Summer of
Play
What's on during the six-week summer holiday
Page Anchor
the summer line up
Children 18 and under get free entry to Compton Verney. Their grown ups will need to have purchased admission or be a member.
Luminarium
Wed 26 – Mon 31 Aug
Round off the summer with an immersive sensory experience in a giant, colour-changing, inflatable maze
Wednesdays
Build and stack with Big Blue Blocks
Every Wednesday during the holidays, 10.30am – 4pm
Free, drop in
All ages welcome
Meet us at Wellingtonia, the avenue of trees by the Welcome Centre, to enjoy building, stacking, connecting and more with these larger than life blue blocks whilst enjoying some fresh air.
Fire rocket cars into the sky with Kineton RAF STEM
Wed 29 Jul, 12 Aug and 26 Aug, various time slots
Free but prebooking essential
Recommended ages 7+
Create and learn whilst making and firing rocket cars into the sky!
These sessions are led by local Kineton RAF members and, as such, may be subject to last-minute change or cancellation. .
thursdays
Roll it, stamp it and plunge it on Artist Print and Play Days
Every Thursday during the holidays, 10.30am – 3.30pm
Free, drop in
All ages welcome
Get creative and experiment with unusual printing tools in the fresh air. From giant rollers to toilet plungers and spinning seats, discover the magic of printmaking. Expect lots of paint, big designs, and bold moves. Don’t wear your best clothes!
Forest school fun at Get Mucky, Get Making
Every Thursday during the holidays, 10.30am – 12.30pm
£7.50 per child, prebooking essential
Suitable for ages 5 and under
Explore nature and enjoy the summer sunshine with nature crafts, leaf crowns, petal printing, digging, bug hunts and free play.
Sessions end by gathering together at the fire circle for a story and marshmallow.
fridays
The Weave
Every Friday during the holidays, 10.30am – 3.30pm
Free, drop in
All ages welcome
Contribute to this outdoor weave installation in Old Town Meadow, guided by artist, Matt Shaw. Each week there will be new natural materials to add.
Come and enjoy some shared making and help The Weave develop and grow over the six weeks.
every day
The Play Wagon is in Old Town Meadow this summer, next to The Weave. Gather and play here with friends and family, surrounded by tall grasses and wildflowers. There’ll be a range of outdoor toys and games to play with.
The Marx Art Cart is fully stocked with a range of design challenges, colouring and simple activities, taking inspiration from designer Enid Marx and our exhibition, The Pattern of Life. Find the cart in the British Folk Art Gallery on the third floor of the house.
The Chain Ferry (or Hand-Pull Ferry) is a fun way to cross the lake. From the Welcome Centre, follow the path through the woods, and behind the bird hide. Climb aboard the platform and pull yourself over to the other side. Heave Ho intrepid adventurer!
giant bubbles
Fri 31 Jul and Wed 5 Aug, 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm
30 minute outdoor bubble displays by professional bubble performers; could you be inside a bubble?
Free, with day admission or membership
Long, hazy days spent playing together outside – that’s what summers are made for
Tips for planning your visit
To help you get the most from your visit, we’ve pulled together some essential tips on the best times to arrive, what to bring, and what to expect when you get here.
Opening hours and Bank Holidays
We’re open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am–5pm, and Bank Holiday Monday, Mon 31 Aug
Best times to visit Compton Verney in summer
Mornings can be busy during the school holidays, especially on days we have extra events taking place. If you’re looking for a quieter experience, we recommend visiting after 12 noon or on weekday afternoons from 2pm onwards. These times are ideal for enjoying the exhibitions, taking a walk around the lake, or relaxing in the café.
Drive times and getting here
We’re 20 minutes from Warwick, Leamington Spa and Stratford-upon-Avon, 30 minutes from Banbury, Kenilworth and Coventry, 40 minutes from Solihull and 50 minutes from Birmingham. If you can, please consider car sharing to help reduce traffic and ease pressure on the car park.
Our postcode for sat navs is CV35 9HZ. What3Words for the entrance to Compton Verney is riper.plotted.connector
For information about getting here via public transport, click here
Parking is free with admission or membership. Once you’ve parked up, head to the Welcome Centre at the top of the car park. From there, it’s a 5-10 minute walk along hard paths to the house, over the bridge across the lake.
Shuttle bus We run a shuttle bus service most days between the car park and the house. It’s free to everyone.
What to bring (and what not to)
To help keep the galleries and indoor spaces safe and welcoming for everyone, please leave balance bikes, scooters and backpacks in the free lockers provided near the shop. These items aren’t allowed inside the galleries. Pedal and electric bicycles are not permitted on site.
Dogs
Well-behaved dogs on short leads are very welcome in the Welcome Centre and grounds. Dogs aren’t permitted inside the house (except assistance dogs). There are plenty of scenic walks, shady spots, and open areas to enjoy. Please bring water for your dog and clean up after them during your visit.
Food and drink – café or picnic?
Our café serves fresh, seasonal meals, drinks and snacks, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and child-friendly options available. You can sit indoors or on the terrace overlooking the grounds.
Prefer to bring your own food? Picnics are welcome across the park, with lots of lovely spots to settle in. Please use the bins provided or take your litter home.
Cool down indoors
If the temperature rises, our climate-controlled galleries offer a calm and comfortable way to explore our exhibitions – a perfect retreat from the summer heat.
Compton Verney is a cashless site We accept card and contactless payments only across the site, including the Welcome Centre, café and shop.