Make your half term an adventure with the National Trust in Herefordshire.
The National Trust in Herefordshire are inviting families to grab their picnic blankets, pop on their walking boots and have an adventure this May half term. Visitors to Berrington Hall, Brockhampton, Croft Castle and The Weir Garden will have the opportunity to test their exploring skills with new children’s trails to complete, activities to try and walks to discover at each of these places.
At Berrington Hall, near Leominster, Monday’s playground stories will be made as families put their navigational exploring skills to the test and head out on the Treasure Island trail. Whilst they’re there, families can learn more about the Berrington Garden Project and uncover how the team is working hard to restore the walled garden and pleasure grounds; the final landscape design of ‘Capability’ Brown. Visitors can also discover the exhibition ‘New Perspectives’ by SHYPP (Supported Housing for Young People Project) and learn about how the young people and Berrington’s team collaborated to create this exhibition. Families can also get creative with LEGO Builders on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 June, dress like a Georgian in the mansion, play cricket and croquet on the lawn, build a den in the parkland and run wild in the natural play area.
At Brockhampton, near Bromyard, families can pick up a ‘kids only’ map and explore the natural play trail as they discover the secret play area in the woods; climbing trees and passing streams along the way. Throughout half term children can take part in a ‘Tudor cherry chase’ trail and learn about Tudor fruit stories, in particular Henry VIII’s love for the cherry, whilst exploring the fruit orchards surrounding the manor house. Visitors can also enjoy spring nature throughout the estate, from swallows and ducklings on the moat to beautiful bluebell and wildflower walks in the woods.
At Croft Castle, near Leominster, visitors are invited to discover all that nature has to offer this spring as they have a go at completing the Nature Art trail throughout the gardens. After completing the trail, families can swing high on rope swings in the natural play area, smell the wild garlic in Fishpool Valley, dress up and play games in the castle and see who’s checked in to the bug hotel in the walled garden. Walkers can find some space to breathe and explore Fishpool Valley; this landscape is currently being revived as part of an ambitious restoration project. Families can then test their skills, or learn some new ones, with ‘visiteering’ in the castle; help Croft’s Conservation Team clean the collection and discover what happens ‘behind the scenes’ at National Trust places.
Families can enjoy an action-packed week at The Weir Garden, near Hereford, over May half term. After collaborating with Hereford College of Arts, the garden will showcase craft pieces created by the students, who took inspiration from the nature, ecology and stories at The Weir. The exhibition itself will be family-friendly and include interactive pieces and sculptures. Children can also enjoy a ‘Wildlife Safari’ trail and discover which wildlife calls The Weir its home. Visitors will also be able to kick back and relax with a slice of cake and warming coffee over the weekend as Classic Cakes Herefordshire bring their freshly baked goods to the ten acre riverside garden.
More details about opening times, accessibility, events and all other activities Berrington Hall, Brockhampton, Croft Castle and The Weir Garden have planned can be found by visiting: nationaltrust.org.uk/herefordshire