Ickworth, Melford Hall, Sutton Hoo, Flatford and Dunwich Beach and Heath join the National Trust’s ‘Summer of Play’

With the summer holidays fast approaching, many parents might be starting to think of family-friendly activities for the school break.

This year, National Trust sites across Suffolk are gearing up for a ‘Summer of Play’, with events, activities, games and crafts on the line-up.

Read on for a round-up of some of the best activities on offer at National Trust sites in Suffolk this summer.

Ickworth Estate: Summer of Play, July 22-September 5, 10am-3.30pm; Cycle hire, July 22-September 5, 10am-4pm (last hire 2pm); Discover Ickworth Nature Explorer, July 26 and August 16, 11am and 1.30pm; National Play Day, August 2, 11am-3pm; Wind in the Willows, outdoor theatre, August 4, 5-7pm; Geocaching Adventure, August 9 and 30, 11am and 1.30pm; Dog training session for kids, August 20, 11.30am; Storytelling and games in Ickworth’s play garden, August 23, 11am-3pm; Ickworth Bat Walk, September 1 and 2, 8.30-10.30pm

Ickworth is one of 11 National Trust play hubs this summer, with visitors invited to transform the Walled Garden and reclaim it as a hub for families and friends to connect with nature and each other.

The ‘play garden’ will feature a range of activities, including wild mazes, a Summer House stage ready for impromptu performances, cooking at the mud kitchen, an immersive sensory garden experience and more.

Cycle hire is also available for exploring the parkland with its spectacular views.

Picnics are most welcome, or enjoy lunch at one of the estate’s cafés, before visiting the adventure playground.

On August 4, spend the evening at Ickworth enjoying the Wind in the Willows performed against the backdrop of the Rotunda.

For more information, go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth-estate

Melford Hall, Summer of Play, July 22-September 5 (Wednesdays to Sundays), 12-3.30pm

Play garden games on the lawn, discover family-friendly trails or borrow a story bag and enjoy reading together in the garden at Melford Hall this summer.

Picnics are positively welcomed, while there are 50 things to do before you’re 11-and-three-quarters activities to experience or Beatrix Potter stories to uncover inside the hall.

For more information, go to https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/melford-hall

Flatford, Summer of Play, July 22, September 5, 10am-4pm

Get the whole family outdoors and discover nature in the Dedham Vale countryside at Flatford.

Navigate the River Stour on the water as popular rowing boats return for the summer holidays, or have a go at nature-based activities with the summer family nature trail, available daily throughout the holidays.

Flatford Nature Day is on August 1, with an array of activities to get stuck into, including natural crafts and pond dipping.

Or, join the Companye of Merrie Folke for the Tudor fayre on July 29 and 30, when visitors could try their hands at archery, play traditional games, watch a puppet show and more.

For more information, go to https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/flatford

Dunwich Heath and Beach: Summer of Play, July 22-September 3, 10am-5pm; Insect Safari, July 22 and August 5, 11am-noon; Bat Walk, July 22 and August 5, 8.30-10pm; Mini Ranger Walk, August 20, 10am-11am

Dunwich Heath and Beach is a great spot for a family fun day immersed in nature.

Families can explore the heath on one of the interactive family trails, head to the beach for activities on the sand, grab a tracker pack to see what wildlife wonders can be discovered, or build dens.

Enjoy a picnic lunch or head to the tearoom for a tasty treat, then children can burn off steam at the outdoor play area.

Events to learn more about the wildlife that live at Dunwich Heath and Beach can be booked.

For more information, go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunwich

Sutton Hoo, Suffolk: Summer of Play, July 22-September 4, 10am-5pm; Theatre in the Forest, The Winter's Tale presented by the Red Rose Chain Theatre Company, various dates between July 26 and August 26

Visit Sutton Hoo to discover the story of an Anglo-Saxon King and his final resting place through story-telling, family trails and dressing up. Become an archeologist on the sand tray activities or head into Tranmer House for family crafts and Anglo-Saxon inspired LEGO® building.

Visitors are welcome to take picnics to enjoy an alfresco lunch or buy lunch (and/or treats) from the café, before heading to the adventure playground to burn off steam.

For more information or to book, go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sutton-hoo

Returning for another year is Red Rose Chain Theatre Company, which will be performing A Winter’s Tale in the historical landscape.