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Summer adventures start here with some t...

31 July 2025

Summer adventures start here with some top activities at historic listed properties

By Joanne Townsend Administration Assistant

A large hedge maze sits under a partly cloudy sky with trees and buildings in the background.

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With the school summer in full swing, why not spend some time exploring the spectacular British heritage? There are so many activities and events that you can enjoy at some of the amazing listed properties our country has to offer. If roaming around admiring beautiful gardens is what you love or if you want to enjoy a themed event or find some fun activities for the children, there really is something for everyone.

Leeds Castle

Grade I Leeds castle is located in Kent, it was built in 1119 as a Norman stronghold. Over the years, the castle has been home to royalty including King Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon. It then became abandoned in the 17th century before the estate was later restored in the 19th century by Lady Baillie who transformed it into a luxurious private home.

Today, Leeds Castle is renowned for its stunning architecture, beautifully landscaped gardens and fascinating history, which attracts visitors from all over the world. There is so much to do when visiting and it can be hard to fit it all in. You can enter the castle and take a step back in time to soak up all the history or maybe take in one of their Falconry displays and have a walk around the bird of prey centre.

A large stone castle with four towers stands on a well-manicured green lawn under a blue sky with wispy clouds.

For the children, there is an obstacle course and two adventure playgrounds for them to run around and have fun, as well as the Leeds Castle Adventure Golf. The family could also take on a challenge together and try not to get lost in the maze and grotto which is always an adventure.

Summertime at Leeds castle has a few additional things to offer such as ‘Motors by the Moat’ on the 9^th and 10^th August, where you can enjoy thrilling stunt performances, vibrant parades and a huge display of hundreds of classic and high-performance vehicles. This event is included in your admission price.

You can experience the Leeds Castle Beach, where you can spend the day on deckchairs enjoying the views with an ice cream in hand, take your bucket and spade and make a castle of your own.

There is also the summer woodland trail where the whole family can discover the fascinating lives of woodland creatures with interactive activities where you can help Hattie the Hedgehog rebuild her home after it was knocked down in the summer storm. This is an amazing chance to explore the woodland and enjoy a fun filled story.

Find out more about everything on offer at Leeds castle this summer here: Summertime at Leeds Castle – Leeds Castle

Belton House

Belton house is a grade 1 listed country house situated in the parish of Belton, near Grantham in Lincolnshire. Built between 1685 and 1687 by Sir Brownlow, it is surrounded by a beautiful, wooded park and formal gardens. Today the house is managed by the National Trust and It really is an amazing place to visit with such a lot to offer.

‘The Summer of play’ is on at Belton and you can go on a big dig with an archaeology and exploration theme. You can dig for treasures in the sand pits, become an Ancient Egyptian with the mummification station and take part in some hieroglyphics code games. There is also a chance to play some giant versions of your favourite travel games and much more.

A grand historic mansion with symmetrical architecture, stone facade, and manicured gardens lining a gravel path.

As well as the extra summer activities there is an abundance of things to see and do; You can take a walk around this glorious historic house or enjoy the garden with its Italian design and cast-iron conservatory and fountains. The surrounding parkland covers around 1,300 acres with an ancient deer park, grazing sheep, ponds and woodland. For the younger visitors, there an outdoor adventure playground

Find out more information on what is going on through the summer at Belton house and details about ticket process here:- Belton Estate | Lincolnshire | National Trust

A stone castle with a round tower rises above dense green trees under a cloudy sky.

Pendennis Castle – Cornwall

This striking grade I listed building is an artillery fort constructed between 1540 and 1542 by Henry VII near Falmouth, Cornwall. The castle is now managed by English Heritage.

If you climb to the top of the Tudor keep, you will find breath taking, sweeping panoramic views overlooking Falmouth; It really is worth the climb.

