HALF-term is fast approaching and there are lots of activities to get children outdoors and having fun with the National Trust.

If you’ve been stuck indoors this winter, then February half-term is the perfect opportunity for the whole family to enjoy some time together exploring some beautiful landscapes as they gradually reveal signs of spring colour and wildlife after the colder winter months.

Try quiz-packed and creative outdoor trails, a last chance to visit The Vyne’s amazing rooftop walkway, and loads of ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ challenges too, from den-building to geocaching.

Here are some highlights in Hampshire:

n Hinton Ampner

(Bramdean, near Alresford)

Hidden nature trail: February 10-18, suggested donation £1.

Try out Hinton’s new nature-themed trail around the nooks and crannies of this pretty garden. Families will learn all sorts of fascinating facts about wildlife on this fun challenge.

For more details, call 01962 793515 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/hinton-ampner.

n The Vyne

(Near Basingstoke)

The lost tapestries trail, daily from February 10 to June 3, suggested donation £1.

The Vyne’s beautiful 18th Century Soho tapestries are currently away from home, undergoing essential conservation work. While awaiting their return, the National Trust has created a fun ‘Lost Tapestries’ challenge for families. Follow the trail across the grounds to recover and fit together jigsaw pieces to create your own oriental tapestry.

There’s a Tudor animals trail too, or if you want to go further afield you can hunt for 16th Century-themed ‘treasures’ on our geocaching route.

Last chance to experience The Vyne’s magnificent rooftop walkway which closes at the end of February, so make sure you enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You can make your mark on a handmade clay tile, destined for the roof.

For more details, call 01256 883858 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/the-vyne.

n Mottisfont Abbey

(Near Romsey)

Heath Robinson inventions trail, January 20 to April 15, £1 per trail.

Mottisfont is renowned for its imaginative outdoor family trails, themed around popular art exhibitions. The adventure this half-term fun is inspired by the eccentric and hilarious illustrations in the Heath Robinson show. You’ll discover all sorts of activities and challenges around the ground, including inventing your own curious contraption – in fact, there’s a competition for the best design.

In Mottisfont’s exhibition spaces, visitors there are simple spotter trails for younger children. Known as the ‘Gadget King’, Heath Robinson was famous for his comedic drawings of over-complicated inventions.

For more details, call 01794 340757 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont.

n Uppark House and Garden

(South Harting, near Petersfield)

Signs of spring trail, February 10-18, suggested donation £1.

Get the children outdoors in some fresh winter air this half-term. A new trail will have them hunting for the first signs of spring plants and animals around these easy to navigate gardens, with spot, listen and draw activities. Uppark is high up on the South Downs too, so why not bring a kite?

For more details, call 01730 825415 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/uppark.