May Half-Term Adventures with the National Trust
National Trust places across Warwickshire and Northamptonshire have a fun-packed programme of family activities planned for May half term. 
From storytelling adventures at Packwood House, ‘Bee Detective Trails’ at Charlecote Park to identifying animal poo at Lyveden, there’s lots of fun to be had.
A National Trust spokesperson said: “Whether you want to delve into history or discover nature, there’s plenty to entertain your little explorers at National Trust places this May half term, let their imaginations run wild.”
Here’s some of the events and activities in Warwickshire and Northamptonshire to keep the whole family busy. Discover more:
Warwickshire
Charlecote Park
Come buzz around the Charlecote Park ‘bee detective trail’ this May half-term. Young visitors are invited to don their detective hat to play games and collect letters to help the bees find their queen bee, while older detectives will have to crack the bee code to collect a lucky dip prize. On Wednesday 29 May, come make a pipe-cleaner bee at the craft gazebo. Each activity is £2, admission also applies to non-members.
Upton House
Little ones can get creative this half term making a butterfly mask to take home. Find inspiration in the gardens and on butterfly spotter sheets to help you identify different varieties. Admission applies to non-members and £2 per child. 27 – 31 May, 11am – 2pm. No booking needed.
The Pavilion Café is open for light lunches and seasonal snacks, and the Gift Shop has plenty of nature inspired reads for young visitors.
Packwood House
Explore the culmination of a lifetime of dreams at Packwood House this May half term with stories from Graham Baron Ash’s days living at Packwood House. Be immersed in the picturesque grounds with blooming flowers and long walks, and don’t forget to have a pit stop at Packwood’s Kitchen Garden café to sample the tasty treats on offer.
Baddesley Clinton
Storyteller Pyn Stockman and musician Marc Reck will be joining the Baddesley Clinton team on Saturday 25 May for a woodland storytelling adventure. Between 10am – 4pm, journey deep into the heart of the forest of stories to meet wild witches, clever creatures, talking animals and brave children. Accompanied by a magical soundtrack played live on the Handpan, composed to compliment the natural sounds of the woods.T he performances are free to attend and admission applies to non-members. Sessions are suitable for children 6+.
Coughton Court
As part of the major £3.3 million Through the Roof: FuturepROOFing Coughton Court project taking place this year, they are offering visitors a rare opportunity this May half term to scale to new heights with the visitor viewing platform.
Visitors will have the chance to grab a hi-vis and hard hat to scale the 100 steps to top of the scaffolding. Once there they will be greeted with stunning views of not only the Coughton Court estate but of the Alcester countryside. Visitors can also also witness close-up work from the specialists working on the Tower roof in real time.
Northamptonshire
Lyveden
Become a nature detective this half term, with a free family trail around the grounds. Help Squirrel Holmes solve the mystery of who dug up the Gardeners Roses and uncover the clues to crack the case.
Lyveden’s Outdoor Tuesdays and Craft Thursdays also return this May half term. Ever wondered how to identify animals by their poo? Join National Trust’s fun family activity on Tuesday 28 May, work out how to identify animals by their poo, and even have a go at creating playdough poo! On Thursday 30 May, the team will be making nature diaries to help little ones record wildlife discoveries. £2 per participant, admission prices apply for non-members. No booking required.
Canons Ashby
The Canons Ashby Book Fair is on with plenty of entertaining reads to keep young minds engaged. Browse a wide selection of books which have been donated by supporters, offering wide-ranging genres. The Book Fair takes place in the Priory Church opposite the main house. If the sun is out, enjoy pre-loved books while having a picnic in the paddock or a light lunch or treat in the Stables Tea-Room.
25 May – 2 June, 10am – 4pm. Normal admission applies, no booking needed. It is recommended to bring cash for purchasing books.