Chiswick House & Gardens Trust (CHGT) is excited to announce that Action Arena, the UK’s biggest touring inflatable assault course, is heading to its gardens this summer.
The giant XXL obstacle course, as well as a mini course for kids aged two to 7, will be on site from Thursday July 31st to Sunday August 3rd.
Suitable for both intrepid adults and children over 1.2 metres, the XXL course consists of a 600-metre labyrinth of towering inflatable structures and twisting tunnels, with participants given an hour to complete the course and spectators welcome to watch for free.
Both families and groups of adults – whether that’s adventurous hen parties, people looking for a birthday day out with a difference, or kids with summer holiday energy to burn off – are welcome to come and take on the challenge!
This is the first time CHGT has hosted the giant course, underlying the Trust’s commitment to providing an invigorating, varied programme of events for visitors of all ages this summer break.
Theatre fans are invited to this month enjoy magical outdoor performances of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, getting lost in fairy mischief and moonlit enchantment among the beautiful historic gardens. Performances of the much-loved classic, from The Arts Centre Hounslow, run from Tuesday July 15th to Sunday July 20th.
On Saturday July 26th, Ben & Jerry’s Sundaes In The Park Festival returns to the gardens, with attendees set to enjoy unlimited ice cream and live performances from acts including headliner Fleur East, and all profits from ticket sales going to support refugee charities.
Londoners with a taste for delicious food and even more delicious wine have the choice of two Colicci Café Lates wine-tasting events with drinks expert Tom Surgey, taking place at the on-site café on Thursday July 31st and Thursday August 21st.
Finally, on Saturday August 30th, visitors are invited to explore the Trust’s new on-site Artist Studios, meeting resident artists and taking part in creative workshops and family-friendly art activities in a free community event, open to all.
Chiswick House and Gardens will be Action Arena’s only London stop this summer, with those keen on taking part advised to book slots before they sell out.
Key info:
Tuesday July 15th to Sunday July 20th: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, outdoor theatre production by The Arts Centre Hounslow. Tickets here.
Saturday July 26th, Ben & Jerrys Sundaes in the Park Festival. Tickets £15, including £3 VAT. 18+ only event. Tickets here.
Thursday July 31st to Sunday August 3rd: Action Arena. XXL tickets £13.50; Mini Action Arena tickets £8.95. Tickets here.
Thursday 31 July 2025 & Thursday 21 August: Colicci Cafe Lates – An Evening of Wine Tasting with Tom Surgey. Tickets here.
Saturday August 30th, 10.30am-4pm: Artist Studio Open Day. Free entry; no registration needed.
The Kitchen Garden is open Thursday to Sunday, 10.30am to 3.30pm, until October 26th. Free entry; no prior booking needed.
Chiswick House & Gardens is a thriving 350-year-old haven in West London, open for everyone every day, and looked after by the Chiswick House & Gardens Trust charity. Visit their website for more information on the gardens and their ongoing community and conservation programmes.
