National Trust Summer of Play Returns to Yorkshire with Pokémon Adventure at Fountains Abbey

Families across Yorkshire can look forward to six weeks of outdoor fun as the National Trust's Summer of Play returns from 18 July to 6 September 2026. While National Trust properties across the county will be hosting play trails, games and family activities throughout the school holidays, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden will be the only Yorkshire location to feature one of the charity's new Pokémon Play Zones.

Pokémon comes to Fountains Abbey

As part of a new partnership between the National Trust and Pokémon, Fountains Abbey has been selected as one of just 27 National Trust places across the UK to host a dedicated Pokémon Play Zone.

NT250F3M Belton Estate, Lincolnshire ©National Trust, James Beck

Some National Trust places have Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trails with activities inspired by Mega Evolution Pokémon ©National Trust_Jo Armstrong

NT1F20C Hanbury Hall, Worcestershire ©National Trust, Steve Sayers

Families can take on Pokémon-inspired challenges, collect stickers in a special Pokémon x National Trust sticker book and enjoy new Pokémon GO features including Pokéstops, Gyms and themed gameplay experiences.

Summer of Play across Yorkshire

Alongside Fountains Abbey, several National Trust properties across Yorkshire are inviting families to make the most of the summer holidays with activities designed to get children outdoors, active and exploring.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

The UNESCO World Heritage Site combines its spectacular ruins and landscaped water gardens with the county's only Pokémon Play Zone, making it one of the standout family destinations this summer.

Nostell

Families can enjoy a packed programme of seasonal activities alongside Nostell's parkland, gardens and adventure play areas, offering plenty of opportunities to play and explore outdoors.

Beningbrough

Beningbrough will once again welcome families for a summer filled with outdoor games, nature-inspired activities and opportunities to discover its gardens and grounds together.

Wentworth Castle Gardens

Visitors can explore a series of themed play zones, from active outdoor games and nature play to storytelling, sensory activities and pop-up family events throughout the holidays.

East Riddlesden Hall

East Riddlesden Hall will kick off the holidays with a free Summer of Play day on 22 July before welcoming families to its popular gardens, mud kitchen, trim trail and outdoor play spaces.

Nunnington Hall

A magical fairytale trail inspired by classic children's stories takes over Nunnington Hall this summer, with dressing up, creative play, meadow games, archery challenges and interactive activities around the gardens.

Ormesby Hall

Families visiting Ormesby Hall can enjoy its natural play area, model railway, seasonal trails and imaginative outdoor activities during the school holidays.

Encouraging children to explore outdoors

Carl Greenman, the National Trust's Programming and Production Manager, said:

"There's such a natural fit between Pokémon and Summer of Play — both are about encouraging families to have fun together and explore the world around them."

He added that the partnership is designed to inspire children and their families to spend more time outdoors while building lasting connections with nature and heritage.

A summer of affordable family days out

Summer of Play activities are included with normal admission at participating National Trust properties, with no pre-booking required for most events. Visitors can also benefit from the Government's temporary VAT reduction on admissions and children's meals at National Trust cafés until 1 September 2026, making a family day out even better value.