The first signs of spring are beginning to emerge across the UK, casting away winter blues as the National Trust welcomes families and individuals to enjoy its extensive array of events. Many locations, having undergone thorough winter deep cleans, are ready to entice visitors outdoors, with numerous activities lined up this season.
At Coleton Fishacre, the National Trust is offering several engaging events, including free accessible guided walks focusing on wellbeing along the coast, taking place on the first Fridays of January, February, and March from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. These walks are ideal for those who enjoy intermediate-level treks. Little Acorns will host outdoor welly walks each Wednesday from January 15 to March 28 for children under five, allowing them to explore the garden before it opens to the public. Parents are encouraged to dress their children for messy outdoor play, ensuring fun no matter the weather.
During the National Lottery Open Week from March 15 to 23, visitors can explore Coleton Fishacre for free by simply presenting their lottery ticket or scratch card, as the venue thanks participants for contributing to its conservation efforts. This unique opportunity emphasizes the trust's commitment to preserving these landscapes for future generations.
Greenway, another stunning National Trust property, invites families to partake in the Winter Treasures Spotter Trail from February 15 to March 19. This self-led adventure, which runs from 10:30 AM to 4 PM, allows families to pick up spotter sheets from the visitor welcome area and complete the trail for stickers. The site is also observing the National Lottery Open Week during the same dates, making it accessible for all.
Aiming at fostering community spirit, Wembury will host family-friendly tree planting sessions across January weekends, helping to extend the community woodland at Wembury Barton Farm. These sessions form part of the larger Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest initiative and participants can enjoy warm pasties and hot drinks as rewards for their tree-planting efforts.
Moving to the Cotswolds, the National Trust has announced exciting events at the Chedworth Roman Villa, where visitors can experience the 'How the Romans Stayed Warm' event from February 15 to 23. This event will allow attendees to explore ancient Roman hypocaust heating systems and historical insulation methods meanwhile learning how to fill the log store efficiently. The villa will also offer free guided tours every Monday throughout March.
Hidcote gardens are set to host winter morning tours every weekend of January and February, allowing participants to enjoy seasonal highlights accompanied by warming drinks and sweet treats. The garden will also feature a Flora and Fauna Photography Exhibition for visitors to appreciate and potentially participate.
Newark Park plans to open its gardens and estate every weekend of January, alongside hosting the Nature Challenge for younger visitors during the February half-term. These nature-themed family trails will engage children creatively with their environment.
For those near Woodchester Park, activities such as the Hibernation Exploration Trail and children's crafting sessions are available until late January, providing educational experiences around local wildlife. These activities extend to youth engagement through bird box making, allowing children to contribute to their local ecosystem.
With so much happening across the UK, the National Trust emphasizes the importance of connecting communities to nature and historical education. Every experience contributes significantly to caring for these special places for future generations. Visitors can explore specific details about events and schedules on the National Trust's website.
