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15 Jul 2025

Newhailes hosts its most Playful Summer yet

Written by Blue Kirkhope
Three young children play around an outdoor sandpit, filled with buckets, spades and sieves. The girls are dressed in princess costumes.
Eden, Leina, and Ben at Playful Summer, Newhailes
A host of exciting summer activities are on offer as part of the new Playful Summer at Newhailes House & Gardens.

The Trust is warmly inviting people to come and enjoy a variety of outdoor adventures and experiences at Newhailes House & Gardens. Families and young adventurers can now enjoy activities across a series of interactive play zones called Playful Summer, suitable for all ages and open until 25 August. The zones include:

  • Sport Zone – Run, jump, and play classic sports games.
  • Nature Zone – Discover, build, and get hands-on with all things outdoors.
  • Imagination Zone – Get creative and run wild with dress-up and make-believe.
  • Beach Zone – Sand and seaside vibes.
  • Chill Out Zone – Wind down in the hay bale maze and quiet corners.

The Trust has welcomed over 162,000 visitors to Newhailes this year so far.

Three young children in front of colourful wooden letters that spell out 'Newhailes'. The girls are dressed in princess costumes. There are hay bales in front of them.

Claire Grant, Operations Manager for Edinburgh, said: ’We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to Newhailes this summer, where there is an array of activities happening as part of the new Playful Summer, suitable for all ages and interests. Our places offer the perfect setting to create treasured memories with loved ones, and you will find something for everyone. It’s thanks to our members and supporters for their ongoing generosity that we’re able to continue our work to share these special places with everyone and to protect Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage now and for future generations to enjoy.’

These events support the National Trust for Scotland’s vision to care for, share and protect Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage for everyone to enjoy, as outlined in its 10-year strategy, launched in 2022.

Playful Summer is free for National Trust for Scotland members and ideal for families with young adventurers. Access to the five play zones is included with admission to Weehailes Playpark. 

Book for Playful Summer in advance.

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Palladian house that played a prominent role in the Scottish Enlightenment

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