From seasonal crafts and activities to outdoor trails and winter wildlife, there’s lots to keep young explorers busy this half term at the National Trust’s places in Derbyshire and the Peak District.
With miles of gardens, parkland and countryside to explore on those crisp winter days and indoor activities for when the rain sets in, there’s plenty to do, whatever the February weather brings.
The National Trust’s cosy tearooms offer warming treats and kids lunch packs, and the shops have lovely selections of pocket money toys for little ones to browse.
Here’s a round-up of the half term events and activities at the National Trust’s places near you.
To find out more visit, http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
Half term has never been more ‘love’ly! Explore the exciting Elizabethan themes of St Valentines through outdoor play and crafts. Expect play activities in the Stableyard inspired by themes of connection, pairs, gratitude and love such as ‘Match the pairs’, Connect Four, create your own sonnet in our blackboard den, and rustle up a valentine’s feast in the mud kitchen.
Find out more information: February Half Term | National Trust
Calke Abbey, Foremark & Staunton Harold
Discover hidden worlds this February half-term with themed trails inspired by the book ‘Wonder World: Earth’ written by Ben Lerwill and illustrated by Xuan Le. From 14-22 February, hunt for minibeasts and uncover fascinating facts about worms, and continue the adventure by visiting all three properties for unique activities at each. For avid bookworms, join a storytelling session in the Riding School at Calke to hear the story brought to life. Sessions include creative crafts and colouring, and can be booked online via Calke’s website, with SEND-friendly sessions available in a more relaxed environment, as well as shorter sessions for under-5s. ‘Wonder World: Earth’, published by Nosy Crow in collaboration with the National Trust, can be purchased onsite at Calke, so the fun can continue long beyond half-term.
- ‘Wonder World: Earth’ book trail at Calke Abbey | National Trust
- Storytelling session at Calke Abbey | National Trust
- ‘Wonder World: Earth’ book trail at Foremark | National Trust
- ‘Wonder World: Earth’ book trail at Staunton Harold | National Trust
Longshaw Estate, nr Sheffield, Peak District.
Bring your curiosity, eagle eyes and a sense of adventure to uncover secrets about the fantastic bird species of Longshaw, on The Bird Box Detectives Trail. Find 6 secret bird boxes hidden around the estate. Lift the lids to hear their calls, solve the puzzles, and tick off each bird as you go. £3 per trail sheet.
On 22 February Longshaw’s rangers host a very special event; Family Bird Box Building – to celebrate National Nest Box week. Using simple hand tools, each family or group will be instructed on how to build their own bird box to take home. £15 per bird box.
Special family crafts celebrating the birds of Longshaw are also being hosted on 18 and 19 February, at Longshaw’s Moorland Discovery Centre. Suitable for children aged 4-11, £8 per child.
Find out more here
Ilam Park, nr Ashbourne, Peak District.
Get ready for a feather-filled adventure, between 14 – 22 February, on the Bird Box Detectives Trail. Secret bird boxes are hidden around Ilam Park and it’s your job to find them. Each box has a clue about the amazing bird that lives there, on this treasure hunt – but with more feathers! £3 per trail sheet, with a prize at the end!
Fly down to the Dovedale National Nature Reserve for the Big Bird Count, from 14 – 21 February. You can climb Thorpe Cloud to search the skies or follow the river Dove to spot birds along the valley. With every £3 trail sheet you’ll get your own DIY binoculars and help count the different species you see, to add to the Big Dovedale Bird Count Board.
Learn About the Birds Pop Up station: learn about the fascinating birdlife of the White Peak, on 21 February in Milldale. Drop into the National Trust information barn to meet our team of guides. Share your sightings on our community spotter’s board as you explore this beautiful part of the Peak District.
Find out more here
Kedleston Hall, Derby
Enjoy a winter wander at Kedleston this half-term and discover willow wildlife sculptures along the way. The Short Walk has welcomed some new friends for all to see. Be sure to say ‘hello’! Available 14 – 22 February, 9am until 4pm.
The Children’s Country House at Sudbury
February Half term:
Challenge your friends and family to a classic board game in the Parlour, perfect for a rainy afternoon.
Solve the mystery in a game of ‘Sudbury Sleuth’, collect the clues as you explore the rooms in the Hall.
From February half term onwards:
Take a trip down memory lane and re-visit favourite video games from the past in the Museum of Childhood.
Discover the wonders of soil science along the nature trail in Wellies Wood inspired by the Nosy Crow book ‘Wonder World: Earth’
