The Sky’s The Limit

Ever fancied trying your hand at being an architect? Your wish can (briefly) come true at Compton Verney this summer, as you add your own imaginative touches to the installation. 

Drawn from the collection of the Sir John Soane’s Museum, Towering Dreams (until Sun 31 Aug) explores how architects of the 18th and early 19th centuries found the inspiration for their creativity in a variety of places - from ancient Greek and Roman buildings, to Egyptian monuments, and buildings from the Far East and Asia.

In Cardboard Dreams (until Sun 31 Aug), visitors can help to create a collection of architectural wonders, in response to the extraordinary drawings of Towering Dreams, as well as the architecture of Compton Verney - get creative by making models from cardboard to add to the growing display.

Adventure Awaits

Calling all Knights of Compton Verney Castle! Come to the rescue - join Compton Verney Quest, from Sat 19 Jul - Sun 31 Aug.

Inspired by the Knight Sir Louis books by The Brothers McLeod, help Knight Sir Louis and wizard Pearlin in an adventure around the house and grounds, where you can create your own villains and monsters, solve puzzles, find clues, and discover and draw your own magical item.

On the weekend of Sat 19 Jul - Sun 20 Jul, The Brothers McLeod will be at Compton Verney in person, running workshops throughout the day, perfect for young storytellers, doodlers and daydreamers.

It’s Play Time

Throughout the summer, Compton Verney will be hosting plenty of activity days where young visitors can make the most of their holidays, with a line-up of fun filled activities on National Play Day, Wednesday 6 August, and regular Get Mucky, Get Making sessions on Thursdays throughout the summer. 

The Big Play Weekend - two days of playing and making across the whole site, on Sat 9 - Sun 10 Aug - features the return of Ringworld, providing fun, frolics and imaginative play with colourful inflatables in the grounds. And round out the summer with Giant Bubbles provided by Storm in a Teacup on Sat 16 Aug.

Calling Young Artists!

Budding artists can get involved and learn new skills at the Big Art Holiday Club - four-day courses for 8 - 11 yr olds, taking place from 9.30am - 4pm on Tuesday - Friday for two weeks in August. Each week costs £160 for the four-day course.

In the first week, taking place from Tues 12 - Fri 15 Aug, participating children will dive into Compton Verney’s inspiring exhibitions, explore the stunning grounds, and unleash their creativity. Using nature as a canvas for their own masterpieces, every day promises excitement and discovery.

From Tues 19 - Fri 22 Aug, get inspired by Compton Verney’s outdoor artworks, exhibitions and collections. Young artists will take part in drawing and creative games, sculpture challenges, and they will experiment with printing and design collaborative murals.