Chase away rainy day blues with the National Trust
By: Steve Ott
Planning a big family day out in 2012, but worried about March mizzle, April showers or even May monsoons? At the National Trust, they’ve been hard at work thinking up great family activities to keep the kids happy during the wet weather. Don’t let rain ruin a day out; celebrate the chance to do something different.
There will be lots to make the family smile whatever the weather at a National Trust property near you in 2012.
From indoor activities to outdoor adventures, here are the NT's top 10 ideas for having fun if the weather turns bad:
Wild about nature
The rain brings all sorts of amazing creatures out of hiding, so brave the weather and you never know what you might find! From animal tracks to sticks and shells, be a wildlife detective and see what natural wonders you can discover.
Top spot: Calke Abbey, Derbyshire – Find the weirs and ponds in the middle of the park, home to all kinds of wildlife, plus look for deer, mini-beasts or much more.
Puddle jumping
Get your wellies on and make a splash! See how many splashes it takes to get the water out of a puddle, or throw in leaves, twigs and pebbles and see what effect they have – run wild and have fun while everyone else is hiding away!
Top spot: Speke Hall, Liverpool – Splash through puddles and get lost in Speke’s amazing maze!
Time for tea!
A sudden downpour is the perfect excuse to pop into one of our tea rooms or restaurants. Eat a delicious home-cooked lunch, stop for a cup of tea, or give in to the urge to eat a big slice of cake!
Top spot: Kingston Lacy, Dorset – Stop off for great fresh, local food and produce, including prize-winning scones. Anyone for a cream tea?
Indoor activities
We’ve got loads of great stuff going on inside our houses when you come to visit. Escape the wet weather and pick up an indoor activity pack, play I-Spy or see what strange things you can find in our collections.
Top spot: Sutton Hoo, Suffolk – Be transported to a world of Anglo-Saxon kings, craftsmen and poets as you discover the incredible story and burial of a king.
Going underground
Hide away even further from the rain by heading deeper underground! From crypts and cellars to tunnels and mines, explore our hidden places and you’ll forget all about the weather outside.
Top spot: Dolaucothi Gold Mines, Carmarthenshire – Experience 2,000 years of gold mining in this Welsh valley with a guided tour of these unique mines.
Travel back in time
Take your mind off the present day and discover what life and clothes were like in years gone by. Get dressed up in medieval armour at a castle, play with Victorian toys and games or discover if you’d survive the workhouse – what will you find?
Top spot: Castle Ward, Co. Down – Visit the Victorian Past Times centre, where Children can step back in time and enjoy toys and dressing up in the Victorian Era.
Shelters to shelter in
Some of our glorious gardens have loads of temples, grottos and caves to find and explore – why not jump from shelter to shelter as you discover each one?
Top spot: Stowe, Buckinghamshire – With over 40 temples to choose from, stretch your legs in style as you guess their hidden meanings and choose your favourite one.
Wild water
Embrace the wet weather and discover how it makes such spectacular water! From cascading waterfalls to rushing rivers, or even bubbling puddles, watch out for the wild water!
Top spot: Hardcastle Crags, West Yorkshire – Explore this beautiful wooded valley with its deep ravines, tumbling streams and glorious waterfalls.
Fantastic photos
Get a waterproof camera out and capture the weather on camera. See if you can find the biggest puddle, the muddiest wellies, or even the wettest one of your friends or family – and take a photo!
Top spot: Stourhead, Wiltshire – Climb the tower, hide in a temple, or cross a bridge – find the best angle to snap a photo in this spectacular landscape garden.
Looking up
You call tell a lot from watching the sky – keep your eyes peeled and see if the rain is stopping anytime soon, what clouds are floating by, or even keep an eye out for a rainbow!
Top spot: Lindisfarne Castle, Northumberland – Get great views on all sides of this stunning castle, dramatically perched on a rocky crag at sea.
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