National Trust Unveils Packed Winter And Spring Events

As winter’s grip lingers across the United Kingdom, the National Trust is rolling out a vibrant calendar of events to entice visitors outdoors, celebrate the first stirrings of spring, and connect communities with both heritage and nature. From Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds to Somerset and the windswept heights of Wales, Trust sites are bustling with creative exhibitions, family-friendly trails, and opportunities for mindful reflection. It’s a season of renewal, and the Trust’s efforts are as much about fostering inclusivity as they are about showcasing the beauty and history of the land.

In Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, Newark Park near Wotton under Edge is preparing to welcome guests with a diverse lineup. From February 5 through February 16, 2026, artist-in-residence Yasmin Jones will present a live watercolour exhibition, inviting visitors to witness creativity in action. This artistic energy flows straight into a celebration of snowdrops, running January 31 to March 1, with the grounds transformed by both natural blooms and a community art display. According to local reports, the park’s volunteer coffee morning, held on January 20, offered would-be volunteers information and a taste of camaraderie—an open invitation to those who want to get involved.

Over at Woodchester Park, the Trust is nurturing community spirit with weekly storytelling sessions every Monday morning at Tinkley Gate, from January through March. These gatherings, running 10:30am to 11am, are especially popular with families and under-5s. For those craving a more active outing, the Trust10 Trail Run—a 10km trek through historic parkland—returns on January 25, February 22, and March 22. Dog lovers aren’t left out either: the Woofchester Wednesday Dog Walks on February 4 promise a social stroll from 10:30am until noon. The park’s team is also actively seeking new volunteers, with drop-in sessions scheduled for February 3 and 7, offering roles from general support to becoming a dog ambassador for the Stroud Commons.

Chedworth Roman Villa, a jewel of the region, is hosting a family-friendly trail during February half-term (February 14–22, 10am–4pm), where children and adults alike can explore the links between Roman gods and planets. Mondays in March bring free guided tours (11am–3pm), with experts on hand to reveal the villa’s secrets. As Mother’s Day approaches, March 14 and 15 will see a special celebration of Roman women—from ancient beauty trends to the stories of real-life heroines across the empire.

At Dyrham Park, families with young children can join pre-schooler sessions every Tuesday in term time during January and February (10:45am–11:45am), while green-fingered guests are invited to free guided garden walks on select January dates. The half-term break (February 14–22, 10am–5pm) promises additional fun, and the Old Lodge will host Nature Tots sessions on March 17 and 24.

Hidcote, famed for its gardens, is currently displaying the Seasonal Delights Photography Exhibition until March 1, 2026 (open 11am–4pm), featuring images captured by visitors throughout the year. For those seeking relaxation and balance, Tai Chi sessions led by the Swan School of Tai Chi and Qigong are scheduled for February 7 and March 7 (9:30am–11am, £13 per person).

Chastleton, meanwhile, is inviting visitors to its wilderness walk to marvel at snowdrop displays on February 10, 11, 17, and 18. Booking is required, with tickets priced at £4.50 for non-members and free entry for Trust members. The Trust encourages guests to experience these early signs of spring, which often feel like nature’s own quiet celebration.

Somerset’s National Trust sites are equally lively after their winter deep cleans. Barrington Court is hosting storytelling sessions for children every Monday from February 23 to March 30, free with normal admission. Dunster Castle offers a hands-on apple grafting workshop on February 10 (£45 per person, booking required), and on February 24, visitors can enjoy an exclusive day with the collections and house manager, including a bespoke tour and two-course lunch (£65 per person). Fyne Court’s Nature Explorers: Winter Wildlife activity, running until February 28 (11am–3pm), invites families to discover the wonders of winter with sensory scavenger hunts and nature backpacks.

Prior Park Landscape Garden is offering art sessions inspired by the season on February 5 (£18 per person, two time slots) and mindfulness walks on February 6 (£22 per person, 8:30am and 11am). Stourhead, known for its sweeping landscapes, is providing behind-closed-doors house tours on weekdays until March 4, and a children’s mystery trail from February 14–22 (9:30am–3pm). Visitors can also enjoy ‘Winter Warmer weekends’ by the log fire from February 14 to March 1, with volunteers sharing tales of the estate’s storied past. Upcoming events at Stourhead include a spring watercolour workshop (February 27), daily guided tours starting in March, a glass decoration workshop (March 14), and a ‘forage and cook’ course (March 15).

Tyntesfield is welcoming book lovers to its club meetings on February 24 and March 17, and is hosting a green woodworking introduction on February 22, plus a two-day rustic furniture course on March 21–22. Most events across these Somerset sites are included with general admission, though some require separate booking or fees.

In Wales, National Trust Cymru is celebrating St Dwywen’s Day (January 25) by revealing a dozen ‘I love you’ views—romantic spots perfect for a winter stroll or heartfelt moment. Among them is Foel y Mwnt in Ceredigion, a coastal hilltop with panoramic vistas stretching from Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island) to Yr Wyddfa. The Trust recommends checking the weather for the best visibility, as lucky visitors might spot bottlenose dolphins, seals, or porpoises. Other featured locations include ‘OMG corner’ above Harlech, Plas Newydd House on Ynys Môn, Dyffryn Gardens in the Vale of Glamorgan, and a tranquil bench in Dinefwr’s deer park—steeped in history and once home to The Lord Rhys, a powerful medieval Welsh ruler.

Amidst these festivities and community-building efforts, the National Trust’s leadership has not been without its challenges. Hilary McGrady, the Trust’s director-general, recently expressed regret about being drawn into the so-called ‘culture wars’ after critics accused the charity of being ‘too woke.’ Nonetheless, McGrady remains steadfast in her commitment to inclusivity, stating she is “unapologetic about pursuing inclusivity across the charity’s sites,” as reported by GB News. The Trust’s approach—balancing tradition with a modern sense of welcome—continues to shape its programming and public perception.

For those eager to shake off the winter blues, the National Trust’s packed calendar offers something for everyone: art, history, nature, mindfulness, and the simple joy of a walk in a beautiful place. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, connection, or just a bit of fresh air, the Trust’s doors—and its landscapes—are wide open this season.