From seasonal crafts and activities to outdoor trails and winter wildlife, there’s lots to keep young explorers busy this half term at the National Trust’s places in Norfolk.
With miles of gardens, parkland, countryside and coast to explore on those crisp winter days and indoor activities for when the rain sets in, there’s plenty to do, whatever the February weather brings.
The National Trust’s cosy tearooms offer warming treats and kids lunch packs, and the shops have lovely selections of pocket money toys for little ones to browse.
Here’s a round-up of the half term events and activities at the National Trust’s places in Norfolk.
Blickling Estate
‘Hop into the wild’ family trail, inspired by Disney and Pixar’s “Hoppers”
From Saturday 14 February until Monday 9 March, the National Trust is celebrating the release of Disney and Pixar’s “Hoppers”, in Cinemas 6 March. Discover the ‘Hop into the wild’ family trail, with storytelling and outdoor play. If you’re a family (with children aged 6-11years), come and enjoy the great outdoors, guided by cutouts of the “Hoppers” gang. Collect your discovery passport, explore the animal kingdoms, and most importantly, unleash your wild side!
Whilst out in the garden, look out for early daffodils and hellebores bringing a burst of colour along the way. Looking for shelter? Step inside the House and enjoy a spotter trail, perfect for curious minds.
Bigger adventure awaits out in the parkland. Stroll along the bike and buggy-friendly multi‑use trail and discover the striking pyramid-shaped Mausoleum. Afterwards, warm up with delicious seasonal food and drinks at the Stables or Muddy Boots Cafés.
The House is open daily from 11am–3pm, and the garden and cafés from 10am–4pm, last entry 30 minutes before closure.
Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate
The doors of Felbrigg Hall will be thrown open this half-term, ready to transport you and your family to centuries gone by. Wander through opulent yet homely spaces, with highlights including colourful stained glass in the Great Hall, gleaming copper pots in The Kitchen and even a small secret room in The Library.
The Felbrigg Estate is free to visit (parking charges apply for non-members) and with 520-acres there’s plenty of space for little legs to roam. Go on the family-friendly 2.6-mile circular church and icehouse trail through rolling parkland, past a lake and into the woods. Get stuck into den building in a dedicated area located just off the ‘Victory V’ avenue of trees.
In the Walled Garden, spot colourful crocuses and find metalwork creatures and sculptures by artist Toby Winterbourn around every corner, from tiny hidden dormice to giant mushrooms. Warm up after your adventuring with a hot drink or treat from the Squire’s Pantry tea-room.
Sheringham Park
With the park and woodland stirring back to life, February half-term is a great time for families to spend some time together outdoors and connect with nature. From Saturday 14th to Sunday 22nd February, we will be inviting children to follow our hibernation trail.
Starting at the events field, this free trail explores which animals have been hibernating during the winter, and how and why they do this. The welcome team will be on hand to direct visitors to the start and give out a learning sheet to accompany the trail.
The Courtyard Café is open throughout half-term (10am-3.30pm daily, and from 9am-3.30pm on Saturdays), serving hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, bacon baps, cakes, bakes and ice creams. Dogs are welcome on leads.
Oxburgh Estate
A new exhibition ‘A Regency Romance’ is up and running inside Oxburgh Hall. The exhibition follows Agnes and Thomas Molyneux Seel from their courtship through to their year long ‘grand tour’ honeymoon in Europe. Learn how to waltz, follow their journey on our animated map, masquerade in own make-believe masked ball and learn about the conservation of two paintings that provided the inspiration for the exhibition. There will also be some craft activities available in The Gun Room, inspired by the Regency Romance exhibition.
Snowdrops can be found across the estate, including in The Wilderness and the area called My Lady’s Wood which has reopened again this year after some conservation work.
The tearoom will be open, serving hot drinks and a host of tasty snacks, lunches and of course scones, to help warm up after a winter walk. And the Courtyard Gift Shop will be open.
To check opening times and find out more about February half term activities visit, http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
