From parks, peaks and primulas to pooh sticks ... in nature we Trust
FROM spring-themed trails to outdoor games and activities to get closer to nature, there’s plenty to entertain your little explorers at National Trust places this May half term.
Enjoy the simple pleasures of being outdoors together, whether you’re playing on lush green lawns, creating your own family adventure through woodlands and secret gardens, or settling into a picture-perfect picnic spot for the afternoon.
You can discover a whole host of activities, events, and trails to get stuck into - take a walk on the wild side in nature with pond dipping, bug hunting and scavenger hunts, get crafty with creative activities or enjoy storytelling sessions in picturesque gardens.
We have rounded up some of the best and most exciting National Trust events and activities to keep the whole family busy this half term.
Take a walk on the wild side in nature with pond dipping, bug hunting and scavenger hunts, get crafty with creative activities
Calke Abbey
THERE’S plenty of fun activities for the whole family to partake in at Calke Abbey, keeping you entertained all week long. Make the most of the good weather and explore the parkland from two wheels via the Tramway Trail.
Cycle beneath blue skies and enjoy a bike ride through the parkland and along part of the historic horse-drawn tramway, which linked Ticknall to Ashby.
Cycle hire is available every day during half term from 10am to 4.30pm, with last hires at 2.30pm. You can also get active at Calke Explore, with a natural outdoor play area that’s ready and waiting for you to explore.
Venture inside the human-sized badger sett or see if you can balance on the big tree trunks.
Roll out the picnic blanket and watch the clouds floating above or for more fun, head to nearby, Foremark and Staunton Harold, for wide open spaces perfect for family games.
Children’s Country House at Sudbury Hall
THE Children’s Country House is designed especially for families making it the perfect half term day out, whatever the weather.
Explore the home of the Vernon family in the hall, take a journey through childhood in the museum, or hunt for giant grasshoppers in the garden.
Activities will follow a wellbeing theme. This will include arts and crafts in the Activity Hub, a trail will highlight specific wellbeing items in the collection, there will be lawn games and what better way to relax than curling up with a book in our grand library – full of books on mindfulness, wellbeing and much more. Please remember to book your visit via the website before arriving.
Kedleston Hall
EXPLORE the rolling landscape and miles of unspoilt woodland at Kedleston Hall. Primula and bluebells blanket the forest floors.
In among the many bluebells are delicate wood anemones, various shades of primroses and several species of wild orchids making their presence known in late spring.
A fun way to explore the parkland is the orienteering course - suitable for complete beginners. Buy a map from the shop (£1.50) and spot the host of wildlife along the way – the lakes are the perfect place for nesting birds.
Don’t forget to visit the hall, perfect for any wet weather days, with its in-house Museum of Asian artefacts. This season, you can see My Adornment is My Power, by artist and jewellery designer Anisha Parmar.
She has created a new exhibition of pieces inspired by historic jewellery from South Asia at Kedleston Hall and celebrates these historic pieces for their beauty, craft and meaning.
Stoneywell
STONEYWELL is the place of childhood dream; where imaginations can run wild and where, for the Gimson children, the only “rule” was to come back in when the bell outside the cottage was rung at teatime.
This half-term holiday, embark on an adventure around the gardens inspired by Swallows and Amazons, and don’t miss the collection of books as you explore inside the Arts and Crafts cottage.
If you’ve got energy to burn, set off on a walk through the ancient woodland, try your hand at some traditionally games on the grassed tennis court or get closer to nature with some of the Trust’s “50 things to do before you’re 11¾”. Don’t forget to take a picnic with you, to enjoy in the gardens or in the seating area near the stables.
Stoneywell is open every Friday to Monday and booking is essential.
Ilam Park and the White Peak
EXPLORE nature’s colour wheel with a self-led family trail around Ilam Park. Nature is bursting with colours at this time of year. Find out why nature is so colourful on a fun trail around the gardens. From playing pooh sticks to den building and fossil hunting, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures in the White Peak.
Whether it is a leisurely stroll around Ilam Park, or a longer walk around the limestone hills and ravines in the White Peak, there are plenty of places to explore and lots of picturesque places to choose from for a picnic along the way.
The popular Manifold Tea-room at Ilam Park offers plenty of choice for hungry and thirsty explorers too.
Longshaw
JOIN in with wildflower planting and garden games from May 27 to 29. Plant wildflowers to take home for your garden and try your hand at various garden games over the bank holiday weekend.
Join the Trust from 9.30am to 2.30pm at the Moorland Discovery Centre. Enjoy the garden games that will be available, and maybe enjoy your picnic at the same time too.
There’s no need to book, but there will be a small charge per child for wildflower planting and garden games. Whether you’re looking for a short wander or a big adventure, Longshaw’s a great place to come for a family walk and outdoor adventures.
It’s a good hub to start from before you explore Burbage and the Eastern Moors, where you can enjoy the view from Dukes Seat or take a walkthrough Padley Gorge. There’s plenty of wildlife to see along the way from the red deer to the fascinating northern hairy wood ants.
Listen and look out for the woodpeckers who like the woodlands around the estate.
You can hear them as they get busy, and you might be able to spot them high up in the branches.
Start your adventure here: https:// www.nationaltrust.org.uk/