Local animation duo the Brothers McLeod lead creative summer adventures at Compton Verney, plus creative play for families and world-class exhibitions to explore Dive into a summer of creativity and adventure at Compton Verney, where children aged 18 and under go free, with BAFTA-winning animation duo The Brothers McLeod, playful outdoor activities, and world-class exhibitions for families to enjoy.

From Saturday 19 July, children can embark on the Compton Verney Quest, an interactive trail inspired by their much-loved Knight Sir Louis stories. Budding heroes will solve puzzles, imagine their own magical artefacts, and meet whimsical characters as they journey through the grounds and galleries.

To launch the summer programme, The Brothers McLeod will host storytelling and drawing workshops on 19 and 20 July. Families will hear tales from Knight Sir Louis, learn to draw the characters, and discover how their animations are brought to life.

Play will also take over in August as Compton Verney celebrates National Play Day on Wednesday 6 August, followed by Big Play Weekend, Saturday 9 – Sunday 10 August, a weekend of playing and making across the whole site and children 18 and under go free! National Play Day activities include:

  • The unveiling of a new Play Wagon designed by the brilliant and creative minds at Studio Hardie, the team behind the projects on Channel 4 series, George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces.
  • Amber’s Play Party, hosted by Playworker Amber the NSPCC’s first Champion for Childhood, encourages high-energy play and dance. Alongside this Amber will also be running Character Creation sessions, where children can make their own props to play with.
  • Artist Play Day hosted by local artist Matt Shaw, where fun and creativity are taken into the great outdoors with collaborative activities that encourage experimenting and building.

During the BIG PLAY WEEKEND, Saturday 9 – Sunday 10 August:

  • Find building blocks and LEGO® bricks and explore activities in the galleries.
  • Join Play on Words to listen to a story of adventure and myth under the shade of the trees with storyteller Cate West.
  • Plus, the Ringworld team are back with their giant inflatable sculptures, encouraging child-led play.

Compton Verney is open Wednesday to Sunday, and bank holiday Mondays 10am to 5pm. Children aged 18 and under go free.