National Trust: Winter fun, snowdrop walks and RSPB Bird Watch

Although in colder weather staying at home feels like the best move, why not wrap up extra warm and boot-up for an exploration of National Trust spots.

In winter while most of nature seems asleep, snowdrops can be seen braving the weather as they carpet the grounds at Stowe.

Half term is also around the corner, and many National Trust sites have fun activities for the family.

Here are some of the top things to do and places to visit to make most of this winter.

Stowe (near Buckingham)

Snowdrops in Stowe (Image: National Trust/Hugh Mothersole)

Stowedrops

The annual blossoming of thousands of snowdrops means visitors can follow the snowdrop walk along the path, which have been reopened for the winter season.

Stowe’s gardeners believe the snowdrops occurred naturally and they were allowed to spread to bring joy in the heart of winter.

There are also snowdrops at Waddesdon, Hughenden and Canons Ashby (in West Northamptonshire).

Big Garden Birdwatch

When: January 27-29 2023

Your chance to spot sparrows and siskins, blackbirds and barn owls. There’s even a kingfisher living on the lakes if you’re really lucky see it. Collect a free activity sheet from the porch at New Inn, and remember to bring binoculars

Normal admission, no charge for the activity

Bird Box activity station

When: January 29

Create your own birdbox with our ranger team in the New Inn Courtyard.

Approx £5 per box, depending on size

Wassail

When: January 29, 1.30-3pm

This is a celebration of the new year to bring good luck and harvest by making noise, chant and toast the orchards at Stowe.

Normal admission, no charge for the activity

Feb half term

When: February 11-19

Umbrella Hide and Seek: find multi-coloured umbrellas hidden in the garden, play hide and seek or splash in the puddles with your wellies on

Normal admission, no charge for the activity.

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Hughenden (near High Wycombe)

Architecture fans can explore Hughenden Manor in detail (Image: National Trust/Hugh Mothersole)

Although the historical manor is closed for essential winter conservation work until February 19, the site has plenty of activities going on, including snowdrops and primroses in the garden and walks through the muddy but serene woodlands.

Architectural talks

When: Daily 11-11.30am until February 19

Learn about the architecture of this imposing Victorian manor and how its life over the years.

Normal admission, no charge for the activity

Behind the scenes: hidden Hughenden

When: January 24 and 31, and February 7 11am-12noon

Your chance to get a sneak peek behind doors usually closed to the public, find out about the manor’s architecture, where the special collections are stored and how Hughenden is looked after.

Normal admission, £8, booking required via the website

Forester walks

Join a ranger for a two-hour winter walk to discover the history and management of Hughenden’s woodlands. The walk takes you three different woodlands around the Hughenden estate. Warm up afterwards with soup and a hot drink in the café.

Normal admission. £15, booking required via the website

12 Things Winter Nature Spotter

When: January 6 – February 26, 10am-4pm

Spot 12 things in the garden this winter. Wrap up warm, pick up a free activity sheet and go welly wandering around the estate. Will you find all 12 things?

Normal admission applies, no charge for the activity.

Big Garden Bird Watch

When: January 27-29, 10am-4pm

Help the RSPB with their annual birdwatch at Hughenden by counting the birds you see land nearby for one hour and reporting your findings on the RSPB website.

The results help the organisation to understand UK bird populations’ wellbeing.

Normal admission applies, no charge for the activity.

February half term

When: February Mon 13, Wed 15 and Fri 17, 11am-2pm

Bird Feeder Making

Normal admission applies, £2 per person, subject to availability.

Waddesdon (near Aylesbury)

Winter at Waddesdon (Image: National Trust)

The manor’s gardens and grounds offer a peaceful escape after the hectic Christmas and New Year.

In February, thousands of daffodils pop up after more than 130,000 were planted last year thanks to the help of local schoolchildren.

Winter walks are on until February 19, but visitors should check the website for opening information.

February half term

When: February 11- 19 Wed-Sun  

Families can get creative with a giant colouring board in the Coach House at the Stables and go adventuring in the newly refurbished woodland playground complete with a brand new zipwire, swings and roundabout.

The Stables Café offers a range of refreshments.

Grounds admission, no charge for the activity.