Half-term is fast approaching (10 – 18 February) and there are lots of activities to get kids outdoors and having fun with the National Trust.
If you’ve been stuck indoors this winter, then February half-term is the perfect opportunity for the whole family to enjoy some time together exploring our beautiful landscapes as they gradually reveal signs of spring colour and wildlife after the colder winter months.
Try quiz-packed and creative outdoor trails, a last chance to visit The Vyne’s amazing rooftop walkway, and loads of ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ challenges too, from den-building to geocaching.
Here are some highlights in Hampshire:
The Vyne, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-vyne
The lost tapestries trail, daily from 10 February – 3 June, suggested donation £1
The Vyne’s beautiful 18th-century Soho tapestries are currently away from home, undergoing essential conservation work. Whilst we wait for their return we’ve created a fun Lost Tapestrieschallenge for families. Follow the trail across the grounds to recover and fit together jigsaw pieces to create your own oriental tapestry. There’s a Tudor animals trail too, or if you want to go further afield you can hunt for 16th-century-themed ‘treasures’ on our geocaching route.
Last chance to experience: The Vyne’s magnificent rooftop walkway closes at the end of February, so make sure you enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You can make your mark on a handmade clay tile too, destined for the roof.
Mottisfont, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont
Heath Robinson Inventions trail, 20 January – 15 April, £1 per trail
Mottisfont is renowned for its imaginative outdoor family trails, themed around popular art exhibitions. The adventure this half-term fun is inspired by the eccentric and hilarious illustrations in their Heath Robinson show. You’ll discover all sorts of activities and challenges around the ground, including inventing your own curious contraption – in fact, there’s a competition for the best design. In Mottisfont’s exhibition spaces you’ll also find simple spotter trails for younger children. Known as the Gadget King, Heath Robinson was famous for his comedic drawings of over-complicated inventions.
Pic:
Hinton Ampner, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hinton-ampner
Hinton’s Hidden Nature trail 10 – 18 February, suggested donation £1
Try out Hinton’s new nature-themed trail around the nooks and crannies of this pretty garden. Families will learn all sorts of fascinating facts about wildlife on this fun challenge.
Uppark House and Garden, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/uppark
Signs of Spring trail, 10 – 18 February, suggested donation £1
Get the kids outdoors in some fresh winter air this half-term. Our new trail will have them hunting for the first signs of spring plants and animals around these easy to navigate gardens, with spot, listen and draw activities. We’re high up on the South Downs too, so why not bring a kite?