Enjoy a family day at Pendennis Castle and take part in the TV’s taskmaster activities over the summer where you can collect your taskmaster score and complete your tasks with lots of fun on the way. You can also play a round of mini golf which is available everyday throughout the school holidays.

On 5^th August – 7^th August you can see a legendary medieval joust at the castle showing four legendary knights compete for glory.

You can discover everything you need for your visit here:- Plan Your Visit to Pendennis Castle | English Heritage

Scotney Castle

This grade 1 listed moated castle and Victorian country mansion looks like it has come straight out of a fairytale and you will find it nestled in the rolling hills of Kent. The original part of the castle, built in the 14^th century by the De Capell Brooke family, was designed as a defensive stronghold. Over the years, it has evolved into a charming country house surrounded by a tranquil lake and stunning gardens. The estate remained in the De Capell Brooke family for generations, until it was donated to the National Trust in 1970.

A visit to Scotney Castle has all the ingredients for a perfect day out with the family. Take a stroll in the beautiful walled kitchen garden and then enjoy the 780-acre picturesque parkland on the estate.

Scotney Castle with a tower and a body of water.

This summer, there is lots of fun to be had at the outdoor theatre at Scotney Castle with numerous live theatre shows, as well as live music events such as tribute bands for Fleetwood Mac and Abba.

Find out everything that is going on at Scotney Castle this summer here:- Scotney Castle | Kent | National Trust

A brick house with a red roof sits behind a formal garden with shrubs, flowers, a pond, and stone planters.

Penshurst Place

Grade I listed Penshurst Place and Gardens have stood in the village of Penshurst since the 14^th century. The stately home and gardens were once used as a hunting lodge for King Henry VIII and now feature staterooms that have been showcased in popular TV and film productions.

Summer activities at Penshurst place are almost in full force and you can enjoy one of their fantastic Falconry shows on a Saturday held on the 19^thJuly and on the 2^nd, 16^th and 30^th August.

From the 20^{th of} July – 31^st August you can also be apart of one of the summer holidays storytelling performances where you can enjoy a retelling of Alice in Wonderland, in which you follow the characters through the garden rooms to enjoy an immersive tale for all of the family. These 20 minute shows are performed in the gardens every Sunday during the school summer holidays and is included in all admission types at Penshurst Place.

There is so much more to enjoy at Penshurst Place such as Summer holiday craft sessions every Tuesday and Thursday or Wilderness Wednesdays where you can try axe-throwing, archery and s’mores making every Wednesday. This is also all included in your admission prices and is suited for children aged 8 and over.

You can find out more about everything that is going on at Penshurst place here:- Your Visit Penshurst Place

Melford Hall – Sudbury Suffolk

Melford Hall is located in the picturesque countryside of Suffolk; It is a charming historic Grade I listed country house with a rich heritage. Melford Hall was built in the 16^th century and was once home to the Benedictine monks. It was later owned by different generations of the Hyde Parker family.

Reverend Sir William Hyde Parker, 10^th Baronet, married Ethel Leech, a cousin of Beatrix Potter who often visited Melford, trying out her famous stories on the Hyde Parker children. Her visits inspired many of her drawings that can still be seen around the house today.

Sir William the 13^th Baronet, his wife and young family currently live in the South wing of the house however the rest of the house is open for visitors and managed by the National Trust.

Melford Hall makes a great day out and it gives you a great chance to uncover the inspiration behind some of the Beatrix Potter stories. And then why not explore the beautiful gardens and park where you can peruse the seasonal planting.

Find out more about visiting Melford Hall here:- Melford Hall | Suffolk | National Trust

Large historic brick building with four corner towers, set behind a neatly trimmed lawn and garden hedges.

Large stately building with ornate columns, surrounded by green lawns and trees under a cloudy sky.

Chatsworth House

Grade I listed Chatsworth house in Derbyshire England is one of the most magnificent stately homes in the country. The Estates history dates back to the 16^th century, when the first Chatsworth House was built. The current structure (which is a fine example of English Baroque architecture)was completed in the 17^th century and over time, the house has been expanded and renovated.

