It’s an event-full summer at A la Ronde

Mary Youlden
Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted Monday, July 29, 2013 - 11:58am

Whatever the weather, there's plenty to keep the whole family occupied over the summer holidays at A la Ronde, the National Trust property near Exmouth.

Kids, don't miss the Super Tuesday summer craft activities on 30 July and 6, 13 and 20 August. Meet your friends and make a selection of fun items to take home. Different crafts each week plus mini-beast safaris on 13 August.

Don’t forget to also have a go at the summer family quiz trail, and pick up a free ‘50 Things’ booklet to see how many activities you can tick off over the summer and autumn as part of the National Trust ‘50 Things’ challenge.

For visitors who enjoy a hands-on approach, there’s a drop in willow workshop on 27 July, where you can make a plant-friendly snail out of willow to take home. Led by a professional willow craftsman, this workshop is suitable for all ages, whether or not you have tried willow-craft before.

On 1 August brush up your ‘Time Team’ skills and join a National Trust archaeologist to discover how archaeological finds are identified and dated; and find out how our ancestors made tools by flint knapping. You are invited to bring along your own finds for identification too. Will you be able to stump the archaeologist?

On 11 August bug experts will be on hand to help you discover lots of interesting facts about the creepy crawlies who live in our homes and countryside. You can go on a bug hunt and make an insect crown.

Appealing to visitors with a creative streak, on 16 August you can make a rustic bird feeder to attract birds to your garden; and on 17 August celebrate all things woolly with demonstrations of crafting activities using locally sourced wool. If you’re still in the creative groove, join artist Yvonne Taylor as she leads a lively ‘Drawing with Colour’ workshop on 22 August. Tickets are £25 and are bookable in advance.

Finally there’s a great opportunity to stock up on reading and reference books at the bumper second hand book sale from 24 to 26 August. There’s a wide range of titles suitable for all ages and interests.

Why not make a day of it at A la Ronde by playing garden games on the ha-ha lawn with free croquet tuition on 14 August. Our tearoom is open daily for refreshments or, if it’s a lovely day, why not bring along a picnic and relax in the shady orchard. Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds too.

Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/alaronde for full details, including prices and times of opening, events and additional information. Most summer events are free or have just a small charge to cover materials, so it's possible to come as many times as you like.

We hope it won't rain on your day with us but as most workshops and activities take place under cover there's no need to let a little shower put you off.

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