PARENTS across Worcestershire will be turning their thoughts to keeping their children entertained during the week-long half-term break later this month.

National Trust properties across the county have a range of indoor and outdoor activities, specifically designed to stimulate youngsters aged from about eight years upwards and make sure they don’t get bored.

Hanbury Hall, near Droitwich, is inviting families to explore the gardens of the majestic 18th century country house – created by eminent garden designer George London – using a Fun and Games Trail. Visitors can visit the house and the Long Gallery where they can try their hands at various games.

The trails will be available every day during the half-term week starting on Monday February 19 and the house will be open from 11am to 1pm for guided tours and for people wanting to wander around at their own pace until 4pm.

Youngsters can also try some of the trust’s ‘50 Things’ – a list of outdoor challenges to complete before they reach the age of 11 and ¾. Some of the tasks that can be done at Hanbury include building a den; making some wild art out of things like twigs, leaves and feathers; going bird watching and climbing a huge hill – there is a walk leading to the top of a nearby hill on which Hanbury Church sits. It offers splendid views across the Worcestershire countryside on a clear day.

There are two walks from Hanbury, which can be downloaded by visiting https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hanbury-hall-and-gardens/features/february-half-term, and for those who like the sound of a traditional tea, the waitress served Chambers tea room will be open from Saturday February 17 to Sunday February 25 from 12 noon to 3pm.

The National Trust at Croome Court, near Pershore, is inviting families to take a walk around the surrounding parklands and get to know the trees and birds on the estate.

A trail sheet can be bought on entry to help visitors get to know the individual species, while a free spotter sheet is provided to help identify the feathered friends visible from the hide. Youngsters can also explore inside the park’s treehouse.

They can also have their own adventures and make dens in the wild play area and use the RAF themed playground with a climbable control tower, plane slide, accessible bunker, parachute swing, mini jeep and swings for young children. There is also a family trail through the gardens where children can walk into the world of Snowdrop the fairy.

Brockhampton estate near Bromyard has a number of half-term activities based on Britain at war. On the Ration trail helps children discover what people did for food during wartime and how families living in the area during the war made the most of the produce available to them. The trail runs from Saturday February 17 to Sunday February 25 from 11am to 4pm and costs £2.50.

Also at Brockhampton there is a Wild Child week running from Monday February 19 to Friday February 23 which aims to test children’s survival skills including bushcraft survival, fire making and den building. Each day will focus on a different survival skill building up to a whole week of fun.

It is open to children aged eight and over and they should bring sturdy shoes and boots, all weather clothing and a packed lunch and drink. Younger children can attend if accompanied by an adult. The price is £20 per day.