Get ready for February half-term with National Trust Cymru
With the February half-term fast approaching, there are many events for you and your children to get excited about. From snowdrop planting and free play in nature, to fun family trails, winter wildlife spotting and Welsh folklore - there are so many family days out this half-term at the places cared for by National Trust Cymru.
Here’s a summary:
In North Wales, join the annual snowdrop planting at Bodnant Garden in Conwy. In Wrexham, admire the vibrant snowdrop display at Chirk Castle and Garden, or enjoy free play in nature at the Wolf's Den Natural Play area at Erddig Hall and Garden. Spot rare red squirrels at Plas Newydd and Garden in Anglesey, or spot winter wildlife on a woodland wander at Penrhyn Castle and Garden in Bangor.
In Mid Wales, follow the daffodil trail at Llanerchaeron in Ceredigion for bursts of yellow heralding spring, and visit the traditional Welsh farmyard which is home to a variety of Welsh breeds. At Powis Castle and Garden in Welshpool, the winter family trail leads you through world-famous gardens.
In South Wales, run wild at Colby Woodland Gardens in Pembrokeshire, or explore the sights and sounds of Dinefwr’s historic deer park in Carmarthenshire. At Dyffryn Gardens near Cardiff, play ‘Mis Bach’ Bingoin the garden, or head to Tredegar House in Newport to celebrate Welsh folklore with fun family activities.
From 15 February until 2 March, collect a Spring Bingo card and set off on an adventure around the castle garden. Can you find an unusually shaped cloud, the tallest tree in the garden or the longest wriggly worm? Tick off all the challenges on your card and count how many early signs of spring you can spot.
On 17 and 24 February, get creative with clay in a nature-themed family craft session. You'll be guided through the process to sculpt your own bugs, flowers and other signs of spring to take home.
Nature lovers are also invited to join the rangers on 25 and 26 February for a bug hunt. From bugs with shiny wings and tiny spots to those with long, wiggly antennae, how many can you find? It’s the perfect way to learn all about the tiny creatures that live around us.
Take part in a magical craft session, transforming egg boxes into enchanting toadstools. Enjoy hands-on fun with Nestlings Forest School, learning outdoor forest skills. Plus, explore the newly refreshed Wolf’s Den natural play area and let your imagination run wild.
From 15 February, step back into nature this half term at Erddig. Explore the newly reopened Wolf's Den Natural Play Area, refurbished after its winter rest.
On 17 and 24 February, unleash your creativity in the Education Room between 11am and 3pm. Join the volunteers to transform everyday egg boxes into enchanting magical toadstools, like the beautiful jewel-like fungi that grows on the estate. Paint and decorate them with colorful paints and take your magical creations home with you.
On Wednesdays 19 and 26 February, head to the Wolf's Den between 10am and 4pm for drop-in sessions with Nestlings Forest School, where children can enjoy a mix of natural crafts and outdoor forest skills.
Help the garden team at Bodnant Garden on Tuesdays and Thursdays this February half-term to help grow the snowdrop display in the Old Park at Bodnant Garden
Join in between 11am and 12.30pm on 18, 20, 25 and 27 February to help plant lots more of these beautiful little flowers for all to enjoy in years to come. Free event, normal admission to the garden applies.
February half-term is the perfect opportunity to explore Penrhyn Castle and Garden, come rain or shine! Enjoy the incredible views from the top of the hill, looking down on the spectacular sights of North Wales.
Between 15 February and 2 March, join a wellie walk around Rook Wood, where you can find the playground to swing and see-saw your day away. Whip up a creation in the mud kitchen and show off your creative talent with some indoor crafts in the ‘Stablau.’ The Victorian Kitchens will be open throughout half-term. The castle will be open for the season from Saturday, 1 March.
February half-term is the perfect opportunity to explore Plas Newydd House and Garden, with a variety of activities to delight families, whatever the weather. Follow the winding paths through Dairy Wood, keeping an eye out for red squirrels scampering amongst the trees.
