Mapperton Estate offering free activities for children this summer
The estate, located near Beaminster, will host themed activities every week for six weeks.
Children can participate in activities such as woodland trails, storytelling, sketching wildlife, scavenger hunts, and historical explorations.
The activities will run from Sunday, July 27 to Thursday, September 4.
The fun kicks off with Art Week (Sunday, July 27 - Thursday, July 31), where children can sketch flowers, creatures and hidden corners of the estate's grounds.
They can also contribute to the Summer Bunting Gallery for a chance to win a family season pass, chosen by the Earl and Countess of Sandwich.
READ: Jane Austen-themed activities at Dorset Museum this summer
Scavenger Week (Sunday, August 3 - Thursday, August 7) will have young explorers collecting natural treasures to build twig people or fairy homes.
Mystery Week (Sunday, August 10 - Thursday, August 14) will turn children into detectives, solving clues to find out who stole Percy the tortoise.
There are ten animal suspects hidden around the grounds of the Coach House café, and the first to solve the mystery will receive a prize.
Nature Bingo Week (Sunday, August 17 - Thursday, August 21) will include a wildlife adventure.
Children can collect sightings of bees, butterflies, and birds on a bingo card to earn a Mapperton Wildlings sticker.
There will also be themed games back at the Coach House.
READ: 'Mini Glastonbury' to return to Dorset this summer
Story Week (Sunday, August 24 - Thursday, August 28) will feature storytelling sessions with local children's author and illustrator Lynda Stewart, followed by an opportunity for children to write or draw Mapperton-inspired tales.
Finally, History Week (Sunday, August 31 - Thursday, September 4) will invite young time-travellers to discover Mapperton's past through postcards from the 4th Earl of Sandwich.
They will complete fun challenges and post a message back through time in the Mapperton Time Box.
Julie Montagu, Countess of Sandwich, said: "Mapperton is full of stories and nature to discover, and we are delighted to offer a creative and fun summer adventure for children and their families to enjoy."
The Coach House Café will be open for refreshments during the activities.
READ: Creative activities for children across Dorset this summer
Children under the age of 16 can enter Mapperton House, Gardens & Wildlands free with any adult entry ticket or membership. No booking is required.
Families visiting for any three out of the six summer weeks will receive a free visit to see Father Christmas at Mapperton this winter.
For more information, visit the Mapperton website.
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