There is so much to see and do at Chatsworth House from garden tours, gardening clubs for children, to Estate walks where you can take in some of the best views and enjoy fascinating stories on a guided walk.

From the 4^th August -10^th August children over 6 years old can take part in the big tree climb sessions where they can climb the tallest trees with expert guidance every step of the way. These sessions last 1 hour and require pre-booking.

On the 29^th August – 31^st August Chatsworth Country Fair is being held, which is a spectacular annual outdoor event. It is held in the 100-acre parkland surrounding Chatsworth House and has all the ingredients to make a memorable family day out. Enjoy amazing entertainment including military bands, stunt teams, aerobatics, cookery masterclasses, falconry displays, a vintage funfair, climbing wall, bungee trampoline and so much more.

There is so much going on at Chatworth House and you can find out all the details here:- Visit us

Drum Castle, Scotland

Category A listed Drum Castle lies near Drumoak in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The Castle is the oldest intact building that is in care of the National Trust for Scotland and it consists of a 13^th century tower, a Jacobean mansion and Victorian dwellings. It was originally a fortress of the Irvine family, who played a significant role in Scotland’s medieval history. The Irvine family held the estate until 1975, when it was bequeathed to the National Trust Scotland.

Visitors can explore the stunning tower, historical interiors and the serene surrounding woodlands and gardens where you can take a stroll in the beautiful walled garden which is full of sensational roses in the summer months. Then follow the path past the pond and see what wildlife you can spot. If you fancy a lengthier walk, the Old Wood of Drum is perfect. It once served as a royal hunting forest and is now a breathtaking woodland walk which is home to so many different types of wildlife such as red squirrels, bats, badgers and a huge variety of birds. There is also the Drumhill Trail and the Farmland walk which takes you through rolling fields and luscious woodland.

A large, pale stone castle with multiple chimneys and windows, fronted by a wide expanse of green lawn.

For the kids, there is Little Oaks play area which is a new 1 acre natural and sustainable play park with giant tree structures and carved oak sculptures.

You can find out more about visiting Drum castle here :-Drum Castle | National Trust for Scotland

A body of water with a building and trees in the background.

Cameron House on Loch Lomond Scotland

If you are looking for more than a day out and perhaps want to extend the fun to a weekend away Cameron House Hotel and Country estate is a Category B listed building in Bonhill, West Dunbartonshire, Scotland and would make the perfect activity filled summer family break away.

Sitting right on Loch Lomond, the options of things to do here are endless such as pony trekking, clay-pigeon shooting, golf, archery, or enjoy a sensational tour of stunning landscapes around Loch Lomond and enjoy the thrill of off-road driving in an impressive Land Rover Defender or Discovery vehicle, tackling challenging terrain and enjoying the views.

You can take a champagne cruise or take a speedier trip on a jet ski or maybe give kayaking or paddleboarding a go. This is the perfect place to try new experiences.

Around the resort, you and the family can embark on an adventure following clues on a treasure hunt which is on every day from 10am.

Inside the hotel there is a cinema, an award-winning spa and eight different bars and restaurants to enjoy so you really will be spoilt for choice.

You can find out more about staying at the hotel or one of the lodges and everything that is on offer here:- Loch Lomond Spa | Cameron House Resort & Lodges

From historic houses to iconic landmarks, listed buildings across the country are offering more than just photo opportunities this summer. With accessible events and engaging activities for all ages, they provide a rewarding way to spend time together while discovering something new. Whether it’s a relaxed garden visit or a lively family day out, these places make it easy to turn everyday outings into something memorable.

Behind the scenes, these buildings, like thousands of listed homes across the UK, rely on expert care and protection to stay standing. At Abode, we are specialists in listed property insurance. If you would like to discuss your listed property insurance requirements, please call us on 01622 476 433.

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