At Sunnycroft, in Wellington, the main lawn has always been used for tennis parties and games of croquet. We know from photographs in the collection that young Joan and Rachel Lander played croquet when they visited their Grandfather at Sunnycroft in the 1920s. Visitors can also see a pamphlet entitled ‘The Rules of Croquet’ which is on display in the entrance porch at Sunnycroft.
Archives show that Thomas, the 8th Lord Berwick at Attingham Park, near Shrewsbury, took part in a running race at the estate in 1920s and running continues to this day with the annual Mad Jacks 5km run in the autumn. Leisurely pursuits such as punting on the river and were more popular with the last Lord and Lady Berwick.
“Whilst many things have changed over the years, the ways in which we like to relax and enjoy our free time have stayed remarkably the same. As we celebrate the arrival of summer, it’s fascinating to find out how the families who lived in the places we look after used to enjoy their leisure time,” said Catherine MacCarthy, Head of Conservation at the National Trust in the Midlands.
The families who lived in the houses and estates cared for by the National Trust would have enjoyed a variety of sports and pastimes including croquet which became very popular in England during the 1860s, tennis, bowling and archery, which had a revival as an upper-class pursuit in the late 18th century.
“From an energetic game of rounders to a gentle spot of croquet, there are lots of ways to make memories with your family at a National Trust place in Shropshire this summer. Playing outside, whatever your age, in colourful gardens or parks and woodlands, is the perfect way to spend a summer’s day,” continued Catherine.
This summer, visitors to Sunnycroft can try their hand at croquet, badminton or quoits on the lawn or bring their favourite family games with them to play. With deckchairs on the lawn, it’s the perfect spot for a picnic and an afternoon of games.
Families can loan sports equipment at Attingham Park from the Shoulder of Mutton field including badminton racquets and shuttlecocks and balls. On selected days during the summer, families can enjoy a different view of Attingham as they paddle down the river Tern in a canoe.
Sporty Wednesdays at Attingham are a good chance for families to have a go at a range of traditional sports day style games alongside other activities such as climbing.
On 30 July there will be rounders and an introduction to Fencing where under-10’s can have a fencing taster experience using plastic and foam swords, and families can have a go at archery on 23 August.
At Dudmaston Estate, near Bridgnorth, there will be children’s activity days on Mondays and Wednesdays with a different themed trail and craft session each week. Families will also be able to take part in ‘Great Garden Games’ in the gardens which includes hop-scotch, hide and seek, hula hoops and skipping. There’s also chess, snakes and ladders and ludo to be enjoyed in the orchard.
And at Benthall Hall, near Broseley, there’s an Elizabethan skittle alley which visitors can have a go on.
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