This summer, enjoy magical evenings of theatre, live music and open-air cinema at a whole host of stunning National Trust locations across the Midlands. Whether it’s Shakespeare as the sun sets, classic films under the stars, or musical performances, there’s something for everyone.
Discover enchanting theatre performances including literary classics from Oscar Wilde and Shakespeare, and family favourites like Pinocchio and The Wizard of Oz. Experience the drama of blockbuster movies like Jurassic Park and Star Wars or sing-along with Wicked or The Greatest Showman. Or enjoy live music from the classical masters of Elgar and Holst to timeless Big Band jazz standards.
Book your tickets to a National Trust outdoor event this summer and enhance the open-air experience with a picnic or discover the range of food and drink options on offer.
Here’s what’s on in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire:
Belton Estate
This June, Belton House will be the backdrop for beloved films as Adventure Cinema returns. On Friday 19, get the girls together and flash back to the 80s for Dirty Dancing. Then, on Saturday 20, the sandy gravel path around the oval will transform into a yellow brick road, transporting audiences to Oz as Wicked Sing-a-long arrives, inviting visitors to belt out their best ah-ah-ah for Defying Gravity. Finally, this stately setting will be the perfect fit for Sunday’s screening of Sense and Sensibility, starring the amazing ensemble of Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman.
Belton’s Literary Festival is running from now until Sunday 12 July and will be closing in style with a Shakespearean production on the oval that evening. The Duke’s Theatre Company will present the iconic Romeo and Juliet, in a bold reimagining blending dynamic staging and evocative sound. Later in summer, audiences can take advantage of the warm evenings and enjoy another much-loved Shakespeare play, Othello, performed by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men on Wednesday 19 August. This unique experience will give audiences the chance to see the play as it was originally staged, with an all-male cast.
Find more information about events at Belton Estate and book tickets now at nationaltrust.org.uk/Belton.
Grantham House
Surrounded by nature, the lawns of Grantham House will host a number of spellbinding productions this summer. Taking advantage of the scenic setting, Folksy Theatre will stage A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Sunday 26 July with their own twist of live music, audience interaction and impressive multi-rolling. Continuing the irreverent fun, The Three Inch Fools will present an epic tale of Arthurian adventure and medieval mayhem with King Arthur and the Holy Fail on Thursday 30 July, while Rain or Shine Theatre Company take audiences into the delightfully chaotic Dickensian world of The Pickwick Papers on Saturday 15 August.
Find more information about events at Grantham House and book tickets now at nationaltrust.org.uk/Grantham.
Clumber Park
Pedalling from venue to venue with all their set, props and costumes on the back of their bikes, the HandleBards are a four-strong troupe of actors who are spending the summer bringing environmentally sustainable Shakespeare to venues across the UK.
On Sunday 23 August, join the troupe in the scenic setting of the Parsonage Lawn at Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire, for a wildly entertaining outdoor performance of Shakespeare’s As You Like It.
Expect romance, mistaken identity, music, wrestling and plenty of laughter as Rosalind, Celia and Orlando escape to the Forest of Arden in this fast-paced comedy.
Bring a picnic, blanket or chair, and dress for an evening outdoors. Doors open at 4pm with the performance from 5pm to 7pm. Booking essential through the website at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clumberpark
Tattershall Castle
Following the success of last year’s Summer Solstice Picnic, this live music event is back at Tattershall Castle to celebrate 100 years since its doors opened as part of the National Trust.
On Sunday 21 June, be immersed in the historic setting of the Castle grounds, whilst listening to the enchanting music of three local folk bands.
Bring a picnic, get lost in the music and relax as the Summer Solstice comes to pass.
Gates open at 5.30pm, music from The Limewoods, The Miracle Cure and The Curiosity band begins at 6pm and concludes at 9pm. Tickets must be purchased in advance and can be found on the National Trust website at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/tattershall-castle/events
Posted on 09 June 2026
