We visit Tredegar House's 'Summer of Play' for summer fun

South Wales Argus

3 days ago

Located within the beautiful and expansive grounds of the historic 17th century mansion leased by the National Trust, the Summer of Play involves a sensory-rich experience for children of all ages.
A child playing in the sand at Tredegar House (Image: National Trust Images / James Beck)
The courtyard, overlooked by the impressive stately home, is adorned with colourful bunting and creates the atmosphere of a typical seaside holiday. A large sand-pit complete with buckets and spades is surrounded by comfy deck-chairs, allowing parents to soak up the sun while keeping an eye on the kids.
Tredegar House has partly been turned into a beach (Image: National Trust Images / James Beck)
There is a range of interactive games and activities such as hoopla, child-sized beach huts and even a role-play ice-cream shop.
There are also plenty of umbrellas and tents to shelter from the summer heat (or summer rain!). This new family- friendly experience is due to run again next summer as well as the summer after.
There is even an ice cream parlour for little ones to play in (Image: National Trust Images / James Beck) General Manager of the South East Wales Portfolio of National Trust, Lizzie Smith Jones said: "To see everyone, from grandparents to toddlers, enjoying a Summer of Play at Tredegar House fills me and the team with so much joy.
"The idea of bringing a beach here came to me while sitting on the sand in St Ives, Cornwall - surrounded by laughter and the simple sounds of families spending time together. It's wonderful to experience the beach in an urban setting, while taking in the view of the 17th-century mansion.
"I feel we've truly captured the spirit of the seaside, creating moments steeped in nostalgia. It really is a celebration of everything we love about summer, and we hope everyone will visit."
A child playing in the ice cream parlour (Image: National Trust Images / James Beck)
There is plenty of space to lay your picnic blankets in Tredegar's picturesque gardens filled with shady trees, tropical plants and a beautiful lake.
The family fun continues inside Tredegar House itself where little ones can play-dress up in costumes as kings and queens and get their regal photos taken.
For older visitors (and younger too) take a trip into the past by walking around the beautiful Tredegar House and learn about its rich history. Its plethora of rooms have been preserved with original paintings and ornate furniture.
Children are encouraged to get involved with the history of Tredegar House (Image: National Trust Images / James Beck) Different rooms are presented as they would have been throughout the centuries from the medieval era, 17th century, Victorian and even up to the 1960s when it was used as a girls boarding school.
This welcoming and delightful programme is free of charge to National Trust members and available to locals at a discounted rate with the Local Residents Pass. The pass grants unlimited entry to the whole estate for your household.
After the event finishes for the autumn, Tredegar House plans to run a Remembrance programme recognising 80 years since VE day.
Tredegar House is set to host a celebration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day at the end of the summer (Image: NQ) Due to the estate's rich World War II history, where Tredegar House served as a GI base, the National Trust wishes to showcase the presence of the American soldiers all those years ago.
As well as their Remembrance programme, Tredegar House are organising October half-term activities centred around their Welsh pixie character, Ruby. The National Trust estate is also planning to construct a new play area, which will be free of charge to use.