Half-term fun at top National Trust spots in Midlands include pretty Victorian home in beautiful deer park

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 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 near Derbyshire and across Northamptonshire and Warwickshire this half-term.

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Northamptonshire

Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire

Wander the Snowdrop Stories trail this half-term and discover how they bring the hope of spring and lighter days ahead.

To put even more of a spring in your step, venture into the Paddock and try some of the interactive activities on the ‘Love in Spring Trail’ such as ‘Hop Like a Hare' and a 'Cupid's Arrow Bean Bag toss.’

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Snowdrop Stories trail runs from February 3 – March 21, 10am – 4pm.

Love in Spring Trail runs from February 3 – March 30, 10am – 3.30pm.

Both trails are free and normal admission applies for non-members.

Lyveden, Northamptonshire

Connect with nature with Robin’s Wassail family trail and join the friendly Robin as they discover the age-old traditions of orchard wassailing.

There are plenty of activities to find along the way, from saucepan drum kits to mud kitchens and magnetic poetry.

Be part of our ace What's On Midlands community

There’s plenty of opportunities for little ones to get creative this half-term with the return of the ‘Outdoor Tuesday’ and ‘Craft Thursday’ workshops.

On Tuesday February 18, visitors will be invited to craft a metal nesting material holder over the fire, which can later be hung in the garden or windowsill to help nesting birds this spring.

‘Outdoor Tuesday’ and ‘Craft Thursday’ activities can be purchased for £2 upon arrival to Lyveden, standard admission prices apply.

February half-term also marks Lyveden’s return to its full-time opening hours.

From February 17, Lyveden will be open 7 days a week 10am till 5pm, with the last entry at 4pm.

Warwickshire

Charlecote Park, Warwickshire

The British weather need not stop plans this half-term. There are plenty of adventures to enjoy with wellies on feet and umbrellas in hand.

Amble around Charlecote’s beautiful deer park and follow the Welly Wander trail.

From ‘welly wanging’ to hopscotch or “smelly wellies”, there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained on a family winter wander.

Family trails are available daily between February 15-23.

Admission applies, free entry for National Trust members.

Upton House, Warwickshire

‘One for sorrow, two for joy...’ starts the old nursery rhyme about the magpie.

Joy is in the air as early signs of spring emerge and birds begin to make an appearance.

Little ones can make a magpie mask and find out more about the stories and rhymes associated with these mischievous birds.

They can also pick up a trail sheet from reception to discover the story of the magpie and the Greek Muse Calliope. Magpie mask making takes place between February 17 – 21 February, 11am – 2pm.

Normal admission applies, cost is £2 per child. No pre-booking needed.

Packwood House, Warwickshire

The tales and characters from the second-hand bookshop at Packwood House have escaped.

Explore nature in the garden and follow the free, family trail to uncover the hidden stories. For fun and fresh air, head down the Welly Walk and spot signs of spring emerging.

Little ones can build a den or collect fallen leaves and twigs to make a natural masterpiece at home.

The Garden Kitchen Cafe will be serving a delicious selection of hearty lunches, snacks, cakes and bakes to satisfy hungry tummies.

The family trail is available daily from February 15 - 23.

Admission applies, free entry for National Trust members.

Baddesley Clinton, Warwickshire

Plant a tree at Baddesley and give back to nature this half-term.

The ranger team need lots of helping hands to plant 3,500 trees to create a brand-new area of woodland on the estate.

Species include crab apple, hazel and hawthorn which will provide shelter and food for Baddesley’s woodland wildlife.

Planting sessions will run from February 17-21, 10am-2pm.

Volunteers will offer demonstrations and all equipment is provided. Sessions are free and there’s no need to book, just ask at reception on arrival.

Little legs can run freely and look out for animal sculptures in the woods, who knows, there might be some real winter wildlife to spot?

Take a short walk to Baddesley’s nearby churchyard where snowdrops line the pathways at this time of year.

Cross the moat and visit the fascinating Tudor manor where lots of stories are waiting to be uncovered.

Afterwards, head to the Barnyard Restaurant for a selection of warming lunches, savoury snacks and delicious cakes and bakes.

Admission applies, free entry for National Trust members.