Running from August 1-23, Cecil’s Summer of Discovery adds even more family fun to Burghley’s much-loved offer of Adventure Play, beautiful Gardens and one of England’s greatest Elizabethan houses with a programme of hands-on activities designed to inspire curiosity, creativity and adventure.
Included with every admission ticket or annual pass, each week introduces a new theme, encouraging children and their grown-ups to discover different sides of Burghley through crafts, trails and storytelling.
Families can unlock their creativity during Art & Culture Week (3–9 August), making decorative clay keepsakes inspired by the gardens, designing colourful flags to contribute to the Big Burghley Bunting display and following sculpture-themed discovery trails before gathering for storytelling beneath the Enchanted Oak.
History comes to life with Time Traveller’s Adventure Week (10-16 August) with opportunities to meet Tudor characters in the House, enjoy family-friendly tours through the magnificent State Rooms, make and play traditional Victorian games, and seek out historical characters hidden around the Sculpture Garden.
The adventure continues during Gardens & Nature Discovery Week (17-23 August) with wildflower seed bomb making, mini beast hunts, den building, garden safaris and nature-themed discovery trails, helping children connect with Burghley’s landscapes and wildlife through play and exploration.
The fun continues at weekends with a programme of special events; step back in time with Sounds of the 40s in the Gardens (1–2 and 15–16 August), relax to Jazz in the Gardens (8–9 and 22–23 August), discover delicious local produce at the Summer Fine Food Market (29–31 August), or get up close to amazing birds during Birds of Prey Day (31 August).
These special events are included with admission or free to enter where applicable, ensuring there’s always something new to experience at Burghley throughout the summer holidays.
For the full summer programme visit burghley.co.uk/events/cecils-summer-of-discovery
