- Play Hard
- 10th Jul 2026
- 0
- 0 minute
From wild art sessions to circus workshops: Seaton Delaval Hall is the place to be this summer
- Advertisement Feature
Right, parents of Northumberland (and beyond), get the diary out, because Seaton Delaval Hall is throwing the kind of summer holiday programme that makes a National Trust membership feel less like an investment and more like an absolute steal.
With five fixed play zones running daily and a rotating cast of pop-up performers, puppeteers and circus folk dropping in throughout, this is the sort of place you’ll find yourself returning to again and again (and again) before September rolls round.
SO, WHAT’S ACTUALLY GOING ON?
The whole shebang kicks off properly on Monday 20th July and runs right through to Monday 31st August, taking its cue from the Delavals’ own Georgian love of spectacle, drama and a bit of theatrical mischief.
Think hay bale scrambles, giant garden games, a junk orchestra made entirely from recycled bits and bobs, hobby horse races and a multi-level play area called the Delaval Playdium, complete with pulleys, levers and chalkboard “flats” for budding set designers. There’s also the Tent of Wonder for when little legs (or big ones) need a flop on a giant beanbag.
The best bit? The five play zones are open all day, every single day across the holidays, and they’re included with your membership or standard admission.
No booking, no faff – just rock up. The pop-up events below are slightly more date-specific, but they’re also free with admission and drop-in only, so you genuinely can plan a different visit each week and see something new every time.
SUMMER OF PLAY: THE FULL PROGRAMME
Monday 20th July – 31st August
For the complete rundown of what’s on across the summer, this is your one-stop page – check it before you head out in case anything shifts.
SUMMER OF PLAY: BUBBLEPLAY
Monday 20th & 27th July and 17th, 24th & 31st August from 12pm – 4pm
Relive the joy of childhood with North East bubble specialists BubblePlaY, who bring shimmering, dancing bubbles of every size to the grounds. Giant bubbles, bubbleologist tricks, and plenty to chase and pop – fun for the whole family.
SUMMER OF PLAY: TROLLIVER WITH PUPPETEER GEORGIA HILL
Wednesday 22nd July & 19th August from 11:30pm – 3pm
Meet Trolliver, the mischievous bridge-dwelling rascal full of “noisy burps, silly farts and unexpected surprises,” created by North East maker Georgia Hill. Her playful puppets, props and costumes have appeared across UK theatre, TV and live events, and Trolliver is her latest creation, designed to spark imagination and make people smile.
© Georgia Hill
SUMMER OF PLAY: LET’S CIRCUS!
Every Friday from 24th July – 28th August from 12pm – 4pm
Drop-in circus skills, have-a-go sessions and mini shows from the region’s leading circus agency, with no need to book — just turn up and run away with the circus for the afternoon. Each week brings a different theme: Aerials Day (24th July), Obby Show (31st July) Witty Look (7th August), Nat Lunatricks, (14th August) Felicity Footloose (21st August) and The Wheelnuts (28th August)
SUMMER OF PLAY: THEATRE SPROUT PRESENTS WILD GOOSE CHASE
Wednesday 29th July and 12th & 19th August from 12pm – 4pm
A playful, inventive theatre adventure proving ordinary objects can become extraordinary stories. A goose is about to lay a golden egg, a treasure-hungry jackdaw is watching from the chimney tops, and one performer brings a trunk of puppets, a musical trolley and a whole flock of mischief to life. Performed by Hannah Goudie-Hunter, created and developed with Josh Elwell and Jeremy Bradfield.
© Founded
SUMMER OF PLAY: WILD ART WITH MIM ROBSON
Wednesday 5th & 19th August from 12pm – 4pm
Back by popular demand after her spring blossom mandala sessions, artist Mim Robson returns with mindful, creative drop-in art sessions for all ages.
DON’T FORGET THE PICNIC BLANKET
Here’s the bit that elevates this from “good day out” to “actual summer tradition”: Seaton Delaval Hall’s grounds are made for lingering.
Grab an ice cream near the Playdium, find a shady spot in the Arboretum for a proper picnic, or pick up lunch from the Brewhouse if you’d rather not pack the cool bag. The gardens give you the perfect excuse to slow the pace down between play zones – pack a blanket, let the kids run off steam, and treat the whole day like a leisurely wander rather than a tick-list.
There’s also Young Gardeners every Friday in the Community Kitchen Garden, free and drop-in, where kids can harvest, get crafty with nature, or settle into the sheltered story corner.
Honestly, with a National Trust membership and a picnic packed, Northumberland this summer is shaping up to be the day out that does all the heavy lifting for you.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
Subscribe
Subscribe now to receive our twice-weekly emails and exclusive offers for High Life North readers.