Spring into action
THE WHOLE FAMILY CAN GET ACTIVE TOGETHER AT THESE WONDERFUL NATIONAL TRUST SITES...
PLAYING outdoors is an important part of growing up and many National Trust places have playgrounds and natural play areas where children can safely run around and have fun.
There’s nothing quite like fresh air, exercise and family time, and the conservation charity has created a checklist of ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ activities that encourage children to get outside and involved with nature.
Families can step into nature in the parkland and gardens at Croft Castle in Herefordshire and get started on their ‘50 things’ adventures. In the gardens, children are encouraged to ‘go cloud watching’ or use a special bird watching area, whilst in the parkland they can visit the bug hotel or ‘create some wild art’.
Over in Shropshire, Attingham Park is home to the Field of Play, which includes natural features such as log piles, earth mounds and willow tunnels as well two tunnel structures, the Hill Fort and the Pipe Monster.
At Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire, youngsters can enjoy Explorers Wood, a nautical themed play area complete with zip wire and basket swing whilst Moseley Old Hall, near Wolverhampton, has a giant tree-hide, perfect for creating adventures.
In Worcestershire, there’s an outdoor play area and chance to play games on the lawn at Hanbury Hall, whilst at nearby
Croome there’s miles of open space for families to enjoy, as well as Raf-themed play areas.
At Belton House in Lincolnshire young thrill-seekers will love the tree houses, rope swings and zip wires in the adventure playground and if the weather turns wet, the fun can carry on in the Ride indoor play area while grown-ups relax with a refreshment.
In Nottinghamshire,
Clumber Park has 20 miles of cycle trails for families to explore, from short, easy routes to more challenging trails.
Calke Abbey in Derbyshire is also a great place to explore on two wheels, with the tramway trail easily accessible from the outdoor hub at Calke Explore.
Families can start their adventures in the Peak District from
Longshaw, with its impressive views and buggy-friendly route options, and Ilam Park is great for scenic walks and wildlife.
Over in Warwickshire, Packwood House is home to the Welly Walk, a woodland area full of adventure and a great place to run free. Using a child-friendly map, families can embark on an adventure together through the woods, with activities such as den building and tree trunk hopping at various points along the route.
In Cambridgeshire, Anglesey Abbey is home to Hoe Fen Wildlife Discovery Area. Nestled away, at the end of the woodland path, there’s something for everyone, including swings, bird watching and den building.
A short car journey away is Wimpole Estate, where families can get up close to the rare breeds on a working farm or just burn off energy in the great outdoors.
With cycle hire, boat trips and amazing scenery, Wicken Fen, also in Cambridgeshire, is another great place to make many lasting family memories.
In Suffolk, families can explore the rolling countryside of Ickworth Estate on the multi-use trail. Turn a walk into an adventure on the Suffolk coast at Dunwich Heath by looking for clues on the smugglers trail. Walk in the footsteps of an Anglo Saxon King at Sutton Hoo and count the steps to the top of the viewing tower. Brancaster Beach in Norfolk is a perfect place to go paddling. Try jumping over the waves and counting how many pass by.
National Trust places will have trails and activities for May half term, so visit: nationaltrust.org. uk/midlands, or nationaltrust.org. uk/eastofengland for inspiration.