Celebrate May with the National Trust

Well Easter is now out the way. Hope you all had a lovely time? Why not just take 5 minutes to take a look at what you can get up to with the National Trust now over May Half Term? It’ll come up quick once you get into the swing of things! We are huge fans of 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾ challenges and the boys cannot wait to try more out. Why not see how many you can complete? If you want to find out more about the challenges head over to www.50things.org.uk

Some of our favourite May half term activities in West Sussex are:

Photo Credit: National Trust

Early May Bank Holiday weekend

Nymans

Bluebell and wildflower walk, 30 April, 11am – 12.30pm & 2 – 3.30pm, normal admission only

Join our lead ranger for a walk through Nymans woodlands, taking in the splendid displays of spring wild flowers.

Nymans

In my Garden family trail, until 29 May, 10.30am – 3.30pm, normal admission plus £1

Discover all sorts of fascinating things about the family garden of Oliver and Anne Messel, who lived here many years ago. Look for the tallest tree, track down the quirky statuary, and find out whose name is on the bird bath. You’ll investigate all Nymans’ best nooks and crannies on this spring trail, from the old gardening shed to the lakes, and once you’re done, there’s a special sticker to collect!

May Half term and second Bank Holiday weekend

Nymans

Fire and Shelter woodland workshop: 3 June &15 August, 10am - 3pm, £20, book on 01444 405250, for children aged 8 to 14 years

This day out is perfect for the young budding explorer who wants to know how to live and survive in the wild. Join our ranger and learn how to build and light a fire. Work as a team to make a woodland shelter from natural materials and practice your camp cooking skills too.

Photo Credit: National Trust

Petworth House and Park

Costumed Encounters, 28 & 29 May

Catch glimpses of, and overhear the conversations between, our 1820s costumed servants, as they gossip and carry out their duties in the Servants’ Quarters.

Petworth House and Park

Mini landscapes, 2 & 3 June 11am-12.30pm & 2–3.30pm, child £6, book on 0344 249 1895

This half-term you’ll get plenty of inspiration from our beautiful 'Capability' Brown Pleasure Grounds and parkland to help you design your very own miniature 3D landscape.

Uppark House and Garden

School holiday trail, 28 May - 5 June, 11am-4pm

Have fun following the May-time trail around the wildflower meadow of this beautiful 18^th-century mansion. If you bring a kite, you can take advantage of Uppark’s wonderful location on top of the South Downs.

Photo Credit: National Trust

Uppark House and Garden

Den-building, 4 June, 11am – 3pm

Head into the woods at Uppark, where our den-building experts will be on standby to help children create their very own woodland hideaway. This fun-filled day is also one of the National Trust’s 50 things to do before you’re 11¾ challenges, so you can grab a sticker for your 50 things scrapbook too!