February half term family fun with the National Trust
From wintery 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 you’re exploring miles of woodland, gardens and landscapes as a family on cold, crisp winter days, or looking for indoor activities and a warming lunch to escape from the rain, whatever the weather there’s something to entertain the kids on a family day out.
Here we’ve rounded up the some of the best and most exciting National Trust events and activities near you to keep the whole family busy this half term. To plan your adventure, visit http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Calke Abbey
Calke Abbey, the un-stately home, tells the story of the dramatic decline of a country house estate. With formal walled gardens, stableyards, a natural play area, and acres to explore, there’s plenty to do this February half term.
Half term at Calke is all about being curious. The downstairs Family Apartments in the house are hosting a special exhibition, featuring curiosities at Calke. In partnership with the Derby Embroidery and Textile Guild, you’ll see a few quirky objects from the collection along with artwork and textiles from the Guild. There’s even the opportunity for kids to make their own ‘cabinet of curiosities’.
Curiosity will also feature throughout the rest of the estate, where you can don your detective hat and see what weird and wonderful objects and stories you can find. Download a curiosity sheet from the website to start your adventure or explore on your own and see what you discover. Head to nearby Foremark and Staunton Harold and see what curiosities await you there.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/calke-abbey
The Children’s Country House at Sudbury
The Children’s Country House is designed especially for kids making it the perfect half term day out, whatever the weather. Explore the historic country home of the Vernon family in the hall, take a journey through the history of childhood in the museum, or hunt for giant grasshoppers in the garden.
This February half term, visitors can join in with FebFest, a celebration of waking up from winter and getting ready for spring. Expect music, dance, games and much more.
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Please remember to book your visit via the website before arriving.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/the-childrens-country-house-at-sudbury
Hardwick
Hardwick’s lavish Elizabethan hall towers over the surrounding Derbyshire Countryside and is set in gardens, an orchard and rolling countryside.
This half term, there will be a spotter sheet with things to find around the house and estate. Or for those who prefer to explore on their own, there are acres of garden and parkland to discover where little ones can stretch their legs and burn off some steam. Will you spot any snowdrops poking through the earth?
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/hardwick
Ilam Park and the White Peak
Ilam Park is a great place to explore and spot winter wildlife during February half term. You can pick up a winter watcher sheet from the welcome hut or second-hand bookshop to use as you explore the garden and parklands. Pull on your welly boots and splash through muddy puddles as you go. Look out for snowdrops and cyclamen and the first signs of spring bulbs coming through.
The Manifold Tea-rooms provide the perfect place to stop and warm up with hot chocolate and a tasty snack after all that exploring.
With its rolling hills, limestone cliffs and picturesque river views the White Peak is also a popular destination for walks, discovering nature, unearthing fossils and finding stunning views.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/ilam-park-dovedale-and-the-white-peak
Longshaw and the High Peak
There are plenty of opportunities to explore in the outdoors at Longshaw during February half term. You’ll find shorter family trails or paths on wide-open countryside across the moors. Discover bubbling streams and tumbling waterfalls at Burbage Brook and Padley Gorge, or explore woodlands around the estate for lots of adventures in nature. You can wonder at wildlife along the way – look out for the impressive antlers of red deer in woodlands and across the moors.
Longshaw café provides a lovely spot to stop for a warm drink and something to eat too.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/longshaw-burbage-and-the-eastern-moors
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