From wintry adventures in nature, outdoor family trails and welly wanders, to seasonally inspired crafts, activities and games, there are lots of events and activities on offer this February half term from the National Trust.
Whether exploring miles of woodland, gardens and landscapes as a family on cold, crisp winter days, or looking for indoor activities and a warming lunch, whatever the weather there’s something to entertain the kids on a family day out. Here’s a round-up of some of the best and most exciting National Trust events this half term.
Half term at Belton, Grantham, Lincolnshire (Sunday 16 February – Sunday 23 February)
Explore the wonders Belton has to offer this February half term. There’s the chance to get outdoors and enjoy the sea of snowdrops in the Pleasure Grounds and look out for the fairy trail too. There are doors to their secret homes dotted all around the gardens to spot. For those with adventure in mind, there’s the opportunity to swing, dangle, wobble, climb and jump at the National Trust’s largest outdoor adventure playground, which is set within an ancient wilderness on the Belton Estate.
Families can also find take a ride on the miniature train through the adventure playground, up to the woods and back again. For those seeking shelter from wintry weather, head over to the Ride indoor play, enjoy warming food and drink from the Stable Café or learn something new by attending a Food for Thought Basement experience in the Mansion. Craft workshops will also be held in the indoor Activity Room on Sunday 16 February, Thursday 20 February, and Sunday 23 February. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/belton
Half term with the team from Sandilands, near Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire (Monday 17 February – Friday 21 February)
As work continues on the creation of the National Trust’s coastal nature reserve at Sandilands, the team there will be holding a series of birdbox-making workshops at local venues during the half term holidays:
- Monday 17 February, between 10am and 2pm, at the Coastal Centre
- Wednesday 19 February, between 10am and 2pm, at Mablethorpe Library
- Friday 21 February, between 10am and 2pm, at the North Sea Observatory
Each birdbox costs just £5, so families can choose to build one together or make their own. The drop-in sessions are run by National Trust volunteers and staff, who will guide participants step by step on how to construct a nestbox, where to place it, and how to care for it. No experience is needed, and all the materials and equipment are provided so that families can take their finished birdbox home. The team will also be taking along some of the nest cups made last year to showcase different bird homes, as well as highlighting the importance of ground-nesting birds at Sandilands. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sandilands
Half term at Gunby, Spilsby, Lincolnshire (Saturday 15 February – 1 March)
Gunby Hall will be hosting an ‘Owl and the Pussycat Trail’ during the half term holidays. There will be a range of activities to complete along the way. Gunby Hall will also be holding a Snowdrop and Cake Walks week from Saturday 15 February, with guided walks taking place at 10.30am or 1pm on selected days, followed by a warming drink and cake in the Gunby tea-room. Tickets at £10 per adult and £7 per child include the walk and refreshments and entrance to the gardens. There is an additional cost for house admission of £5 for non-National Trust members. Booking for the guided walks is essential. For details: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gunby
Half term at The Workhouse, Southwell, Nottinghamshire (Wednesday 19 February – Saturday 22 February)
From Wednesday 19 February, there’s the chance for children to put on their detective hat on and take part in a family-friendly fun trail – The Workhouse Whodunit. The trail uncovers the mystery of who broke the rules and what punishment they received at this former workhouse! There’s also the opportunity to step back in time with Tales of The Workhouse on Thursday 20 February and Saturday 22 February, where families can meet costumed characters and learn about what life was like for the inmates who lived here. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/theworkhouse
Half term at Clumber Park, Worksop, Nottinghamshire (Saturday 15 February – Sunday 23 February)
February half term at Clumber Park is all about embracing nature. Explore the park’s outdoor activity areas in Leaping Bar and enjoy bush crafts, den building, leaf threading, nest building, sand play and much more. On Wednesday 19 February and Thursday 20 February from 10.30am – 2.30pm, children can join the team at Lake Brew, by the lake in Hardwick village, to build a bug hotel. For some indoor respite, families can head to the Discovery Centre for even more fun with seasonal activities and games. There they can also pick up animal and plant identification packs to do some wildlife spotting around the park or try their hand at orienteering. On Monday 17 February, Moss to Canopy Forest School will be running bookable sessions for children to take part in woodland arts like clay crafts and rock decorating, and forest challenges such as a scavenger hunt and a Ninja Warrior line. Bookings through www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clumberpark
To find out more visit, http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
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