Written on Explore Updated on 3rd February 2025

Explore abbey ruins, magnificent houses, glorious gardens and some fantastic stretches of coast and countryside with National Trust. Sign up for membership to get free entry to over 500 sites, plus a host of other benefits.

Plan some quality days out with the kids at Yorkshire’s most beautiful attractions.

Looking for wholesome ways to keep the kids busy during the school holidays? A visit to a National Trust site is the perfect fit. Whether you’re setting off on a bike ride, exploring natural play areas or hunting for wildlife, there’s plenty to see and do – even when it’s raining. Here’s everything you can look forward to this February half-term at Yorkshire’s National Trust sites. The best bit? Entry is free if you’re a National Trust member!

Go on a welly wander at Wentworth Castle Gardens

Visitors exploring Wentworth Castle Gardens, South Yorkshire

© Copyright National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Home to glorious gardens, woodland and parkland, there’s plenty for families to do at Wentworth Castle Gardens. Wrap up warm and head out on a welly boot wander around the gardens, keeping an eye out for the welly boots hidden by the Wentworth team.

Rainy day? Fear not, because there’s plenty to do indoors. You can make your own bookmark at family-friendly craft sessions, get lost in a story book in the Reading Room or visit the Conservatory to discover gorgeous plants from around the world.

Build a bug hotel at East Riddlesden Hall

The south west front of East Riddlesden Hall and the gardens on a sunny day

© Copyright National Trust Images/Andrew Butler

Over at Keighley’s East Riddlesden Hall, you’ll find loads of ways to embrace the great outdoors. There are two trails running across the site in February. The first will showcase how nature awakens as the seasons change from winter into spring, as animals start to leave their cosy beds.

The second will take you on a fun and educational bug trail inside the house – perfect if your little ones love creepy crawlies! You’ll also find a bug hotel hidden between the trees in the Discovery Garden. Grab some sticks, leaves and moss and help add to this very special lodging.

Learn about magical potions at Nostell

Children playing on the zip-line at Nostell Priory, West Yorkshire

© Copyright National Trust Images/ Arnhel de Serra

Wakefield’s Nostell are hosting a special event in half-term, celebrating the enchanting world of herbal medicine. Find out how previous Nostell resident Sabine Winn used plants and herbs to create magical mixtures, before learning how to create your own concoction in the craft room.

There’s plenty more to explore around the site too. Zip through the trees in the woodland play area, spot swans, herons and geese on the lake or head into Joiner’s Wood to build a den. Be sure to warm up with a hot drink and a cake in the cafe before you head back to the car.

Explore the ruins at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal

Visitors exploring the ruins at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire

© Copyright National Trust Images/ Chris Lacey

As one of the largest and best preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England, Fountains Abbey is a delightful day out for little legs and older explorers. Check out ruined altars in the nave, count staircases throughout the ruins and look out for carved figures and faces.

And during February half-term the kids can take part in everything from wildlife spotting and storytelling to sound mapping and charcoal making. Go for the latter and they’ll join the ranger team in Swanley Grange, learning how to make fire responsibly and burn sticks safely.

Go wild at the Lion’s Den play area at Nunnington Hall

Children playing on the natural Lions Den play area at Nunnington Hall, North Yorkshire

© Copyright National Trust Images/James Beck

The manor house at Nunnington Hall is packed with learning opportunities. The kids can dress up as evacuees while learning all about World War Two, before finding out what the resident Pesky Pests have got to around the house over winter! With activities like spiderweb weaving kids will take an educational journey into the wonderful world of bugs.

When it’s time to blow off steam, take a trip to the Lion’s Den – a fun-filled play area where kids can climb up, over and across a natural obstacle course. With picnic benches where the grownups can have a rest, it’s the perfect place to sit and enjoy your surroundings – or nibble on a sandwich.

Become a tree detective at Beningbrough

Visitors in the American Garden at Beningbrough Hall, North Yorkshire

© Copyright National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Up in North Yorkshire, Beningbrough offers an abundance of natural activities. Head out on the Magic of Trees trail, looking out for different trees. Armed with your trail sheet, you’ll find out all about horse chestnuts, ash and oak trees, recording your findings on the Top Tree Trumps chart.

Elsewhere, adventure awaits in the Wilderness Play Area, where you can tackle the pendulum swing, whizz down slides or build a hideout in the den zone. If it rains, head inside the Hall to check out the art exhibition and try your hand at origami.

Marvel at the amazing landscape at Brimham Rocks

Child exploring Brimham Rocks in the winter, North Yorkshire

© Copyright National Trust Images/ Annapurna Mellor

For the ultimate outdoor adventure, take a trip to Brimham Rocks. The striking rock formations make up the ultimate natural playground, packed with pathways to race down, rocks to climb over and dramatic moorland to explore. Be careful though, it does get slippy so make sure you keep an eye on the kids.

You might spot a bird box or two on your travels, and you can learn all about how the National Trust rangers and volunteers look after these bird boxes at a workshop. You’ll even make your very own bird box to take home with you, so you can provide a safe space for your own visiting birds.

Discover the wonders of the Yorkshire coast

Looking towards the town from the beach at Robin Hood's Bay, Whitby

With miles of coastline just waiting to be explored, a trip to the seaside promises adventure whatever the weather. Head to scenic Robin Hood’s Bay and you can take part in fossil foraging and beachcoaming, hunting for treasures on the rocky shores when the tide goes out.

The coast is the perfect place for stargazing, and you can learn more about astronomy as part of the Dark Skies Festival this February at Ravenscare Visitor Centre. Elsewhere, the Cinder Track offers scenic views of the coast between Scarborough and Whitby, making for a bike ride to remember.

Terms & Conditions. Opening times, admission prices and car parking charges vary per site. National Trust members and under-5s get in free across all sites. Cover image: © Copyright National Trust Images/ Chris Lacey