Whip up a creation in the mud kitchen, strike a beat on the wooden drums, or race across the open lawns for some fresh air and fun. Take a brisk winter stroll to the West Indies area of the 40-acre garden and climb up to the treehouse. What sights can you spot from your vantage point?
Inside the Grade-I listed 16th-century house, there’s plenty to discover. Admire the ever-changing views of the Menai Strait and Eryri (Snowdonia) from the windows, and let the scenery inspire you to draw or write. In The Octagon room, unwind with a selection of board games to enjoy with friends and family. With the garden opening at 9:30am and the house from 10am, you can enjoy Plas Newydd for longer.
This February half-term, create you own indoor adventure at Powis Castle with a Trail in a Bag. From 15 February to 2 March, pick up your trail bag and explore the fascinating rooms and hidden treasures of this medieval Welsh castle. The indoor trail compliments the outdoor experience, with new activities and surprises to discover as you explore the grand rooms. Perfect for a family day out, this trail provides a wonderful way to engage with the castle's history and architecture even on a rainy day.
Don't miss the daily Story Time in the library, between 12-3pm throughout half-term. Enjoy a cosy storytelling session, the perfect way to relax and immerse yourself in imaginative tales.
From 26 February, as the farming estate begins to wake up for spring, February half-term is the perfect time to follow the daffodil trail around the lake, garden and farmyard.
Explore the reawakened House for the first time this year, admiring the refreshed spaces, and maybe even snatching a homemade welsh cake from the kitchen!
Challenge the family to a game of ping pong or table football in the stable block playroom and don't forget to say hello to the animals on the farmyard.
Every day until 2 March, gather the family together for a game of Y Mis Bach Bingo in the garden. Pick-up your free bingo sheet and follow the interactive spotter trail through the garden to tick off all the little things found in winter. The trail is designed to help children learn about nature and have alittle fun in a little month!
If there is still energy to burn off, choose from two Log Stack play areas to run, jump, explore and play. Balance along trees, jump from log to log along the stepping stones and have a picnic on hand carved picnic stumps.
This February half-term, Tredegar House celebrates the St. David’s season. Choose from Rhubi's Celtic Chronicles, a children’s garden trail filled with Welsh myths and legends, or the Celtic Word Trail, a fun indoor puzzle that follows a route through the house. There are also Welsh-themed jigsaws, board games and battle cards in the Small Library - the perfect rainy-day activity for all ages.
In the Orangery, children can build or conquer a castle while dressed as a dragon and enjoy their picnic afterwards and for visitors aged over 12 years, there is a Welsh Myth's and Legends Tour to discover more about the history and folklore at Tredegar House.
From 22 February until 2 March, join in different activities spread throughout the house and the bookable ‘Hibernationland’ to enjoy snuggling up, building nests and listen to stories in a sleepy woodland. If you slept all winter, what kind of nest would you build?
Outdoors there’s acres of parkland to explore, perfect for running, jumping and playing. Look out for the White Park Cattle in the front field or head out on a walk to enjoy the Welsh views from Dinefwr Castle In the historic Deer Park, the boardwalk path is ideal for a walk with a pushchair.
There’s plenty to see in winter at Colby Woodland Garden. The Woodland Garden is the perfect place for children of all ages to discover nature through natural play.
Discover the sky gazing glade at the top of the woods or have fun building a den under the trees. Enjoy jumping on the giant stepping-stones or explore the flora and fauna that makes its home around the stream running through the meadow in the lower part of the garden.
Get ready for February half-term with National Trust Cymru
With the February half-term fast approaching, there are many events for you and your children to get excited about. From snowdrop planting and free play in nature, to fun family trails, winter wildlife spotting and Welsh folklore - there are so many family days out this half-term at the places cared for by National Trust Cymru.
