From spring-themed trails to outdoor games and activities to get closer to nature, there’s plenty to entertain your little explorers at National Trust places this May half term.
Make the most of the warmer weather and longer late-spring days by planning a family visit a National Trust place near you. Enjoy the simple pleasures of being outdoors together, whether you’re playing on lush green lawns, creating your own family adventure through woodlands and secret gardens, or settling into a picture-perfect picnic spot for the afternoon.
Discover a whole host of activities, events and trails to get stuck into – take a walk on the wild side in nature with den building, bug hunting and scavenger hunts and explore a variety of buildings and landscapes – from iconic windpumps to Jacobean Mansions, from coastal habitats to woodland walks.
Here we’ve rounded up some of the best and most exciting National Trust events and activities to keep the whole family busy this May in Norfolk.
Start your adventure here.
Blickling Estate
Bee for Blickling: until 4 June
Balance bike course in the gardens
A visit to Blickling Estate this spring offers a chance to explore the woodland, parkland and formal gardens in the heart of the Bure meadows as well as the breath-taking Jacobean mansion. Take in the multi-sensory Bee for Blickling exhibition in the Long Gallery which highlights flowers and nature within the collection and the important role bees play. Two children’s trails around the house will encourage them to explore their surroundings – spotting bees and to look for the shapes of flowers in carpets, paintings and furniture. Out in the gardens, your little ones can test their skills on the balance bike course.
Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate
As you explore Felbrigg Hall this May half term, pick up an I Spy Felbrigg booklet and try and find the objects pictured in the booklet in each room. Older children can take part in the Art Detectives Trail – look for six panels throughout the House that offer a closer look at some of the paintings on display. If you’re planning to take a walk in the parkland, pick up one of the tracker packs from visitor welcome to discover more about the wildlife and nature you encounter.
Horsey Windpump
National Mills Weekend, 13 – 14 May
Celebrating World Bee Day, Sunday 21 May
Horsey Windpump will be open celebrating National Mills Weekend on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 May, where you can discover all there is to know about the history of the windpump and how it worked. Climb the stairs and look out at the views. Take a peek inside Arthur Dove’s cabin. Ask questions and the friendly volunteers will tell you all. On Sunday 21 May, visit the wildlife garden where they will be celebrating World Bee Day. Learn about the importance of bees, different types of bees and the ways that you can help encourage them at home. The iconic windpump will be open daily between 10am – 4pm throughout the May half term holiday.
Morston Quay
Meet the ranger, Sunday 14 May 1.30pm – 3.30pm
Morston is part of the Blakeney National Nature Reserve. Pristine salt marsh and muddy creeks provide a haven for wildlife: Brent geese, little egrets, spoonbills, marsh harriers and more. Come and meet one of the rangers who care for this beautiful coast, ask questions and learn about how they work to conserve the landscape and wildlife in their care.
Oxburgh Estate
Discover the Joy of Blossom at Oxburgh Estate this May half term, with activities and trails to enjoy on a family day out. Spring provides a stunning backdrop to the estate, with a sense of hope, renewal and celebration showcased in nature. Learn about the blossom at Oxburgh and discover the Senior Gardener’s favourite tree. Explore the parkland with a ‘Springo’ activity sheet, spotting all the signs of spring. With a natural play area and kitchen garden to explore too, there’s plenty to keep your little explorers entertained.
Sheringham Park
Nationally important collection of Rhododendron
Wander through Sheringham Park and you’ll discover why it became the personal favourite of its 19th century designer, Humphry Repton. The Wild Garden is home to over 80 species of rhododendron and azalea, with the peak of the colourful display between mid-May into early June. Two viewing platforms provide ideal vantage points from which to look down on a carpet of colour. If you extend your walk into the parkland, you will be rewarded with a display of buttercups and cowslips in late spring. For a quieter walk during this peak time of the year, visit early in the morning or later in the day – the park is open between dawn and dusk.
