May half term adventures with the National Trust

Little explorers can take on new adventures across National Trust places this half term

Families looking for memorable days out this May half term will find plenty to enjoy at National Trust places throughout Hertfordshire.

Across the region, sites are gearing up for a lively week of family-friendly entertainment. Young adventurers can get stuck into hands‑on outdoor experiences, enjoy seasonal trails, try creative activities, and explore the countryside in new and exciting ways.

To explore upcoming half‑term opportunities and plan your visit, head to the National Trust website: Family-friendly places | Essex Beds & Herts | National Trust.

Dunstable Downs

  • May Half Term Wildlife Trail: Saturday 23 to Sunday 31 May
  • Times: 10am – 4:30pm every day (Price: £2 per person)

Burn off some energy and learn about the great outdoors this half term with a teddy bear wildlife activity trail.

Bring the kids and their favourite teddy bear to meet a special cast of local wildlife along the new sculpture trail at Dunstable Downs. Children will complete fun, simple activities and learn about each animal and the important role they play in keeping the Downs thriving.

The trail will take about 30-40 minutes and is based along the new multi-user, accessible pathway (suitable for buggies and wheelchairs) which goes across the kite field at the Downs and through a woodland area. This trail is suitable for children aged 3-10 years, with spotter sheets available for young children under 3 years so they can take part too.

No booking required, just go to the visitor hub in the courtyard outside the visitor centre, where the team will give you all the information you need and you can collect your trail sheets.

This event is outdoors, so please wear weather appropriate clothes and shoes for being outside in nature. Bring hats and water for hot days.

National Walking Month

Guided walks for National Walking Month: Saturday 23 to Wednesday 27 May

Fancy a good dose of fresh air and stunning scenery? Then, why not visit Dunstable Downs this half term for a series of guided walks across the beautiful landscape?

There are few things as good for the soul as getting out into nature, especially at this time of year when the Downs is full of life and beauty. This half term, the team of rangers, staff and volunteers working at Dunstable Downs will be running a series of morning and afternoon guided walks. Each walk provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local history and wildlife of the area, and to meet new people.

Scheduled walks include:

  • Wildflowers & Butterflies (23 May, 12noon-2pm)
  • Tree Cathedral History walk (25 May, 10.30am-12.30pm)
  • Five Knolls medieval history walk, with some bird spotting along the way (26 May, 10.30am-12.30pm)
  • Guided accessibility walk (26 May, 2-3pm)
  • Kids orienteering and exploration walk (27 May, 10.30-11.30am)
  • Adults wellbeing walk (27 May, 2-4pm)

Pre-booking is essential, which can be done by visiting Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate | Beds | National Trust. Tickets for all walks cost £3, other than the accessible walk on 26 May at 2pm, which is a ‘pay what you can’ event.

The accessible walk on 26 May at 2pm is especially for visitors who are not able to walk the distance from the visitor centre to Chute Wood and would like to use the mobility vehicle to experience the new changes and improvements that have been made to the site. Anyone looking to do this trail may bring a plus one along, but please do not book a ticket for them. Also, plus ones will need to accompany those on a PMV by foot.

Please note, while children are welcome on all walks, with some scheduled to last around two hours, parents / guardians are advised to use their own discretion. The exploration walk starting at 10.30am on the 27 May is the most suitable for children, as it is shorter and specifically tailored for younger ages.

This event is outdoors, so please wear weather appropriate clothes and footwear suitable for outdoor terrain. For hot days visitors are advised to bring plenty of water and sun protection and for wetter, windy days, a waterproof and warm layers are recommended.

Image: National Trust Images and John Millar