Here’s a summary:
In North Wales, join the annual snowdrop planting at Bodnant Garden in Conwy. In Wrexham, admire the vibrant snowdrop display at Chirk Castle and Garden, or enjoy free play in nature at the Wolf's Den Natural Play area at Erddig Hall and Garden. Spot rare red squirrels at Plas Newydd and Garden in Anglesey, or spot winter wildlife on a woodland wander at Penrhyn Castle and Garden in Bangor.
In Mid Wales, follow the daffodil trail at Llanerchaeron in Ceredigion for bursts of yellow heralding spring, and visit the traditional Welsh farmyard which is home to a variety of Welsh breeds. At Powis Castle and Garden in Welshpool, the winter family trail leads you through world-famous gardens.
In South Wales, run wild at Colby Woodland Gardens in Pembrokeshire, or explore the sights and sounds of Dinefwr’s historic deer park in Carmarthenshire. At Dyffryn Gardens near Cardiff, play ‘Mis Bach’ Bingoin the garden, or head to Tredegar House in Newport to celebrate Welsh folklore with fun family activities.
For more information, or to plan your visit, go to: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/family-friendly
North Wales round up
Chirk Castle and Garden, Wrexham
From 15 February until 2 March, collect a Spring Bingo card and set off on an adventure around the castle garden. Can you find an unusually shaped cloud, the tallest tree in the garden or the longest wriggly worm? Tick off all the challenges on your card and count how many early signs of spring you can spot.
On 17 and 24 February, get creative with clay in a nature-themed family craft session. You'll be guided through the process to sculpt your own bugs, flowers and other signs of spring to take home.
Nature lovers are also invited to join the rangers on 25 and 26 February for a bug hunt. From bugs with shiny wings and tiny spots to those with long, wiggly antennae, how many can you find? It’s the perfect way to learn all about the tiny creatures that live around us.
Erddig Hall and Garden, Wrexham
Take part in a magical craft session, transforming egg boxes into enchanting toadstools. Enjoy hands-on fun with Nestlings Forest School, learning outdoor forest skills. Plus, explore the newly refreshed Wolf’s Den natural play area and let your imagination run wild.
From 15 February, step back into nature this half term at Erddig. Explore the newly reopened Wolf's Den Natural Play Area, refurbished after its winter rest.
On 17 and 24 February, unleash your creativity in the Education Room between 11am and 3pm. Join the volunteers to transform everyday egg boxes into enchanting magical toadstools, like the beautiful jewel-like fungi that grows on the estate. Paint and decorate them with colorful paints and take your magical creations home with you.
On Wednesdays 19 and 26 February, head to the Wolf's Den between 10am and 4pm for drop-in sessions with Nestlings Forest School, where children can enjoy a mix of natural crafts and outdoor forest skills.
Bodnant Garden, Conwy
Help the garden team at Bodnant Garden on Tuesdays and Thursdays this February half-term to help grow the snowdrop display in the Old Park at Bodnant Garden
Join in between 11am and 12.30pm on 18, 20, 25 and 27 February to help plant lots more of these beautiful little flowers for all to enjoy in years to come.
Free event, normal admission to the garden applies.
Penrhyn Castle and Garden, Bangor
February half-term is the perfect opportunity to explore Penrhyn Castle and Garden, come rain or shine! Enjoy the incredible views from the top of the hill, looking down on the spectacular sights of North Wales.
Between 15 February and 2 March, join a wellie walk around Rook Wood, where you can find the playground to swing and see-saw your day away. Whip up a creation in the mud kitchen and show off your creative talent with some indoor crafts in the ‘Stablau.’ The Victorian Kitchens will be open throughout half-term. The castle will be open for the season from Saturday, 1 March.
Plas Newydd House and Garden, Anglesey
February half-term is the perfect opportunity to explore Plas Newydd House and Garden, with a variety of activities to delight families, whatever the weather. Follow the winding paths through Dairy Wood, keeping an eye out for red squirrels scampering amongst the trees.
