Go wild this half-term with the National Trust!

Half-term is fast approaching and the Notional Trust is hosting heaps of activities, to get kids outdoors and having fun.

If you’ve been stuck indoors this winter, then February half-term is the perfect opportunity for the whole family to get outside and make the most of places springing back to life after the colder months.

Take a walk on the wild side, enjoy winter crafts, or try exciting challenges and quiz packed trails indoors and out. Along the way you’ll be able to tick off a few of the ‘50 things to do before you're 11 ¾’ challenges by flying kites next to lighthouses and in parklands, building hotels for bugs and making wild art.

Take your pick from our top family places for a wild day out:

Kent

Ightham Mote – winter crafts

Have fun outside with a winter activity pack including some of the most popular 50 things activities and other games. Inside, warm up with storytelling, traditional games and crafts.

Knole – family winter walk

Join us for a guided family walk at Knole. Learn more about this ancient parkland, discover the secrets of its past and see how many of our deer you can spot. 

East Sussex

Bateman’s – children’s winter garden trail

Follow the winter spotter trail and learn more about what's happening over winter in the Bateman's garden. Some animals love winter, others hibernate, some plants flower in the winter, some rest. Behind the scenes, lots of animals and insects are busy preparing for the spring! Discover who is out and about and who is yet to make an appearance! Pick up a trail sheet at visitor reception

Birling Gap – spring sheep mobile making

Its spring and the lambs are being born so join us at Birling Gap to turn wool into sheep mobiles. You can also try carding, spinning and weaving (on Tuesday 16 February only) in our visitor centre. Find out more about all the different sheep in this area including rare breeds and conservation grazing specialists. You might even meet the little lambs out in the field!

Bodiam Castle – half term Shrovetide fun

The castle is coming back to life after the long winter period and the Bodiam household will be here to celebrate Shrovetide and Lent. Learn about the Lent menu and discover the dos and don’ts of medieval feasting and fasting. A castle trail will provide you with lots to see and do too

Sheffield Park and Garden – 50 things activities week

Join one of the kite making workshops to create your own kite to fly in the parkland. The special Sheffield Park design is very good at taking to the skies having been tried and tested by the team. Or if you want to help out your local creepy crawlies you can make a bug hotel to take home to your garden. After you’ve finished your crafts why not head out into the woodland to climb a tree, make a trail out of sticks or create some wild art? 

Standen – little embroiders’ trail

The Plantation kids want to create a piece of art but they’ve lost some animals and flowers they want to include. Can you help them find everything? Once you have helped them you can have a go at making your own artwork. Inside the house, have a go at the spotter trail, which offers a glimpse into the lives of the Beale family who lived at Standen. Don’t miss the artwork designed by the Embroiders’ Guild influenced by the garden at Standen.

See attraction listings for event details. 

Photo 1: Credit John Millar

Photo 2: Credit Antony Crolla 

Photo 3: Credit National Trust

Photo 4: Credit National Trust