Among Polesden Lacey’s Squirrel Corner Play area, there’s a natural obstacle course with climbing structures and tunnels.
This site is ideal for natural play, bird-watching and enjoying tree swings as part of the forest adventure. There are often opportunities for hands-on learning with seasonal hunts and physical play.
Wallington, Northumberland
Address: Morpeth NE61 4AP
Wallington is a National Trust property in Northumberland that caters to children of all ages – thanks to their adventure zone and the Little Acorns area for younger visitors.
In addition, the location also boasts a play fort, nature play space and a miniature train to get the imagination going.
There are wildlife trails and cycle trails for the family with a cycle hire on-site, a cafe and more.
Which are the best National Trust playgrounds to visit in the winter?
National Trust sites can be enjoyed in all weather as long as you layer up and throw in your waterproofs. But if you’d rather escape the harsh elements of the UK, you can find shelter with the indoor play areas at Belton House or Quarry Bank Mill.
Are there indoor play areas for rainy days?
As well as indoor play areas available at Belton House and Quarry Bank Mill, you can also find out what’s on at your preferred National Trust site with many different indoor crafts, castles and other activities on rainy days.
Which National Trust playgrounds are the most accessible for children with disabilities?
Many places in the National Trust are accessible for children with disabilities with some locations offering changing places with extra room. Sites such as Belton House, Nostell, Dudmaston, Clumber Park and others all have changing places with a bench and hoist.
Access Guides can be found on National Trust’s official website – as they try to improve the accessibility for everyone. [3] [4]
The 50 Things to Do Before 11 ¾ at National Trust?
The National Trust has their own list of things to do for children – 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾. The list can be ticked off as your little ones explore various areas.
This ranges from finding trees to visiting a farm. This is sure to keep the kids busy as you frequent your favourite estates and castles as a family.
It’s separated into different categories – adventurer, discoverer, ranger, tracker and explorer. Here are some examples of what’s available on the list:
- Get to know a tree
- Roll down a really big hill
- Camp outdoors
- Build a den
- Skim a stone
- Go welly wandering
- Fly a kite
- Spot a fish
- Eat a picnic in the wild
- Play conkers
- Explore on wheels
- Have fun with sticks
- Make a mud creation
- Dam a stream
- Go on a wintry adventure
Sources
- https://www.miracle-recreation.com/blog/why-should-my-child-play-outside-benefits-of-outdoor-play-for-kids/
- https://childmind.org/article/why-kids-need-to-spend-time-in-nature/
- https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/who-we-are/about-us/access-for-everyone
- https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/enhanced-facilities-for-disabled-visitors
