February Half Term At The Treasure Houses Of England

Promising a mesmerising mix of entertainment especially for children, The Treasure Houses of England are poised to deliver a fabulous feast of family fun this February Half Term.

Blenheim Palace

Beaulieu has orchestrated a James Bond themed Scalextric track and a special Secret Agent Trail (16-24 February) for younger visitors to go undercover in order to crack the hidden code; while Blenheim Palace (reopening 9 February) presents a filming exhibition “Lights, Camera, Action”, including family-friendly film showings over the half term week. Also its Pleasure Gardens – the perfect place for outdoor activities at the popular Adventure Playground, Butterfly House, the Marlborough Maze – the world’s second largest symbolic hedge maze - or taking a special trip on the miniature train.

Jump aboard the land-train for a joy ride down to the Lakeside Adventure Playground at Castle Howard, which is suitable for children (and adults!) of all ages. Similarly, Chatsworth’s Farmyard and Adventure Playground offers an enticing array of activities for all (16-24 February).

Harewood’s exhibition‘Objectivity: The Art of Useful Things’ (16-24 February) has inspired the half term family activities this February.   From extravagant jelly moulds in the Old Kitchen to tiny feeding spoons in the Bird Garden, learn about the extraordinary tools used to carry out ordinary tasks.  A fascinating collection of often quirky tools will be on display in the Servants’ Hall alongside a stack of activities that will entertain visitors of all ages. The Old Kitchen will serve up tantalising treats in form of jelly making displays, while there will be children’s crafts aplenty in the Still Room. The glorious Gardens will see demonstrations from the gardeners themselves and the keepers in the Bird Garden will unveil some fascinating facts.

Hatfield House’s Half Term Activity Week at Stable Yard (16-24 February) will see the Coach House Restaurant and Shops present a captivating collection of children’s activities ahead of Spring’s exciting park and garden reopening (30 March).

Leed’s Castle presents Creative Cookery at the Castle (18-22 February), which will give children the opportunity to develop their baking skills as they make a white swan out of icing and learn about butter-making for a brilliantly hands-on and suitably sticky-fingered experience.

The first Luminaria lights event at Woburn Abbey will illuminate the Abbey Gardens after dark and promises to be an evening of enchantment and adventure (5-9pm last entry, closes 10pm, Saturday 16th February).  Follow the trail winding through the gardens and set out on a family escapade or an alternative Valentine’s evening.   Experience the historic gardens aglow with warm lights, be entranced by ethereal sculptures, lose yourself in the labyrinth and watch award-winning ice sculptors create works of art.   Separate ticket price, pre-book online and save.

Opening in March:

Burghley House reopens its house and gardens to the public from 16 March, where an awe-inspiring world of stunning scenery and attractions await, and Holkham Hall follows in spectacular suit with its own anticipated reopening on 25 March and launch of a new Children’s Woodland Adventure Play Area with a tree house in the sky, high level walkways, rope ladders and zip-wire.

Woburn Abbey reopens its doors (22 March) for visitors to venture inside before delighting in the dazzling scenery of the Abbey Gardens and grounds and enchanting wildlife found in the Deer Park for an utterly fabulous and truly magical day out.