With February half term just around the corner, the National Trust has announced its line-up of activities at its sites across the North East to keep the kids entertained while they’re off school.
The charity owns and operates historic venues across the region which are the perfect place to visit for a day out that’s both fun and educational, offering the chance to explore nature as well as delve into local history. And with special events running at the likes of Gibside, Seaton Delaval Hall and Wallington this month during the school break, there’s no better time to pay a visit.
Here’s the full line-up of venues in the North East that are running family-friendly activities during February half term, as listed on the National Trust website. Remember that if you’re a frequent visitor, you can save on entry fees by signing up for a National Trust membership, with a similar offer also available through English Heritage which also owns historical venues across the North East from Lindisfarne Priory to Warkworth Castle.
Gibside, Gateshead
Gibside has hidden gardening tools around the estate for little explorers this February half term, with a clue to solve on each one. Visitors are invited to use their detective skills on the trail between Saturday, February 22 and Sunday, March 2 to solve a puzzle that will reveal the secret location of treasure.
You can also help the gardeners with snowdrop planting in sessions on February 22, 25 and 26 between 10.30am and 3pm. And on Monday, February 24 and Friday, February 28, drop in to a clay workshop to create a snail ornament to take home.
Entry to Gibside costs £15 for adults and £7.50 for adults, increasing to £17 and £8.50 respectively in March. Alongside taking part in the half term activities, you can also discover the picturesque walking trails through woodland boasting views across the Derwent Valley at this 18th century estate.
Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland
It’s Feel Good February at Seaton Delaval Hall, with a host of creative activities on offer throughout February half term including storytelling sessions, poetry stations, cosy reading stops and more across the site. Between Saturday, February 22 and Sunday, March 2, kids can build their own adventure with the Story Dice game in the South East Garden, or head to the Arboretum to visit the poetry board and create their own work.
They can also have a go at shadow puppet making in the Beer Cellar in the Basement and produce their own mini show, or grab a script and a costume from the dressing up station and take to the stage to perform on the theatre stage in the Kitchen in the West Wing.
On Thursday, February 27 between 12pm and 4.30pm, visitors can order a poem from the Poetry Takeaway’s poetry chefs – simply give them some prompts and they’ll write you a poem there and then. And on Friday, February 28, Chris Bostock will lead story time on the Baroque-inspired travelling theatre stage in the West Wing Kitchen from 12-12.45pm and 1.15-2pm.
A ticket to Seaton Delaval Hall is priced at £14 for adults and £7 for children aged five to 17, with special offers for families and groups. From the stunning formal gardens to the Delaval Playdium play area inspired by the theatrics of the scandalous Delaval family, there’s plenty to see and do at this Grade I listed Georgian country house.
Wallington, Northumberland
Wallington is also offering visitors the chance to help plant 100,000 snowdrops throughout February half term – simply bring your wellies and gloves and get planting any time between 11am and 3pm from Saturday, February 22 until Sunday, March 2. And on the final Sunday of half term, you can admire your work in the Snowdrop Parade, which will celebrate an incredible one million snowdrops having been planted at Wallington since 2015.
Take part in the parade around the courtyard and house at 1.30pm, accompanied by a musician and carrying your own handmade snowdrop jingle stick. Admission to Wallington throughout this period is priced at £12 for adults and £6 for children – and now is the perfect time to visit before prices increase from March 24.
Washington Old Hall, Sunderland
Washington Old Hall is inviting visitors to take a wander through its gardens and keep their eyes peeled to spot as many different types of birds as they can. The self-led trail will be available to take part in between 10am and 4pm from Saturday, February 22 until Saturday, March 1.
The hall is also running a drop-in Build a Bird Box workshop on Wednesday, February 26 between 11am and 3pm, where kids can learn how to build a home for birds from scratch and learn about all the visitors it may attract to their garden. And on Thursday, February 27, The Time Bandits will be bringing history to life with family-friendly talks throughout the day.
While you’re there, you can explore the 13th century manor house associated with the family of first US president George Washington, with admission costing £6 for adults and £3 for children aged five to 17, with under-fives going free.
Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, Sunderland
It’s all about birds this half term at Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, with visitors able to take part in a special bird spotting trail along the Leas between 11am and 3pm from Monday, February 24 until Sunday, March 2. There’s also a drop-in bird box building workshop on the Monday, and wooden bird decorating over at Whitburn Coastal Conservation Centre on the Wednesday with all materials provided for the nature-themed crafts.
Crook Hall Gardens, Durham
And finally, there are also activities on offer at Crook Hall Gardens for budding bird watchers during the February break, including Make a Bird Feeder on Wednesday, February 26 and another Build a Bird Box workshop on Friday, February 28 from 11am until 3pm. Visitors can also plant a seed and learn how to look after it in another special nature workshop on Monday, February 24.
Admission to Crook Hall Gardens is priced at £8.50 for adults and £4.25 for children aged five to 17 in February, increasing to £9.50 and £4.75 respectively in March.
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