This weekend: Family fun, creativity and great value at Stowe House's Vanbrugh300 Celebration

"We've created a weekend that's all about having fun together while discovering the remarkable story of Sir John Vanbrugh”

Families looking for a memorable summer day out are invited to Stowe House this weekend (Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August) for the Vanbrugh300 Family Weekend, packed with hands-on activities, live entertainment, local food and plenty to discover.

We can’t wait to celebrate this national festival with you! Arrive via the gardens entrance, enjoy the activities along the route and reach the House for the party vibes! | ©Stowe House Preservation Trust, Megan Taylor, Louisa Tucker Photos, The House of Hues, National Portrait Gallery

placeholder image — We can’t wait to celebrate this national festival with you! Arrive via the gardens entrance, enjoy the activities along the route and reach the House for the party vibes! | ©Stowe House Preservation Trust, Megan Taylor, Louisa Tucker Photos, The House of Hues, National Portrait Gallery

Hosted by Stowe House Preservation Trust in partnership with the National Trust at Stowe Gardens, and as part of the nationwide Vanbrugh300 celebrations led by The Georgian Group, the weekend marks 300 years since the death of the celebrated architect, playwright and visionary Sir John Vanbrugh.

Visitors can enjoy just £3 entry to Stowe House (under 5s free) alongside free entry to the National Trust gardens, making it an affordable family day out during the summer holidays.

No family member is safe from our adventurous storytellers. Watch you children giggle as the grown ups get involved. | The House of Hues

Across the weekend there will be something for all ages to enjoy, including face painting by Whimsical Sorceress, giant garden games, family crafts, a Junior Architect Trail with a prize to be won, guided tours, and the opportunity to explore the magnificent State Rooms and a special Vanbrugh300 exhibition inside the House.

Families can also book Play Like Vanbrugh!, a series of lively 20-minute drop-in sessions running at 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Suitable for all ages, these fun, interactive sessions invite families to dive into quick games, creative challenges and teamwork inspired by Sir John Vanbrugh's imagination and theatrical spirit, discovering how his bold ideas helped shape Stowe.

On Sunday only, visitors can also enjoy free outdoor storytelling performances from Lucy Lill and Alys Torrance, bringing Vanbrugh's extraordinary life to life through comedy, audience participation and fast-paced storytelling.

Visitors can refuel throughout the day with refreshments from local favourites Woody's Little Cottage Kitchen, Willen Ice Cream Co. and Tony's Ice Creams. Bring a picnic and make a day of it while enjoying one of Britain's most spectacular historic landscapes.

Drop by our craft station to get creative and design your own architectural masterpiece. | The Georgian Group

Susy Pullen, Co-Director of Stowe House Preservation Trust, said: "We've created a weekend that's all about having fun together while discovering the remarkable story of Sir John Vanbrugh. Whether you're joining us for the activities, exploring the House and gardens or simply enjoying a summer picnic, we hope families will make a day of it."

The National Trust gardens will be open from 10.00am to 5.00pm, with Stowe House open from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

Some activities have limited capacity, so advance booking is recommended.

For full event details and to book workshops, visit stowehouse.org