Families looking for memorable days out this May half term will find plenty to enjoy at National Trust places throughout Norfolk.
Across the region, sites are gearing up for a lively week of family-friendly entertainment. Young adventurers can get stuck into hands‑on outdoor experiences, enjoy seasonal trails, try creative activities, and explore the countryside in new and exciting ways.
To explore upcoming half‑term opportunities and plan your visit, head to the National Trust website: Norfolk | East Anglia | National Trust
Blickling Estate
Discover the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trail at Blickling Estate
From 23 May | 10am – 4pm
The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trail invites families to Blickling Estate for a playful way to build confidence outdoors, enjoy fresh air and create shared family memories while searching for ten Mega Evolution Pokémon across ten trail points.
Each trail point features a simple physical or creative challenge inspired by different Mega Evolution Pokémon.
From showing courage and curiosity with Darkness-type Mega Gengar ex, to unleashing energy and imagination inspired by the powerful Fire-type Mega Charizard Y ex, the trails blend imaginative play with gentle activity.
A trail sheet will help young trainers keep track of their discoveries and at the end of the trail, explorers can celebrate their achievement together with a photo opportunity at a Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trail backdrop.
Journeys: Global Textiles from the Karun Thakar Collection
22 May to 1 November | 11am – 4pm (last House entry at 3.30pm)
Take a trip around the world this May half term and uncover Blickling Estate’s fascinating global stories in the House. Journeys: Global Textiles from the Karun Thakar Collection invites children and grown-ups alike to explore beautiful objects from around the world. Pick up a travel journal in the Great Hall, get creative by designing your own kimono with colourful pattern tiles, feel fabrics from different cultures and spot ships sailing through the rooms.
Make a full day of it by heading outdoors to explore Blickling’s gardens, where plants from across the globe burst into bloom, or set off to discover the striking pyramid shaped Mausoleum in the parkland. With Cycle hire open Wednesday to Sunday 10am – 4pm, families can hire bikes and create their own adventures along the multi‑use trail, before refuelling with tasty snacks and refreshing drinks at Stables or Muddy Boots cafés – bringing a memorable May half‑term family adventure to a delicious close.
Head to the website to plan your day out: Blickling Estate | Norfolk | National Trust
Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate
Families are invited to spring into action with a blossom spotter sheet at Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate this half term. Explore the renowned Walled Garden as it bursts at the seams with colourful petals and metalwork beasties, while chickens can be found wandering freely. Adventure out on the wider estate to track down more signs of spring, encompassing woods, parkland and a lake.
Try your hand at origami, chalk art and haiku poetry in a marquee opposite the Stable Courtyard, finding inspiration in the blossoms around you. The nature theme continues as you step inside 17th century Felbrigg Hall. Birdwatch from the Library’s sunroom, take a closer look at the feathered friends decorating the hall’s interiors and build miniature nests while listening to bird song. These are just some of the activities dotted throughout the hall, inspired by a project to protect its taxidermy birds and their dioramas – glass cases containing reproductions of natural scenes.
Picnicking is welcome at Felbrigg, with plenty of shady spots and accessible benches available. Visit a cafe trailer or pop into the Stable Courtyard where you’ll find tasty treats and mementos available from the tea-room, shop and a second-hand bookshop.
Plan your day at: Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate | Norfolk | National Trust
Oxburgh Estate
There is plenty to see and explore at Oxburgh this half term. On arrival, little explorers can borrow an explorer bag from Visitor Welcome which includes binoculars, bug pots, a clipboard & pencil and lots of other bits and pieces perfect for an Oxburgh nature adventure! In the Kitchen Garden, you’ll see the first signs of garden produce bursting into life as well as big blooms providing a riot of colour!
Inside the hall our new exhibition ‘A Regency Romance’ is up and running too. The exhibition follows Agnes and Thomas Molyneux Seel from their courtship through to their year-long ‘grand tour’ honeymoon in Europe. You can learn how to waltz, follow their journey on our animated map, masquerade in your own make-believe masked ball and learn about the conservation of the two paintings that provided the inspiration for the exhibition.
Periodically, there will also be some simple craft activities available in The Gun Room, inspired by the current season.
The tearoom is open daily serving a whole host of tasty snacks, lunches and of course scones. There are also plenty of hot and cold drinks to choose from to quench the thirst and on busy days, the Panty Café will be open serving hot and cold drinks and a selection of pastries, cakes and ice-cream too.
And of course, the Courtyard Gift Shop will be open also. Please be sure to check our opening times on the homepage before planning your visit Oxburgh Estate | Norfolk | National Trust
Sheringham Park
May half-term is a special time of year for a family visit to Sheringham Park, as this is when the famous collection of rhododendrons and azaleas in the Wild Garden will be at or close to their vibrant peak. Make your way to the tops of the two viewing platforms to look down on swathes of colourful flowers in deep pink, purple, red, orange, yellow and white hues.
There’s lots more to discover after you’ve visited the Wild Garden, with nearly 1,000 acres of woodland and parkland to explore – plenty of space for kids to burn off some energy as you enjoy the variety of habitats and views towards the coast. Don’t miss the Bower, home to a sensory garden full of plants to awaken your senses, and a wildlife pond where you might be lucky enough to spot newts hiding, and dragonflies darting over the surface.
Enjoy a family picnic on the field oppose the visitor barn, where you will find picnic benches and accessible benches or visit the Courtyard Café. Treat yourself to ice creams from the parlour, which will be open every day during the half-term holiday, while burgers, chips and hot food and drinks will be available from the food trailer on the field.
Plan your visit at: Sheringham Park | Norfolk | National Trust
