Muddy Stilettos

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bucks-oxon-berks">BUCKS, OXON &amp; BERKS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/©National-Trust-Images-David-Humphries-scaled.jpg" alt="Stowe national trust lamb David Humphries" class="wp-image-69863"/><figcaption>Image: Stowe National Trust/ David Humphries</figcaption></figure>



The grand dame of the Bucks historic landscape gardens, <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/family-friendly">Stowe</a> is a stunner in spring, with lots to explore around the 250-acre estate. Kids will love the Easter trail amid the spring flowers, which this year has a sporty theme, while for adults there&#8217;s plenty of intrigue in the Paths of Vice and of Virtue, and the associated temples alluding to all sorts of shenanigans that the ancient Greeks got up to. 



As the former home of Benjamin Disraeli and the base for a secret World War Two operation, there&#8217;s plenty of intrigue to <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/family-friendly">Hughenden Manor</a>, not to mention the pretty Italianate gardens, the orchard that&#8217;s perfect for spring picnics, and cosy Stableyard cafe if the weather&#8217;s not playing ball. This Easter, the immersive activity is all about following the life cycle of a flower from seed to bloom, appropriately set amid the daffs and primroses around the gardens and grounds. If that hasn&#8217;t worn them out, the woods are perfect den building territory; or if you&#8217;re feeling less energetic (um, maybe) you can find a log to perch on and thumb through the bargain you just picked up at Hughenden&#8217;s second-hand bookshop.



Amble about in the grounds of <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/family-friendly">Basildon Park</a>, near Reading, this spring (you may recognise it as a backdrop in Bridgerton, Downton Abbey, The Gentleman, Pride &amp; Prejudice and more), and it&#8217;s a riot of daffs, violets, primroses and cowslips in the Pleasure Grounds &#8211; but first you need to leave time for the wild play area with its popular ball run (take your own tennis ball along to save yourself the £1/ball). The Easter activity trail (£3 per child) runs through the pheasant park and ends up in the secret walled garden, opened for the first time this year, and there&#8217;s a chocolate egg at the end. &nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">HAMPSHIRE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/National-Trust-Images-Zoe-Cotton-scaled-e1679933834965.jpg" alt="Image: Hinton Ampner National Trust/ Zoe Cotton" class="wp-image-69853" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/National-Trust-Images-Zoe-Cotton-scaled-e1679933834965.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/National-Trust-Images-Zoe-Cotton-scaled-e1679933834965-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/National-Trust-Images-Zoe-Cotton-scaled-e1679933834965-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/National-Trust-Images-Zoe-Cotton-scaled-e1679933834965-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



At <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/family-friendly">Mottisfont</a> in Romsey, there’s village fete fun to be had in the form of egg rolling, beanbag throwing and other outdoor games, as well as spring-themed crafts including daffodil pinwheel-making, as well as the usual spots for Pooh Sticks. The handsome neo-classical house is known for its ancient spring, with streams running through the gardens on their way to the River Test, riverside walkways and a riot of spring blossom. Kids will love the wooden climbing apparatus in the Wild Play area including an &#8216;art gallery&#8217; where they can display their drawings and some perfect spots for a family picnic or some cake from the Old Kitchen Café.



Set in woodlands, wetlands and fabulously landscaped gardens, <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/family-friendly">The Vyne</a> near Basingstoke is a real peach for a spring visit. There&#8217;s the Lime Avenue leading to a 17th-century summerhouse, the 600-year-old oak tree plus a walled garden, orchard, bird hide and wetlands to explore never mind the Easter egg hunt. Follow the trail through 10 games and challenges including an obstacle course, maze by the north lawn, easels and chalks for making spring pictures and egg and spoon kit for family races.



