Family time with the National Trust this half term

No sooner do the Christmas holidays finish and the kids are off again for February half term, so why not make the most of a bit of free time with the family now the weather is getting milder?

Across England, Northern Ireland and Wales, many National Trust places will be hosting fun family events, which are great value too. From seashore safaris and castle quests to scarecrow making and forest art, there’s never been a better time to get back to basics and enjoy some simple family fun.

Below are just a few of the fantastic events taking place at National Trust sites during February half term:

Lizard Point and Kynance Cove, Cornwall
Half term mega scrub bash, 19 February 10am - 3pm
Spend an enjoyable day helping the warden to manage the cliffs for wildlife. This will include the important task of cutting and burning scrub to open up habitats for rare plants and animals.
Bring along some food to be cooked on the fire, stout footwear and waterproofs if needed. Meet at Predannack Wollas National Trust car park.
This is a free event.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01326 240282.

Beningbrough Hall, North Yorkshire
Half term party, 19 February 12pm – 3pm
Join Beningbrough for the ultimate half term party, with art workshops, exciting trails and games, face painting, gingerbread workshops and storytelling on selected days.
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01904 472027.

Plas Newydd Country House and Gardens, Anglesey
Children’s games weekend, 19-20 February 11am - 4pm
To kick-start the half term, join Mr Bimbamboozle and the estate team for a weekend of gaming fun.
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01248 715272.

Chartwell, KentMarvellous Minibeasts, 19-20, 23-27 February 12am - 4pm
Calling all minibeast hunters: come and explore the grounds at Chartwell and see how many bugs and beasties there are on the special children’s trail.
Normal admission charges apply, there are no additional event charges.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01732 868381.

Upton House and Gardens, Warwickshire
Kids Kitchen Klub! 19-23 February 11.30am – 3pm
Come along and join in with the cooking in the 1930s kitchen and then take the trail around the gardens.
Child £2.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01295 670266.

Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey
Half Term Scavengers! 19-27 February 10am – 4pm
Make a scavenger sack, hunt for finds around the trees and then make cool crafts and natural sculptures to take home.
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01483 208477,

Corfe Castle, Dorset
Castle Quests, 19-27 February 10am – 3pm
From rotten rascals to fabulous feasts, the whole family can go on a quest around the castle. Look out for shields to find out the facts and then claim a special badge. Normal admission charges apply, plus suggested donation of £1 per person.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01929 477061.

Erddig, Wrexham
Half term trails, 19-27 February 11am-4pmEnjoy the half term holiday with a day out around the gardens of Erddig, spotting the first signs of spring. The shop and restaurant will be open too.
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01978 355314.

Bodiam Castle, East Sussex
Sir Edward's Quest, 19-27 February 10.30am – 3pm
Follow the trail around the castle and claim a special prize at the end.
Normal admission charges apply, plus £2 event charge.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01580 830196.

Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire
Victorian games in the hall, 21-23 February 12pm – 4.30pm
Visit one of Lancashire’s finest Tudor houses and enjoy traditional Victorian games in the great hall. There are also daily snowdrop walks at 1pm.
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking is not required for this event.
For information please call 01704 821254.

Gibside, Tyne & Wear
Half term fun, 21-25 February 11am – 3pm
Free family activities and outdoor escapades every day of half term. Join Gibside for Explorer Monday, Foodie Tuesday, Wildlife Wednesday, Adventure Thursday and Fab Friday.
Normal admission charges apply, there are no additional event charges.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01207 541820.

Cotehele, Cornwall
Woodland Adventure, 22 February 1pm – 3pm
Join the countryside team and get back to basics in the great outdoors. Follow fun trails in the woods and toast marshmallows at the fire pit.
Normal admission charges apply, there are no additional event charges.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01579 351346.

Salcombe: Thurlestone to Torcross, DevonOrienteering family fun, 22 February 1pm - 4pm
Enjoy this fun learning experience and train in the basics of orienteering with the National Trust rangers on the coast at Bolt Tail. Discover how to navigate using landscape features, a compass and map co-ordinates and finish with an exciting orienteering challenge.
Adult £5, Child £2.
Booking is essential for this event, please call 01752 346585.

Knightshayes Court, Devon
Pizza making children's workshop, 22 and 24 February 11am and 2pm sessions
Make fresh pizzas using seasonal vegetables and herbs grown in the kitchen garden. This will be followed by a mini tour of the kitchen garden with a knowledgeable gardener to discover how the vegetables used are grown during the winter months. Return to the restaurant to eat the delicious home-made pizza.
Child £5.95.
Booking is essential for this event, please call 01884 259416.
Suitable children aged 5 years and above. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Blickling Estate, Norfolk
Bird box making, 23 February 1pm – 4pm
Make a bird box with the gardening team to take home and encourage feathered friends to visit the garden.
Normal admission charges apply, plus an additional £5 activity charge,
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01263 738030.

Box Hill, Surrey
Woodland crafts: bug hotels, 23 February 1pm - 3pm
Help to build a giant hotel for bugs on the Headley Heath and then make a mini bug hotel to take home.
Suitable for children aged 6 - 12 years old, accompanied by an adult.
Child £4.
Booking is essential for this event, please call 01372 220644.

Studland Beach and Nature Reserve, Dorset
Seashore Safari, 23 February 2pm – 4pm
Discover the weird and wonderful creatures of the sandy shore, followed by fun craft activities.
Adult £2.50, Child £2.50, Family (of 4) £8.
Booking is essential for this event, please call 01929 450259.

Parke Estate, Devon
Scarecrow day, 23 February 11am - 3.30pm
Make your own scarecrow out of natural materials. The winner of each session will win a prize and their scarecrow will work in the walled garden on the estate.
Some materials will be supplied, but please bring anything useful to recycle.
Child £2.
Booking is essential for this event, please call 01626 834748.

Stourhead, Wiltshire
Toys and Games: Past and Present, 24-25 February 11am – 3.45pm (drop-in)
Families are invited to the Stourhead learning centre to enjoy old-fashioned toys and games together.Normal admission charges apply.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01747 842012.

Marsden Moor, West Yorkshire
Wind Flags, 25 February 11am – 2pm
Come and make a colourful wind flag on the moor.
£2 per flag.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01484 847016.
Cragside, Northumberland
Forest Art, 26 February 1pm – 3pmCreate artwork from the materials the forest has to offer.
Normal admission charges apply, plus a small charge to cover the cost of materials.
Booking is not required for this event.
For more information please call 01669 620333.

Nymans, West Sussex
Bird box making, 26-27 February, sessions at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm
Take a stroll down to the woods and make a bird box with the woods team to take home for spring.
Normal admission charges apply, plus all tickets £10.
Booking is essential for this event, please call 01444 405250.