National Trust releases round-up of family-friendly events to do during half-term

Family fun during half-term ranges from wintry adventures in nature and outdoor family trails to seasonally inspired crafts, activities and games.

The National Trust has put together a round-up of some of the best and most exciting events taking place during February’s half-term.

From February 19 to February 22, the Workhouse in Southwell is offering the chance for children to put on their detective hat on and take part in a family-friendly fun trail - The Workhouse Whodunit.

The trail uncovers the mystery of who broke the rules and what punishment they received at the former workhouse.

There’s also the opportunity to step back in time with Tales of The Workhouse on February 20 and February 22, where families can meet costumed characters and learn about what life was like for the inmates who lived here.

At Clumber Park in Worksop, from February 15 to February 3, people can explore the park’s outdoor activity areas in Leaping Bar and enjoy activities such as bush crafts, den building, leaf threading, nest building and sand play.

On February 19 and February 20, from 10.30am to 2.30pm, children can join the team at Lake Brew, by the lake in Hardwick village, to build a bug hotel.

For some indoor respite, families can head to the Discovery Centre for even more fun with seasonal activities and games.

There they can also pick up animal and plant identification packs to do some wildlife spotting around the park or try their hand at orienteering.

On February 17, Moss to Canopy Forest School will be running bookable sessions for children to take part in woodland arts like clay crafts and rock decorating, and forest challenges such as a scavenger hunt and a Ninja Warrior line.

Belton in Grantham is inviting people to explore the wonders of the area from February 16 to February 23.

There’s the chance to get outdoors and enjoy the sea of snowdrops in the Pleasure Grounds and look out for the fairy trail too.

There is also the opportunity to visit the National Trust’s largest outdoor adventure playground, which is set within an ancient wilderness on the Belton Estate.

For those seeking shelter from wintry weather, head over to the Ride indoor play, enjoy warming food and drink from the Stable Café or learn something new by attending a Food for Thought Basement experience in the Mansion.

Craft workshops will also be held in the indoor Activity Room on February 16, February 20 and February 23.

The National Trust’s coastal nature reserve at Sandilands, will be holding a series of birdbox making workshops at venues during the half term holidays.

They will be at the Coastal Centre on February 17 February, between 10am and 2pm; at Mablethorpe Library on February 19, between 10am and 2pm; at the North Sea Observatory on February 21 between 10am and 2pm.

The drop-in sessions are run by National Trust volunteers and staff, who will guide participants step by step on how to construct a nestbox, where to place it, and how to care for it.

No experience is needed, and all the materials and equipment are provided so that families can take their finished birdbox home.

At Gunby, Splisby from February 15 until March 1, Gunby Hall will be hosting an 'Owl and the Pussycat Trail'.

Gunby Hall will also be holding a Snowdrop and Cake Walks week from February 15, with guided walks taking place at 10.30am or 1pm on selected days, followed by a hot drink and cake in the Gunby tea room.