COUNTRY houses and historic estates have plenty of activities laid on this half-term for families to enjoy from learning about birds to bringing to life the pomp and pageantry of the Tudor Age.
National Trust properties including Croome, Hanbury Hall and Greyfriars in Worcester have activities running for half-term week.
Whether you’re exploring woodland, gardens and landscapes as a family on cold, crisp winter days, or looking for indoor activities and a warming lunch to escape from the rain, whatever the weather the National Trust has something to entertain you and your family.
WORCESTERSHIRE
Croome
At Croome there is a chance to learn more about birds. A spokesperson for the National Trust said: "Get to know our Feathery Friends this half term and learn about some of the birds which visit Croome. See how your arm span compares to different size birds with the life-size bird display and imagine yourself as a feathered friend in the giant bird's nest.
"There's also a fun filled activity sheet including a bird spotter tick list, and locations to seek out across the parkland to learn about the different habitats of Croome's Feathery Friends - £2 per activity sheet (normal admission applies)."
Greyfriars House & Garden
Tudor re-enactors will be at Greyfriars House and Garden in Worcester city centre on February 17 and 18 as part of a living history weekend.
A spokesperson for the National Trust said: "Watch demonstrations and learn about what life was like 500 years ago. Look out for signs of spring appearing in the walled garden and enjoy a slice of cake and a cuppa in the Old Oak Café."
Hanbury Hall
Visitors can mark Valentine’s Day by making their own Cupid’s arrow quiver in the Long Gallery, inspired by the wall paintings inside the Hall.
A spokesperson for the National Trust said: "Follow a winter folklore trail in the gardens and find out more about the folklore around snowdrops and Shrove Tuesday, while completing activities including skipping and bird watching.
"Inside the Hall, discover 300 years of history and check out a new exhibition that explores winter folktales, from Wassailing to Jack Frost. Explore the historic parkland on three-waymarked walking routes and admire views of the Worcestershire countryside as signs of spring start to appear. Visit the restaurant or dog-friendly café and relax and refuel with a tasty hot meal and drink."
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HEREFORDSHIRE
Berrington Hall
Trails will provide some holiday fun for families this year. A spokesperson for the National Trust said: "The elves and the shoemaker have been busy crafting some creative winter wellies inspired by their visit to Berrington Hall. Grab a trail pack from visitor reception and see if you can spot all 8 of the weird and wonderful welly boots hidden around the garden.
This trail will be running from Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 February. Trails cost £3 per child and include a bag, colouring sheet, colouring pencils, and a prize."
Brockhampton
A trail will be running at Brockhampton to bring to life old traditions.
A spokesperson for the National Trust said: "Take a stroll through the orchards at Brockhampton and discover the age-old tradition of awakening the fruit trees ready for the next harvest. Pick up your trail sheet from visitor reception, spotting the signs and completing the activities as you go.
This trail will be running from Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 February. Trails cost £3 per person and include a bag, colouring sheet, colouring pencils, and a prize."
Croft Castle & Parkland
There is a mystical element to a trail at Croft Castle. A National Trust spokesperson said: "Thought to be small guardians of the natural world, garden gnomes like to spend their days caring for wildlife, lounging in the tall grass, and perhaps doing a spot of fishing. Grab a trail sheet from visitor reception and see what Croft’s garden gnomes have been getting up to this half-term. This trail will be running from Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 February. Trails cost £3 per person and include a bag, colouring sheet, colouring pencils, and a prize.
The Weir
Signs of spring have started to pop up around the garden, so come along and explore the many colours of the new season. Pick up your trail pack from the welcome kiosk and head into the garden, finding all 8 flower facts and completing the activities as you go.
This trail will be running from Saturday 10 to Sunday 18 February. Trails cost £3 per person and include a bag, colouring sheet, colouring pencils, and a prize.
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