Posted on 14th Feb
Come rain or shine, families in Nottinghamshire can look forward to a week of fun-filled adventures at National Trust properties this February half-term.
Jo Armstrong, from the National Trust, says: “If you’re looking after little ones this half-term, your local National Trust places are a great spot for enjoying some of the simple pleasures that Mother Nature has to offer at this time of year.
“You can don your wellies and splash through puddles, spot snowdrops peeking through the soil or use your imagination to turn a humble stick into a ship’s mast, a knight’s sword or a magic wand.
“You’ll also find activities like nature-inspired trails, wild art and welly walks. Even better – every visit you make helps the trust to carry on looking after these special local places for everyone to enjoy.”
Among the local National Trust attractions are:
Belton House, Lincolnshire
Join Belton’s play team in the outdoor adventure playground for the Friday ’50 things’ Challenge, where families will be challenged to complete a different activity each Friday. Or, trek across the parkland on a Winter Wildlife Hide and Seek Family Trail (£2 per trail) to discover what wildlife can be found at Belton during the winter, then visit the Discovery Centre for crafts and borrow a Ranger Pack.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/belton-house
Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
There’s something for everyone, from animal-inspired crafts in the Discovery Centre to lakeside strolls. Pick up a bike from the Cycle Hub and explore more than 20 miles of cycle trails. After your adventure, visit the ice cream parlour between 12noon and 3pm for waffles and ice cream. For a different perspective, book on to one of the free pontoon tours to see the conservation work on the Ornamental Bridge.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clumber-park
Tattershall Castle, Lincolnshire
Tattershall Castle reopens on 15th February, after a winter of conservation work. Discover the secrets of the past on a trail that sheds light on a once sprawling castle that existed during the medieval period. The castle grounds are a great place to tick off some of those ’50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities; get to know the trees and spot wildlife (including a special family of Egyptian geese) as you explore. Climb the winding staircase to the top of the battlements and observe the bustling rookery as you gaze across the Lincolnshire landscape.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tattershall-castle
The Workhouse, Southwell, Nottinghamshire
Explore The Workhouse with plenty of indoor adventures that won’t be ruined by a downpour. On 19 February, find inmates carrying out their daily jobs or go back to school and discover how education prepared pauper children for life outside of the institution. Why not try on some of the specially recreated pauper children costumes in the schoolroom?
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-workhouse-southwell
Woolsthorpe Manor, Lincolnshire
There’s lots to keep minds busy at Woolsthorpe Manor, whatever the weather. Get hands-on and test Newton’s theories in the Science Centre and board a Lego® model of the Soyuz Orbital Module, constructed from 160,000 Lego bricks. Learn more about Pluto and the other planets in our solar system on the ‘How to Discover a Planet’ trail, running daily during the half term, then book onto our Stargazing at the Manor event on 18th February to explore the skies on the anniversary of Pluto’s discovery in 1930. If you’re a ‘50 things’ fan, get to know a very special tree that inspired Isaac Newton’s work on gravity.
