TWO days of fun and games have been organised this coming weekend (July 25 & 26) as the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) and the Bolton Abbey Estate join in a special national celebration.

The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act was passed in 1949 and paved the way for the creation of today's family of 14 UK National Parks, 49 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, 294 National Nature Reserves and 2,900 miles of National Trails. In addition, it enabled the 11th Duke of Devonshire to introduce open access to Barden Moor and Barden Fell.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park was amongst the earliest established national parks, joining the family in 1954.

And Bolton Abbey will be the venue for two days of activities for all the family as the two organisations celebrate the Act’s 60th birthday by going back in time to 1949.

The weekend will be a cross between a VE Day street party and a typical English village fete and staff are hoping everyone will dress up in 1940s clothes.

The free activities include:

• Kite making
• Make do and mend craft workshops
• Guided walks
• Clog dancing
• Learn to play croquet (Sunday only)
• Children’s games with eco prizes!
• Traditional music
• Country Fayre selling local produce (Sunday only)
• Camping Cookery demonstrations (Sunday only)

Kevin Lancaster, the YDNPA’s chairman, said: “This is a very special year for the Yorkshire Dales National Park and for the Bolton Abbey Estate, with whom we have worked for many years to increase access to the countryside. We hope people come out and join in the festivities.”

Ben Heyes, agent for the Estate, said: “We are delighted to host the celebrations at Bolton Abbey. We believe this endorses the work we undertake on the Estate and our efforts and those of partner organisations, such as the National Park Authority, in maintaining this beautiful part of Wharfedale while enabling it to be enjoyed by our many visitors both now and in the future”.

For times and locations pick up a leaflet at any of the Bolton Abbey Estate car parks on the day.