The sites boast beautiful walks, flora and fauna, lawns perfect for picnics, cafés and many have special activities and trails running through the summer holidays.
Listed below are the sites that are perfect for a day out during the summer holidays.
A garden lovers' home for all seasons, with an extensive yet intimate garden set around a romantic house and ruins.
And this summer, Pokémon has joined Nymans' Summer of Play
Until September 4, Summer of Play means you can share the magic of Pokémon as a family at Nymans with all-new Pokémon zones, Pokémon trading, mega games and stickers to collect.
Trail sheets will be available to collect on the day. Normal admission also applies (free for National Trust members). Comber's Field will, once again, be filled with activities, games and races, while in the play glade get den building or play in the wooden cabin. Picnic anywhere you like in the garden and explore woodland paths, too.
Acres of Grade I listed landscaped garden and lakes, surrounded by historic parkland and woodland.
Until September 6, guests can take part in the Summer of Play: Myths and Legends. Watch dragons soar through the skies, unicorns gallop through the glades, and mermaids swim through thelakes as a bevy of ancient legends come to life in the gardens.
Young adventurers can find five play zones, each with its own distinct mythological creature. Along the way, enjoy a variety of garden games and hands-on activities. Whether you’re helping the trolls build dens in the Play Glade or simply soaking up the magical atmosphere, there is something for the whole family to enjoy.
Summer of Play is free, but normal garden admissions apply. The garden has accessible paths, but some of the play zones of the trail are off the main path
A magnificent 17th-century house displaying one of the finest art collections in the care of the National Trust, nestled in a 700-acre deer park.
Adventures in Blue family trail runs at Petworth until September 6, celebrating all things blue.
Guests will join Pipkin the Dragon on a colourful adventure through the Pleasure Garden. Can you help Pipkin discover the true meaning of blue on this fun-filled family trail?
Families can pick up a trail map for free, with admission, from reception to follow the buggy-friendly paths of the Pleasure Garden.
Step into history at Bodiam Castle. This 14th-century moated castle with a ruined interior features spiral staircases, battlements and a portcullis.
The Summer of Play at Bodiam Castle runs until September 2, with a season packed full of fun, imagination and adventure.
Step back in time with medieval‑inspired games such as castle building, hobby horse racing and quoits, try your hand at circus skills, or join our Knight School led by professional performers. New for 2026, let your imagination soar as you climb aboard a pirate ship and set sail for the seven seas.
It’s all included with normal admission. Summer of Play offers fun for all ages, with most games and activities ideal for families with children aged 5 to 11.
Arts and Crafts family home with Morris & Co. interiors, set in a beautiful hillside garden.
Summer of Play has arrived at Standen with a Victorian circus twist. It can be enjoyed until September 6.
Try your hand at Circus School, then explore the gardens and wander up to the woodland den to practise a few circus skills of your own.
The family home of world-famous writer Rudyard Kipling, known for The Jungle Book and Just So Stories. Built in 1634, this Jacobean house is in the Sussex countryside.
Summer of Play is at Bateman's until September 2 this year. Race your friends with space hopping, monkey bars and climbing in our jungle scramble! Or test your aim with bean bag throwing. There will be a range of games on offer to enjoy as well as face painting, crafts and storytelling in the garden.
This offer is free with normal admission, and is fun for all ages with most games and activities ideal for families with children aged 5 to 11.
Wild botanic garden, managed by Kew and home to the Millennium Seed Bank.
The vast grounds are Wakehurst are perfect for a family day out this summer. There’s a Wild Wood trail, Children's & Community Garden, a Tree Trunk Trek, a dinosaur trail and a brand-new Explorer Map, featuring fun activities along the way.
1. Nymans
This summer, Pokémon has joined Nymans' Summer of Play. Until September 4, Summer of Play means you can share the magic of Pokémon as a family at Nymans with all-new Pokémon zones, Pokémon trading, mega games and stickers to collect. Photo: Katherine HM
2. Sheffield Park and Garden
The Summer of Play: Myths and Legends is taking place at Sheffield Park. Watch dragons soar through the skies, unicorns gallop through the glades, and mermaids swim through our lakes as a bevy of ancient legends come to life in the gardens. Young adventurers can find five play zones, each with its own distinct mythological creature. Along the way, enjoy a variety of garden games and hands-on activities. Whether you’re helping the trolls build dens in the Play Glade or simply soaking up the magical atmosphere, there is something for the whole family to enjoy. Photo: Hollie Robards
3. Petworth House
Petworth House - Expressions in Blue sculptures in parkland Photo: National Trust, Megan Taylor
4. Bodiam Castle
Summer of Play returns to Bodiam Castle with a season packed full of fun, imagination and adventure. Step back in time with medieval‑inspired games such as castle building, hobby horse racing and quoits, try your hand at circus skills, or join our Knight School led by professional performers. New for 2026, let your imagination soar as you climb aboard a pirate ship and set sail for the seven seas! Photo: Katherine HM