Whip up a creation in the mud kitchen, strike a beat on the wooden drums, or race across the open lawns for some fresh air and fun. Take a brisk winter stroll to the West Indies area of the 40-acre garden and climb up to the treehouse. What sights can you spot from your vantage point?
Inside the Grade-I listed 16th-century house, there’s plenty to discover. Admire the ever-changing views of the Menai Strait and Eryri (Snowdonia) from the windows, and let the scenery inspire you to draw or write. In The Octagon room, unwind with a selection of board games to enjoy with friends and family. With the garden opening at 9:30am and the house from 10am, you can enjoy Plas Newydd for longer.
Mid Wales round up
Powis Castle and Garden, Welshpool
This February half-term, create you own indoor adventure at Powis Castle with a Trail in a Bag. From 15 February to 2 March, pick up your trail bag and explore the fascinating rooms and hidden treasures of this medieval Welsh castle. The indoor trail compliments the outdoor experience, with new activities and surprises to discover as you explore the grand rooms. Perfect for a family day out, this trail provides a wonderful way to engage with the castle's history and architecture even on a rainy day.
Don't miss the daily Story Time in the library, between 12-3pm throughout half-term. Enjoy a cosy storytelling session, the perfect way to relax and immerse yourself in imaginative tales.
Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion
From 26 February, as the farming estate begins to wake up for spring, February half-term is the perfect time to follow the daffodil trail around the lake, garden and farmyard.
Explore the reawakened House for the first time this year, admiring the refreshed spaces, and maybe even snatching a homemade welsh cake from the kitchen!
Challenge the family to a game of ping pong or table football in the stable block playroom and don't forget to say hello to the animals on the farmyard.
South Wales round up
Dyffryn Gardens, near Cardiff
Every day until 2 March, gather the family together for a game of Y Mis Bach Bingo in the garden. Pick-up your free bingo sheet and follow the interactive spotter trail through the garden to tick off all the little things found in winter. The trail is designed to help children learn about nature and have alittle fun in a little month!
If there is still energy to burn off, choose from two Log Stack play areas to run, jump, explore and play. Balance along trees, jump from log to log along the stepping stones and have a picnic on hand carved picnic stumps.
Tredegar House, Newport
This February half-term, Tredegar House celebrates the St. David’s season. Choose from Rhubi's Celtic Chronicles, a children’s garden trail filled with Welsh myths and legends, or the Celtic Word Trail, a fun indoor puzzle that follows a route through the house. There are also Welsh-themed jigsaws, board games and battle cards in the Small Library - the perfect rainy-day activity for all ages.
In the Orangery, children can build or conquer a castle while dressed as a dragon and enjoy their picnic afterwards and for visitors aged over 12 years, there is a Welsh Myth's and Legends Tour to discover more about the history and folklore at Tredegar House.
Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire
From 22 February until 2 March, join in different activities spread throughout the house and the bookable ‘Hibernationland’ to enjoy snuggling up, building nests and listen to stories in a sleepy woodland. If you slept all winter, what kind of nest would you build?
Outdoors there’s acres of parkland to explore, perfect for running, jumping and playing. Look out for the White Park Cattle in the front field or head out on a walk to enjoy the Welsh views from Dinefwr Castle In the historic Deer Park, the boardwalk path is ideal for a walk with a pushchair.
Colby Woodland Gardens, Pembrokeshire
There’s plenty to see in winter at Colby Woodland Garden. The Woodland Garden is the perfect place for children of all ages to discover nature through natural play.
Discover the sky gazing glade at the top of the woods or have fun building a den under the trees. Enjoy jumping on the giant stepping-stones or explore the flora and fauna that makes its home around the stream running through the meadow in the lower part of the garden.
Photo: Tredegar House - Letting off steam in the garden ©National Trust Images-Alex Llywelyn