What’s on with the National Trust in Buckinghamshire (January to March 2023)
Hughencen Manor. (© National Trust Images / Hugh Mothersole)
The following events and activities are taking place at National Trust sites in Buckinghamshire during January and March 2023.
Stowe (near Buckingham)
Stowedrops
It’s time for the annual pilgrimage to Stowe to see the snowdrops carpeting the gentle slopes of the landscape garden. Follow the snowdrop walk along paths reopened especially for the winter season, to access the areas where these little hidden treasures bloom in their thousands.
There are no records of when the snowdrops first appeared at Stowe. Our gardeners believe they occurred naturally and then were allowed to proliferate for the joy that they bring on cold winter’s days.
You can also see good showings of snowdrops at Waddesdon, Hughenden and Canons Ashby.
Big Garden Birdwatch : Friday 27th to Sunday 29th January 2023
Stowe is supporting the Big Garden Birdwatch (Friday 27th to Sunday 29th January 2023). Spot sparrows and siskins, blackbirds and barn owls. There’s even a kingfisher living on the lakes to spot if you’re really lucky. Collect a free activity sheet from the porch at New Inn. Don’t forget your binoculars!
Normal admission, no charge for the activity.
Bird Box activity station : Sunday 29th January 2023
Create your own bird box with our ranger team in the New Inn Courtyard. Approx £5 per box, depending on size.
Wassail : Sunday 29th January 2023 from 1.30pm to 3.00pm
Join us to celebrate the New Year and bring in good luck for a bountiful harvest this year as we make noise, chant and toast the orchards at Stowe.
Normal admission, no charge for the activity.
Umbrella Hide and Seek : February half term – Saturday 11th to Sunday 19th February 2023
Stowe is going with the flow and planning for outdoor fun whatever the weather this half term. Find the multi-coloured umbrellas hidden around the garden, play your own game of hide and seek and don’t forget your wellies for splashing in the puddles.
Normal admission, no charge for the activity.
Hughenden (near High Wycombe)
Whilst the manor is closed for essential winter conservation work until Sunday 19th February 2023, there are still very good reasons to visit Hughenden. Snowdrops and primroses will be coming out in the garden and, whilst most likely muddy, the woodlands and estate are starkly serene for winter walks.
Architectural talks : Daily 11.00am to 11.30am until Sunday 19th February 2023
Learn more about the architecture of this imposing Victorian manor and how its use has changed over the years.
Normal admission, no charge for the activity,
Behind the scenes: Hidden Hughenden : Tuesday 24th January 2023, Tuesday 31st January 2023 and Tuesday 7th February 2023 from 11.00am to 12.00pm
Join a member of the house team whilst the manor is closed to get a sneak peek at spaces that aren’t usually open to the public. You’ll also find out about the architectural history of the manor, where special collections are stored and how we look after the manor today.
Normal admission, £8, booking required via the website.
Forester walks
Join a ranger for a two-hour winter walk to discover the history and management of Hughenden’s woodlands. The walk takes you three different woodlands around the Hughenden estate. Warm up afterwards with soup and tea/coffee in the café.
Normal admission. £15, booking required via the website.
12 Things Winter Nature Spotter : Friday 6th January 2023 to Thursday 26th February 2023 from 10.00am to 4.00pm
Following on from Hughenden’s 12 Days of Christmas, spot 12 things in the garden this winter. Wrap up warm, pick up a free activity sheet and go welly wandering around the estate. Will you find all 12 things?
Normal admission applies, no charge for the activity.
Big Garden Bird Watch : Friday 27th to Sunday 29th January 2023 from 10.00am to 4.00pm
Help the RSPB with their annual birdwatch at Hughenden.
Bring your binoculars and count the most birds you see land nearby you at any one time for an hour in the garden, then report your findings on the RSPB website. It’s a great reason to get outdoors this weekend, and by submitting your results, you’ll help play a vital role in helping the RSPB understand how UK birds are doing.
Normal admission applies, no charge for the activity.
Bird Feeder Making : February half term – Monday 13th, Wed 15th and Friday 17th February 2023 from 11.00am to 2.00pm
Learn how to make easy bird feeders to provide your garden visitors with energy as they start to nest for the year. There will be everything you’ll need to make and take one home for your garden, and you can learn which birds to look out for in your garden as we move into spring too!
Normal admission applies, £2 per person, subject to availability.
Waddesdon (near Aylesbury)
With winter shrubs, early spring-flowering bulbs and views that are only visible in winter, the gardens are a peaceful escape at this time of year. In February the display of daffodils is not to be missed, as more than 130,000 were planted last year with the help of schoolchildren. Winter walks continue until 19 Feb. Please check website for opening information.
February half term : Wednesday 11th February 2023 to Sunday 19th February 2023
Get creative with a giant colouring board in the Coach House at the Stables and go adventuring in the newly refurbished woodland playground complete with a brand new zipwire, swings and roundabout. Refuel with tasty refreshments in the Stables Café.
Grounds admission, no charge for the activity.
Canons Ashby (near Daventry)
Paw Prints and Poo trail : February half term – Wednesday 11th February 2023 to Sunday 26th March 2023
Canons Ashby is closed now, but reopens on Wednesday 11th February 2023 for half term with its Paw Prints and Poo trail. Young nature detectives are encouraged to look for clues as to what creatures live nearby.
Normal admission, no charge for the activity.
After half term in the quiet gardens, you can appreciate the crisp cleans lines of the formal gardens and topiary. The snowdrops will also be out in their hundreds.
*Source of information : Press release from The National Trust.
