Magnificent gardens, spring delight and magical moments
Miles of gardens, parklands and countryside are beckoning Mums, Dads and children for this February’s half term week. We take a look at some of the places which are perfect for half term strolls and wonderment.
From seasonal crafts and activities to outdoor trails and winter wildlife, there’s certainly lots to keep young explorers busy at the National Trust’s places in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Herefordshire’s Berrington Hall is setting its’ own half term trail with the aim of finding where Berrington’s garden gnomes and other magical residents live.
Once you’ve found all the doorways around the gardens, head to the Carpenter’s workshop to decorate your own fairy door. It costs £3 per trail – with fairy door included! (Normal admission charges apply).
There’s also a free trail in the mansion, a natural play area and a lake that’s perfect for bracing winter walks before warming up with a tasty treat in the Old Servants’ Hall tearoom.
And, just a 30 minute drive away from Berrington Hall, is Brockhampton. The traditionally farmed estate and medieval manor house.
There’s a chance for you to take part in the Orchard Orienteering trail where you can follow the clues, explore the orchards and collect a prize at the end. It costs £3 per trail – with a prize included! (Normal admission charges apply).
There’s also a free trail in the manor house, tasty food from the Granary kiosk and acres of parkland to discover.
Wildlife detectives at Croft Castle
Staying in Herefordshire and why not become a wildlife detective this half term at Croft Castle?
Simply collect your trail sheet from Visitor Reception and follow the tracks and clues through the garden, discovering more about the resident wildlife as you go. It costs £3 per trail – with a prize included! (Normal admission charges apply).
Little explorers can also head into the castle for a free trail, enjoy a children’s lunch box in the Carpenter’s tearoom and run wild in the mini-castle and natural play areas!
Meanwhile, at The Weir Garden, there’s a chance to take part in the Colour Quest trail with stations throughout the garden.
Each feature a different artistic medium and children can have a go at sketching, shading, bark rubbing and more! It costs £3 per trail – with a prize included! (Normal admission charges apply).
With a natural play area by the river, way-marked walks in the parkland and a walled garden to explore, there’s plenty more for families to do at The Weir Garden during the holidays.
And let’s not forget that The National Trust’s cosy tearooms offer warming treats and lunch packs for children!
Heading over to Worcestershire and half term will see families enjoying a playful adventure at Croome with the Nature’s Kitchen Trail taking place up to Sunday 22 February.
Timber framed entrance arch to Greyfriars House, a medieval Merchants House in Friar Street, Worcester. Image: Nigel Jarvis / Shutterstock.
Exploring nature’s sights, sounds and smells
Inspired by the Plate Up exhibition in the house, this sensory trail takes families through the park to explore nature’s sights, sounds and smells. Young explorers can get creative imagining recipes and discovering what local wildlife might eat.
After completing the trail, why not head into the house to see Plate Up in the saloon? The trail is free, with activity sheets available from the Outdoor Hub (normal admission applies).
And then there’s Cupid’s Quest at Hanbury Hall which’ll see participants step into a world of myth and mischief (up to 22 February).
Inspired by the classical gods and cherubs featured in the famous James Thornhill wall paintings, this garden trail invites children to complete Cupid themed activities along the way.
After finishing the trail, families can head to the Long Gallery for creative crafts inspired by Cupid. Trail booklets cost £2. No booking is required (admission applies).
And there’s a chance to step into an age old winter tradition and create your own lively Wassail celebration in the orchard at The Firs (up to 22 February).
In traditional wassailing, noise drives away bad spirits with people banging pots and pans to fill the orchard with merriment.
And so, families are being encouraged to raise their voices to sing a traditional Wassail song to celebrate warmth, community – and the promise of spring!
Encouraging a fruitful harvest
Or why not hang toast on your favourite fruit tree as a symbol of gratitude and to encourage a fruitful harvest?
Whether you’re continuing a tradition or discovering a new one, creating your own Wassail celebration is an unforgettable way to brighten the winter and spread good cheer to all—trees included!
And finally, here’s one for all time travellers as Greyfriars House and Garden provide a chance to head back to the 16th century and experience a Tudor childhood.
It’s all part of the Living History in Worcester weekend on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February.
There’s a chance to meet Tudor re-enactors as they bring the past to life, explore the house and garden to find out what Greyfriars means to Worcester’s heritage.