As the summer of 2025 unfolds, the National Trust is making headlines across the UK for both joyful new offerings and ongoing preservation challenges at its historic sites. From playful summer activities that harken back to a gentler era to the slow, painstaking work of safeguarding centuries-old monuments, the Trust’s efforts reveal the complexity of balancing fun, heritage, and conservation.
At Croome Court, a stately National Trust property nestled in the Worcestershire countryside, staff are celebrating a fresh addition to their summer lineup. On August 9, 2025, Croome Court unveiled a brand-new food and drink trailer on its South Lawn, just in time for the bustling summer holidays. The trailer, which serves a tempting array of drinks and snacks, is part of the property’s wider Summer of Play experience—a family-friendly initiative designed to get everyone involved in wholesome outdoor fun.
"We are delighted to offer a trailer as part of our Summer of Play experience this year," said Jayne Bosley, Croome’s senior food and beverage manager, according to the local press. "Selling a range of snacks and drinks for our visitors to enjoy, we have some added extras to come too." Her enthusiasm is palpable, and it’s clear that the new trailer is more than just a refreshment stop—it’s a symbol of the Trust’s commitment to enhancing the visitor experience during the busiest time of year.
The Summer of Play isn’t just about snacks, though. Croome and other nearby National Trust properties—like Hanbury Hall near Droitwich and The Firs in Lower Broadheath—are offering a smorgasbord of old-fashioned, village fete-inspired activities. As reported by Worcester News, these events aim to pull children away from screens and immerse them in traditional English pastimes: think soft archery, swing ball, coconut shies, and even dressing up as birds, butterflies, or in period costume. There’s storytelling on Mondays, circus skills on Tuesdays, bracelet making on Wednesdays, dance workshops on Thursdays, and art workshops on Fridays. Volunteers, described as polite and patient, are on hand to help families make the most of their visit.
For parents, the Summer of Play offers a rare chance to join in the fun rather than just watch from the sidelines. One local parent shared his experience at Hanbury Hall, recalling, “My five-year-old son loved the soft archery and swing ball... It was also something I could take part in. Being a parent often means sitting back and watching your children have fun. So having the chance to take part in something like this with my son felt like a rare, nostalgic foray into the dim mists of my own childhood.” The activities, inspired by the Victorian fetes once held by the Vernon family at Hanbury Hall, offer a quieter, more inclusive alternative for children who might be overwhelmed by the noise and crowds of modern fairs.
And for those who are members of the National Trust, these activities are included in their membership, making them an affordable option for families looking to fill the long summer days. Even non-members can join in for the price of admission, ensuring broad access to these heritage-rich experiences.
But while Croome Court and its sister sites are bustling with laughter and play, not every National Trust property is in the midst of celebration. In Wiltshire, the Lansdowne Monument near Cherhill stands shrouded in scaffolding and netting—a stark reminder of the challenges involved in preserving the nation’s historic treasures. The 38-metre-high Grade II listed stone obelisk, visible for miles around, has been partially hidden by hoarding for over a decade. The security measures are there for good reason: to protect visitors and livestock from the risk of falling stone fragments.
The National Trust, which took ownership of the monument in 1988 as part of a deal to acquire part of the Oldbury Castle Iron Age hillfort, is tasked with ensuring its long-term survival. According to a Trust spokesperson, “The National Trust is committed to a sustainable future for the Lansdowne Monument. Feasibility work and research has given us a clearer understanding of the conservation repairs needed, and repair work began in 2024. Repairs undertaken in 2024 and 2025 are currently being evaluated to determine what best suits the challenging location and the monument itself. We plan to undertake the next phase of repair work in spring 2026.”
Planning permission granted this year allows the protective hoarding to remain in place for at least the next three years, while a multi-phase repair scheme continues. The Trust appointed a lead architect in 2023, after receiving grant aid from Historic England for a detailed study of the obelisk’s condition. An application for permission to carry out conservative repairs is expected to be lodged with Wiltshire Council in late 2025. As of now, no target date has been set for the removal of the scaffolding, leaving some locals frustrated with what they see as an “eyesore.”
The Lansdowne Monument, designed by Sir Charles Barry (the architect behind the Houses of Parliament) for the 3rd Marquess of Lansdowne and built in 1845 by Daniel and Charles Jones of Bradford on Avon, has long struggled with structural issues. By the time the National Trust took over, the obelisk was already described as being in “a state of dilapidation.” The Trust’s slow, methodical approach to repairs reflects both the complexity of the task and the need to ensure the monument’s future for generations to come.
For those seeking adventure or tranquility at National Trust sites, there’s no shortage of options within reach. A recent roundup of the best Trust properties within 30 miles of Ludlow highlights the sheer diversity on offer: from Powis Castle and Garden in Welshpool, with its medieval ramparts and celebrated gardens, to Carding Mill Valley on the Long Mynd, known for its wildlife-rich heathland and sweeping views. Clent Hills in Worcestershire, The Weir Garden in Herefordshire, Berrington Hall near Leominster, Croft Castle and Parkland, Brockhampton, Wilderhope Manor, Knowles Mill, Dudmaston Estate Comer Woods, and Dudmaston Hall all boast their own unique charms—be it bookshops, tea-rooms, play areas, or miles of dog-friendly trails.
Visitors are advised to check parking availability and seasonal dog access, as policies can vary from site to site. But with so many sites catering to different tastes—history buffs, nature lovers, families with children or dogs—it’s clear the National Trust is working hard to ensure there’s something for everyone.
Whether it’s the cheerful buzz of children at play on Croome Court’s lawn, the quiet determination of conservationists at the Lansdowne Monument, or the myriad experiences awaiting at properties across the region, the National Trust’s work this summer is a testament to the enduring appeal—and ongoing challenges—of preserving Britain’s heritage for all.
