Everything you need to know about Speke Hall’s fab Summer of Play

The National Trust’s brought back its Summer of Play, sponsored by Starling Bank and that means Speke Hall is jam-packed with loads of fab experiences and activities for you and your family to enjoy.

Speke Hall is open 10-5 with last entry at 4.30 and Summer of Play runs every day 10-4. The grounds and gardens are open every day throughout the week, and the Speke Hall house is open Wednesday-Sunday. There’s no need to pre-book— so all you need to do is just turn up and join in the fun.

“Here at Speke Hall this Summer of Play, we are aiming to connect everyone with nature and make play accessible to all,” says Sarah Wiggins, Senior Marketing and Communications Officer for the Trust’s Liverpool portfolio. “We are a green oasis situated in the heart of Liverpool and this summer provides the perfect opportunity for all the family, and all ages to play, explore, connect with nature, culture and history.

“It is a chance to make memories at Speke Hall which will last a lifetime.”

So if you want to get ready to play, here’s everything you need to know.

What is Summer of Play?

Summer of Play is the National Trust’s nationwide festival of fun and games for all ages of the family to enjoy and it’s at Speke Hall – of course! – right now.

What activities can I look forward to?

Far too many to list them all here! You’ll find games galore in the grounds of the Tudor manor house from mud pie making to running races, den building in the woodlands, crafts and creating, and more. You can explore the historic grounds, let your imagination run wild in the accessible gated play area, or zoom through the air on the zipwire. In the performance play area you’ll find a puppet theatre, a wicker castle, a play boat and a cosy reading nook, while over in the orchard you can play with giant games or create wild art masterpieces, and on the North Lawn you can wang a welly and try bunny yoga. There’s different play every day!

How long is Summer of Play on?

It’s on from now until August 31 – so there’s plenty of time to go back again and again. Pick up your Play Passport when you visit and get it stamped every time you visit a new place and take part in Summer of Play. The more stamps you collect, the better. You’ll receive a unique Summer of Play crown when you reach two, four and six stamps! To give you an idea of what’s on, there are Make It Mondays (craft sessions); Target Practice Tuesdays with archery on the North Lawn; Tudor Thursdays when a medieval jester will run two, two-hour sessions with everything from juggling to hand held stilts, and Fairytale Fridays when storyhunters from The Reader share stories and rhyme time with a fairy tale theme.

Is it on every day?

Yes, there’s something going on every day throughout the Summer of Play between 10am and 4pm.

What if it rains?

That’s not a problem. On rainy days there’s an indoor play space which includes a dressing up station and shop. And on rainy days – and sunny days – between Wednesdays and Sundays you can go on the fairy tale mouse trail inside the house.

What if I just want some peace and quiet?

You’ve got that too! Amidst all the excitement, there are always moments of calm to be had with so many peaceful areas around the gardens and grounds where you can stop for a picnic, sit and watch the birds, or spot the planes soaring overhead from Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

New sensory area means everyone can have fun

Speke Hall has a new sensory station you’ll find in the visitor reception building, and visitors can help themselves to ear defenders, fidget toys and other sensory resources, including a bag for carrying things. They’re free to pick up and borrow during your visit, and there’s also an accessible gated play area.

Bit of lunch or a drink?

You can grab a bite to eat or a drink from Home Farm Restaurant which serves everything from hot food, to sandwiches, cakes and ice cream. And let’s face it, who doesn’t love a National Trust scone?!

How much does it cost?

There are no additional charges for Summer of Play events, you just pay normal admission charges of £19 for adults, £9.50 per child, and £47.50 for a family. It’s free entry for under 5s, carers and National Trust members.

Find out more on the Speke Hall website.

Find more great days out across Liverpool this summer here.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.