Discover a summer of outdoor adventures, family fun and unforgettable days out at Trentham.
There’s something timeless about summer days spent outdoors, and few places capture that feeling quite like Trentham. Set within 182 acres of award-winning landscape in the heart of Staffordshire, the estate comes alive during the warmer months with lakeside walks, immersive play spaces, vibrant planting and a packed programme of family entertainment and live music.
Trentham offers far more than a traditional garden visit. From the grandeur of the historic Italian Gardens to adventurous woodland trails and wildlife experiences, it’s a destination designed for slowing down, exploring and making the most of long summer days.
At the heart of the estate, the historic Italian Gardens continue to evolve through the ambitious Italian Gardens: The Next Chapter project, developed alongside renowned designer Tom Stuart-Smith. Rich perennial planting brings bold colour and texture throughout the season, while maintaining the classical elegance that has made the gardens one of Trentham’s most recognisable spaces.
Beyond the formal terraces, the atmosphere becomes softer and more naturalistic. Piet Oudolf’s Floral Labyrinth weaves together ornamental grasses and flowering perennials in ever-changing combinations, creating a dreamlike landscape that shifts beautifully through the season.
Along the lakeside, visitors can wander through the Sunny and Woodland Meadows, designed by the late Professor Nigel Dunnett to celebrate biodiversity and sustainable planting. His influence can also be seen in the newer Otter Meadow, which reflects Trentham’s continuing focus on climate-conscious horticulture.
Developed using resilient planting techniques and carefully selected species, Otter Meadow and the Italian Gardens demonstrate how thoughtful planting can support both biodiversity and year-round visitor enjoyment. Planted within a free-draining sand and grit substrate, it demonstrates how resilient planting can remain both visually striking and environmentally beneficial.
Summer at Trentham is just as much about adventure as it is about relaxation. Designed by Capability Brown, Trentham Lake provides the perfect backdrop for leisurely boat rides during weekends, bank holidays and school holidays, offering visitors the chance to take in the scenery from the water.
For younger visitors, the adventure playground remains one of Trentham’s biggest attractions. Climbing towers, rope bridges, agility courses and zip-lines are woven through the landscape, alongside the playful hide and speak maze and the popular barefoot walk. The twin zip-lines have quickly become a favourite for siblings and friends eager to race side by side. At the revamped for 2026 north jetty, children can test their skills on the brand-new junior kart track before exploring the tip toe trail or settling quietly into the recently opened kingfisher and otter hide for wildlife spotting and river views.
This summer, Trentham will also host six weeks of themed entertainment from Tuesday, July 21, to Monday, August 31, giving families even more reasons to return throughout the holidays. A brand-new ‘around the world’ trail will encourage visitors to collect passport stamps as they journey through themed locations across the gardens, discovering cultures and traditions from around the globe along the way, with cultural and educational performances and world food inspired by cultures around the world added to the programme on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Time4Sport Kids Club sessions also take place every Monday and Friday to keep children active with games and sports activities during the holidays.
Over in Trentham shopping village, families can also enjoy a new wildlife-themed trail alongside free Wednesday entertainment, with weekly themes including birds, farm animals, minibeasts, ocean life and wildlife found closer to home.
Trentham hasn’t forgotten about live music lovers in its packed summer programme, with Trentham Live returning in August with The Fratellis, Madness, Five and The Human League headlining the huge 2026 shows, and the famed tribute nights, Trentham Summer Concerts, running throughout July and August in the lakeside amphitheatre setting. With performances to suit all tastes, the programme offers something for everyone.
Visitors booking at least 48 hours in advance can enjoy even greater savings on day tickets as part of the government’s Great British Summer Savings initiative, on top of Trentham’s existing 15 per cent advance booking discount. Tickets start from £11.16 for adults and £7.44 for children. For those planning return visits, Trentham also offers three flexible membership options to enjoy the gardens throughout the seasons.
With outdoor adventure, creative activities and spectacular gardens all in one place, Trentham offers the perfect summer escape for all ages, whether you’re seeking a peaceful afternoon among the flowers, an active family day out or simply somewhere to reconnect with nature.
For more information or to plan your visit, see the Trentham website.
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