There&#8217;s something a bit magic about the gardens at <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/hampshire/family-friendly">Hinton Ampner</a>, near pretty Alresford. The clipped topiary popping up in a sea of tulips and blossom. On the off chance the kids don&#8217;t appreciate this as a much as you do, they can get stuck into the Easter egg trail while you coo over the horticulture. Take part in a series of challenges, prance like a lamb, hunt out the giant carrots on the south lawn or find the scarecrow and his dog. They might even be able to manage the Stewkeley walk, a 1.9 mile loop with fab views back over towards the house and gardens.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SURREY </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2-7.jpg" alt="POLESDEN LACEY NATIONAL TRUST SURREY " class="wp-image-69868" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2-7.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2-7-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2-7-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2-7-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption>Image: Polesden Lacey National Trust</figcaption></figure>



At <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/family-friendly">Polesden Lacey</a> near Dorking the gardeners put in some serious overtime in the autumn, planting 250,000 spring blooms and what a show it now is with daffs, irises, crocuses and anemones among the stars. There&#8217;s always loads here for kids to do, including the new natural play area, dog graves (trust me, they&#8217;ll be fascinated) and for the hols, an Easter trail. The theme is wild animals that would have roamed the area long before we came along &#8211; elephants, wolves and lynx among them. Dressing up encouraged.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/family-friendly">Hatchlands Park</a> near Guildford is beloved for its spring blossom and this Easter, the kids will be bounding amongst it while hunting for the huge, brightly-coloured eggs hidden around the grounds. Also leave time for Wizard Wix&#8217;s Willow Warren in the Great Wix Wood (even saying it will keep them busy for a while), which has a superb adventure playground and natural play area.



Over near Esher is the <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/family-friendly">Claremont Landscape Garden</a>, a lake, garden and woodlands with a cute play area that has mini versions of the garden features such as the amphitheatre and tower. There&#8217;s also Badger’s Basecamp, a hidden woodland area with tunnels and holes inspired by a badger’s sett, plus a chance to buy bird food and feed the ducks, goslings and wild birds. The Easter activity trail runs all over the grounds and amid the daffs, then there&#8217;s kids and teen photography workshops on 14 April if you&#8217;ve got a budding snapper in the house. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">KENT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/3-5.jpg" alt="Chartwell National Trust Easter Trail image James Dobson" class="wp-image-69867" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/3-5.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/3-5-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/3-5-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/3-5-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption>Image: Chartwell National Trust / James Dobson</figcaption></figure>



One of the most famous country houses in the UK, <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/family-friendly">Chartwell</a>, a smidge outside the village of Westerham, was the home of Sir Winston Churchill and his wife Clementine. This Easter, kids will love the &#8216;Being Winston&#8217; Adventure trail (1-16 April, trail costs £3) – exploring Churchill’s life, career, and hobbies. Once you’ve completed all the challenges, take a wander in the estate where you’ll find plenty of play areas to keep everyone entertained. Family favourites include the bomb crater and treehouse, Canadian camp, and the swings… the list goes on! There&#8217;s also an officer training obstacle course, Easter-themed painting, tips, and topics for debate.&nbsp;While the kids are distracted, you can eyeball Sir Winston&#8217;s art in his studio, located down in the orchard amongst the apple trees, where you can see the largest single collection of his works hanging from the walls&nbsp;plus a brand new interactive ‘touch-wall’. 



Did someone say moat? Oh yes they did. <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/family-friendly">Scotney Castle</a> in Lamberhurst is a 14th century fairy-tale estate, surrounded by water and bridge to trip trap over. The kids can follow the trail to discover what snakes, butterflies, crocodiles, birds, platypuses, and dragons have in common at the Great Scotney Egg-stravaganza (1-16 April). This will give you a moment to soak up spring – taking in the azaleas, magnolia and cherry blossom. Take a break from egg hunting to visit the Badger and Pepper play area, complete with mud kitchen, ball run, play house and natural drum kit. Or let older children have a romp around the estate and practise den making in the Wilderness Camp. Car park booking essential, trail costs £3 which includes a chocolate egg.



