Britain's What's On Event Guide
Summer of Play at Brownsea Island
The National Trust’s Summer of Play events programme offers a packed calendar of hands-on activities designed to spark imagination and connect children with nature.
The island’s annual Summer of Play activity trail will be open daily from 24 Jul to 31 Aug. This year’s trail features crayon rubbing, animal-themed games and ends at the popular natural play area.
Mondays are minibeast days, where little explorers can get up close with nature and discover the amazing world of bugs, families can head out on a bug hunt then sculpt a clay minibeast to take home.
Tuesdays in August bring a chance to explore the ancient Japanese art of Hapa Zome. Families can create botanical prints by hammering leaves and flowers onto fabric, revealing the hidden dyes of nature and crafting a unique keepsake to take home.
Wednesdays are all about wild creativity. From 30 July to 27 August, families can drop in between 11am and 3pm to try their hand at potion making, wild weaving, and crafting natural musical instruments and kites with Dorset Rewilding.
Fridays and Saturdays offer a taste of survival skills with free Bushcraft taster sessions and Survival Saturdays. Led by local expert Joe Peartree who brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for the wild, ensuring each session is both educational and enjoyable. Starting from 25 July and throughout August.
The Summer of Play activities culminate with a swashbuckling Treasure Island Pirate Day on 30 August 11am-3pm, where young buccaneers can dress up, hunt for treasure, and master sailor skills in a day of high-seas adventure.
Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank and Sport England.
The island’s annual Summer of Play activity trail will be open daily from 24 Jul to 31 Aug. This year’s trail features crayon rubbing, animal-themed games and ends at the popular natural play area.
Mondays are minibeast days, where little explorers can get up close with nature and discover the amazing world of bugs, families can head out on a bug hunt then sculpt a clay minibeast to take home.
Tuesdays in August bring a chance to explore the ancient Japanese art of Hapa Zome. Families can create botanical prints by hammering leaves and flowers onto fabric, revealing the hidden dyes of nature and crafting a unique keepsake to take home.
Wednesdays are all about wild creativity. From 30 July to 27 August, families can drop in between 11am and 3pm to try their hand at potion making, wild weaving, and crafting natural musical instruments and kites with Dorset Rewilding.
Fridays and Saturdays offer a taste of survival skills with free Bushcraft taster sessions and Survival Saturdays. Led by local expert Joe Peartree who brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for the wild, ensuring each session is both educational and enjoyable. Starting from 25 July and throughout August.
The Summer of Play activities culminate with a swashbuckling Treasure Island Pirate Day on 30 August 11am-3pm, where young buccaneers can dress up, hunt for treasure, and master sailor skills in a day of high-seas adventure.
Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank and Sport England.
Thu 24 Jul to Sunday 31 August
Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Dorset BH13 7EE
Summer of Play trail -10am - 5pm 24 Jul - 31 AugMinibeast Mondays - 4, 11 & 18 Aug - 11.15am - 1pm
Hapa Zame - 5, 12, 19, 26 Aug - 11am - 3pm
Wild Wednesdays - 30 Jul, 6, 13, 20 & 27 Aug - 11am - 3pm
Free Bushcraft sessions - 25 Jul, 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 Aug - 11am - 12pm, 1 - 2pm & 3 - 4pm
Survival Saturdays - 26 Jul, 2, 9, 16 & 23 Aug - 11am - 12.30pm & 2 - 3.30pm
Treasure Island Pirate Day - 30 Aug - 11am - 3pm
The Summer of Play activities are free, but normal ferry and admission fees
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