Go Northamptonshire! Family friendly events & days out: February half term 2022

1. Chester House Estate

a nationally significant heritage attraction, Chester House Estate is one of the few places in England which can demonstrate over 10,000 years of human activity. Admission is free, Ranger Stu Shows £5 per person and Forest School £10 per person this half term.

2. Evenley Wood Garden

a beautiful, 60-acre privately owned woodland set in the heart of Northamptonshire countryside near Brackley. Adults - £7.50, children aged 4 to 16 - £1.

3. Northampton Museum & Art Gallery

home to the world's largest shoe collection and Northamptonshire's flagship museum, reopened last July after an extensive £6.7 million expansion. Free to enter although donations are welcome. Valhalla ‘Life and Death in Viking Britain’ open during the holidays.

4. Stanwick Lakes

a 750-acre countryside attraction and nature reserve in the heart of the beautiful Nene Valley. Extensive and imaginative play areas, open spaces and paths that families, walkers, cyclists and nature lovers can explore. ‘Become a Secret Agent’ Trail daily during half term. Pay only for parking, £3.80 all day in February.

5. West Lodge Farm Park

an award-winning farm park where children and adults of all ages can have hands on experiences of farm and country life. The farm has a huge timber play adventure barn, and all animal activities take place undercover. Lambing Festival daily during half term, advance booking recommended. Adults and children - from £7, toddlers - £2.

6. Stoke Bruerne Canal walk and Canal Museum

housed on two floors of a historic corn mill, the country’s first canal museum at Stoke Bruerne provides an overview of the history of Britain's canals. It offers a fascinating insight into a rich waterway heritage and the Grand Union Canal. Admission is free. Car parking £3 for up to four hours.

7. Delapré Abbey

Northampton’s hidden treasure, located just a mile or so from the town centre, where you can experience tales of the Abbey told across five storytelling zones. Delapré Abbey has recently been part restored with support from devoted volunteers and a £3.65 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The Abbey will be open on Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday during half term with a variety of family-friendly activities happening on those days, as well as Tales of the Abbey Storytelling on Wednesday 16th. Entry to the extensive grounds and shop are free, access to the Abbey and Storytelling £8 for adults, and free for under 18s. Parking is free.

8. Nene Wetlands Nature Reserve

with Rushden Lakes at its heart, the Nene Wetlands Nature Reserve is a square mile of water, meadows, wet woodland and reed beds along with a visitor centre. Home to a huge number of species including kingfishers, dragonflies, grass snakes and otters, it is also a destination for thousands of migratory birds each year. Admission and parking are free – although parking is limited to five hours. Events this half term include Forest School for home schoolers, Drop-in Crafts, Make a Bird Feeder and more.

9. Barnwell Country Park, Oundle and Oundle Museum

a great, free day out. The Park comprises 37 acres of lakes, riverbank and meadows to explore, and is situated close to the historic market town of Oundle, where you can admire beautiful stone-built architecture dating back more than 300 years and visit the award-winning museum, wholly run by volunteers, with displays about the town’s history from the prehistoric period to modern day.

10. Castle Ashby Gardens

the ancestral home of the 7th Marquess of Northampton. Wander through its gardens, and you are taking a walk through history. Adults - £3.36, children aged 5 to 16 - £1.26, toddlers under 5 – free, Family ticket - £10.

11. The Silverstone Interactive Museum

Discover the stars, stories and science behind British motor racing at this fabulous, family friendly interactive museum next to Silverstone Circuit. Adults - £20, children aged 5 to 15 - £12 (if booked in advance). Open from February 10th.

12. Adrenaline Alley

Europe’s largest action sports venue located in Corby. Day and late night riding and skate sessions during half term and new balance bike club for little ones coming soon. From £11.50 for non-members, spectators pay £1. Advance booking highly recommended.