Just outside Sevenoaks is the gorgeous&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/knole">Knole</a>, accessed down a lane where the whole estate reveals itself Narnia-like before you. A stunning venue, this is Kent’s last medieval deer park with meandering walks and bustling wildlife. Over Easter, hop to it and join Rabbit&#8217;s Adventure (1-16 April, trail costs £3, including chocolate egg), hunt down the owls and butterflies, insects and deer before diving head first into a giant nest filled with eggs (OK, maybe don&#8217;t dive). It&#8217;s worth noting, Knole can get very busy so pre-book to avoid disappointment. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="block-71132403-fefc-4ee3-83d0-b62ccc7376bf">SUSSEX</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/4-4.jpg" alt="Nymans National Trust Sussex" class="wp-image-69866" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/4-4.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/4-4-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/4-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/4-4-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption>Image: Nymans National Trust/ Gary Cosham</figcaption></figure>



It was love at first sight, when Rudyard Kipling clapped eyes on <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/family-friendly">Bateman&#8217;s</a>. The world-famous Jungle Book author&#8217;s former home is in the pretty village of Burwash, East Sussex, and Rudyard and his wife designed the garden to be a place for children to explore and use their imagination – and where friends could unwind.&nbsp;Sounds pretty darn perfect Easter destination – plus there&#8217;s an Easter Adventure trail (1-16 April, trail £3 per child), with Edwardian children’s games and an abundance of blossom and blooms in the spring garden. 



Over in West Sussex, <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/family-friendly">Nymans</a> is a romantic house and ruin set in a garden bursting with unusual plants. While your kids may not be that interested in rare flora and fauna, there&#8217;s free-range fun on tap. They can explore the huge estate and the hunt is on for blossom trees and bug hotels, butterflies and bluebells if they hit the Springfest Easter trail (25 Mar-16 Apr). The festival will take you to the Play Glade where games, musical instruments and a play tent can all be found. Make sure your phone&#8217;s fully charged, there’ll be plenty of photo-ops with the selfie points and an Easter egg to collect when you’ve finished. While the kids are face planting the chocolate don&#8217;t miss the opportunity to have a nose in the second-hand bookshop. Normal admission applies, £3 per trail.



<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/family-friendly">Sheffield Park and Garden</a> is a horticultural work of art, based around four gorgeous lakes, historic parkland and woodland. Set in more than 250 acres, the gardens have been designed by both Capability Brown and Humphrey Repton, and spring to life with an explosion of colour and fragrance from native bluebells and yellow daffs, as well as pink rhododendrons and azaleas. This Easter, there&#8217;s a trail (1-16 Apr) around the garden and head over to Ringwood Toll for the natural play trail nestled in the woodland – great for dens, tree climbing and letting your imagination run wild. This is your cue to enjoy a cuppa in relative peace. The trail is £3 per child.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2560" height="1707" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/©National-Trust-Images-David-Levenson-scaled.jpg" alt="©National Trust Images David Levenson two girls playing in the daffodils" class="wp-image-69864" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/©National-Trust-Images-David-Levenson-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/©National-Trust-Images-David-Levenson-600x400.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/©National-Trust-Images-David-Levenson-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/©National-Trust-Images-David-Levenson-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/©National-Trust-Images-David-Levenson-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/©National-Trust-Images-David-Levenson-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption>Image: National Trust/ David Levenson</figcaption></figure>



For all these <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/family-friendly/family-days-out-in-london-and-the-south-east">National Trust properties</a>, the trails run 1-16 April (Nyman&#8217;s 25 Mar-16 Apr; Polesden Lacey 25 Mar-19 Apr and Claremont 25 Mar-10 Apr) and normal admission applies plus £3 per trail. Don&#8217;t forget you can choose from either a chocolate egg or vegan and Free From chocolate egg. Both eggs are made using Rainforest Alliance certified cocoa. Car parking must be booked in advance at The Vyne and Scotney Castle.

The hunt is on! Get set for these National Trust Easter trails

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