AS Christmas is done for another year and the days begin to brighten, the National Trust has published its listings to inspire family days out in the New Year.

The January and February listings for Yorkshire encourage visitors to explore some of the most beautiful parts of the country as snowdrops begin to appear.

Ideas include going on a woodland walk, joining a ranger for a ramble or taking part in family craft sessions.

For a full list of winter activities and events visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/yorkshire


January

Riches to Ruins - Winter Abbey Tour
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal
Weekends: 1.30pm – 3pm
Journey along a tale of prosperity, decline and dissolution and hear about the rise and fall of this great Cistercian abbey.


Hidden stories
Beningbrough Hall
Weekends: 11am – 3.30pm
Images and sketches from the archives offer a glimpse into the lost details of the garden and hall. Follow the trail to find the 12 transparent views, indoors and out to find out a little more about life at Beningbrough. 


Thursday, January 1
New Year’s Day Walk
Marsden Moor
11am – 2pm
Celebrate the New Year and enjoy winter views of Marsden on this family friendly walk. Free.


Saturday, January 17
Marsden Meander 3
10am – 3pm
A walk along some lesser known moorland paths with lots of stops and photo opportunities, ideal for families, people getting back into walking and those exploring the moors for the first time. This is a six-mile walk lasting approximately 5.5 hours, with some steep climbs and rough terrain along the way. Free.


February

Sunday, February 1 
Marsden Moor 
Conservation in Action
10am – 3pm 
Join Rob the Ranger for a nine-mile walk over the north of the estate to look at some of our work to safeguard these moors. Free. 
Join Rob the Ranger for a walk over the north of the estate to look at some of the work to help safeguard these moors. This is a nine-mile guided walk lasting approximately five hours with some steep climbs and rough terrain along the route. Free.


From February 1, every Thursday and Friday 
Nostell Priory & Parkland 
Health Walk 
10.30am – 11.30am 
Join a trained walk leader for an hour’s health walk around the parkland. Meet in the car park. Free. 


February 8
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal
Winter nature walk
2pm – 3pm
Join Steve as he shows you the first signs of spring peeking through the winter frost on the estate. Look out for snowdrops, berries and fresh buds. You may even catch a glimpse of winter birds feeding. Meet at the visitor centre. Free.


February 14 – 22 
Riddlesden Reflections
East Riddlesden Hall
10.30am – 4pm
Enjoy a rare glimpse of the past as atmospheric archive images are displayed throughout the house. Find out how children played 400 years ago with games, dressing-up and family activities. Free.


February 16
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal
Geocaching Taster Day
11am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm
Join one of the team to embark upon a digital treasure hunt.
It’s your chance to explore like never before. Learn how to use a GPS unit and travel through time on a digital treasure hunt to seek out secret stashes hidden all over the estate. Equipment is provided.  To book phone: 01765 643189.


Thursday,  February 19 
Brimham Rocks
50 things Thursday 
1pm – 2.30pm
Join the rangers for a lucky dip of activities. From making wild animal homes and den building to stick trails. Suitable for accompanied children aged five+. Meet at the visitor centre. Free. 


Thursday, February 19
Yorkshire Coast, Hayburn Wyke 
Hayburn Wyke Wander 
1pm – 3pm 
Join a ranger for a walk in the woods, see how the trust look after this special place. Meet at the Hayburn Wyke Inn car park. Funded via Natural England’s Higher Level Stewardship scheme. Free.
 

Friday, February 20
Brimham Rocks 
Brimham Rocks and Beyond 
2pm – 3.30pm 
Guided walk through the last 320 million years in a 90 minute journey round the rocks and moorland. Meet at visitor centre. Suitable for accompanied children aged eight+. Free. 


Saturday, February 21 
Yorkshire Dales, Malham Tarn 
Night Sky Walk 
8pm – 10pm 
Marvel at the wonders of the night sky within the glorious setting of Malham Tarn.  This is a beginner’s guide to identifying some of the constellations. £5. To book phone 01729 830416


February 21
Night Sky Walk
Malham Tarn
8pm – 10pm
A beginner’s guide to identifying some of the constellations. £5. To book phone 01729 830416


February 21 & 22 
The Nunnington Dragon
Nunnington Hall
Discover the legend of the Nunnington Dragon. Take a hunt through the garden looking for clues, have your face painted like a warrior, and then practise your swordfighting.


Tuesday, February 24 
Yorkshire Coast, Ravenscar 
The Town That Never Was 
10.30am – 12.30pm 
Guided walk telling the story of a unique village and surrounding countryside. Meet at Ravenscar Visitor Centre. 


From February 28
Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens
Clarence the Corgi Family Trail 
11am – 5pm (Tuesday – Sunday)
Join Clarence the Corgi on a Royal adventure around the hall and gardens.