National Trust Press Release

Friday 3 February 2023

“From wintery adventures in nature, outdoor family trails and welly wanders, to seasonally inspired crafts, activities and games, there are lots of events and activities on offer this February half term from the National Trust.

Whether you’re exploring our miles of woodland, coast, 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 we’ve got something to entertain the kids on a family day out.

Here we’ve rounded up the some of the best and most exciting National Trust events and activities near you to keep the whole family busy this half term. To plan your adventure, visit http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Norfolk

Blickling Estate

Nobody ever forgets their first sight of Blickling. The breath-taking Jacobean mansion and ancient yew hedges sit at the heart of a magnificent garden and historic park in the beautiful Bure meadows. Keep your little explorers busy on a family day out at Blickling with activities across the estate.

The Hall is open daily between 11am – 3pm over the half term holiday and we’re inviting you to meet the builder of Blickling! The newly acquired striking portrait of Sir Henry Hobart will be on display. Come and find out ‘Who’s Henry?’ and discover what this fascinating portrait reveals about his character and status.

Head out into the gardens to play hide and seek in the parterre and discover snowdrops, hellebores and beautiful scented shrubs in the Orangery garden. If you fancy a longer walk, why not follow the multi-use trail into the wider estate and look out for signs of spring – can you spot any daffodils, snowdrops or birds?

Felbrigg Estate

Felbrigg has so much to offer families. From children’s trails around the house to den building in the Great Wood. Explore inside the Hall and imagine what it might have been like to have lived or worked there and learn about the stories of people who did. Visit the walled garden to see fruits and vegetables growing and keep a look out for the hens!

Head to the Walled Garden and use your senses as you explore the double borders, smell the herbs, feel your way through the willow tunnel or play hide and seek in and around the different areas.

And if you have a few hours to spend, why not take the whole family for a walk around the estate, there’s plenty to choose from. Check off some of the 50 things to do before you’re 11¾, like den building in the woods, or see if you can find the ice-house.

Sheringham

With nearly 1,000 acres to explore, there’s plenty of space for children to burn off some energy as you enjoy the variety of habitats Sheringham Park has to offer.

This February half-term, the following events are taking place, for more info and bookings visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/norfolk/sheringham-park/events :

Saturday 11 to Sunday 19 February, Tracker Trail, 10am – 4pm. Follow the quiz trail to find out about 10 winter wildlife highlights that can be seen in the park at this time of year. Pick up a trail sheet and go in search of clues. Discovering wild animal clues is one of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 and ¾’ The trail is free, normal admission charges apply. Booking not needed.

Monday 13 February, Wild Animal Tracking, 10.30am – 12noon. Foxes, badgers and deer live in Sheringham Park but are seldom seen. Take a walk off the beaten track to look for animal signs – footprints, feeding signs and poo! We’ll learn about the signs animals leave behind and make a plaster cast print. On our walk we’ll search for wild animal clues – one of the ’50 things to do before you’re 11 and ¾’ We’ll also check our camera trap to see animal activity from the night before. Booking essential, £4 adult, £6 child, suitable for 6 – 12 year olds. Please wear warm and waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear.

Monday 13 February Night Hike, a family event exploring Sheringham Park by night, 5pm – 7.30pm Join us at sunset to see what is stirring as darkness descends. Tawny Owls hoot, deer come out of hiding and the stars can be spectacular on a clear night. Going on a nature walk at night and Go stargazing are two of the 50 things to do before you’re 11 and ¾ Booking essential, £6 adult, £4 child, suitable for 6 – 12 year olds. Please wear warm clothing and bring a torch.

Horsey Windpump

The café reopens at Horsey Windpump during February half-term from 11.00am to 3pm. There are plenty of walks to explore in the area taking in the scenery of the broads, the beaches, where there are still a few seals around, and historic landmarks such as Brograve Mill, an 18^th Century drainage mill, and an ancient Saxon Church, the All Saints Church Horsey. You can see various species of bird life along these routes, such as marsh harriers, buzzards and many smaller birds. If you’re lucky you may even catch a glimpse of red, Chinese water, muntjac or roe deer.

Morston Quay

The café and visitor information centre is open at Morston Quay from 11am to 2pm. If you follow the circular walk from Morston Quay to Cockthorpe you might spot winter wildlife such as little egrets, spoonbills, marsh harries and many more species. The route also includes a chance to see rare chalk downland and a disused airfield.”