FAMILIES wanting to enjoy a range of inspirational outdoor activities during the May Bank Holiday half-term break will find plenty to “have a go” at with the National Trust’s ‘50 Things to Do Before You’re 113/4’ challenge.

With the promise of summer around the corner, half term is the ideal time to explore the great outdoors and try new things.

What’s more, every single visit helps the National Trust to look after special places for ever, for everyone.

Some favourite half-term activities in Hampshire include:

HINTON AMPNER

(Bramdean, near Alresford)

* Straw bale maze: May 27 to September 4, 10am-5pm, normal admission charge only.

Last summer’s straw maze at Hinton Ampner was such a huge success that it’s coming back in time for the May school holidays! Can your little ones beat the maze? Let them loose in the ancient parkland, as they run round the giant puzzle to find the surprise in the centre.

* Den Building Day: Saturday, May 28, 11am-3pm, normal admission charge only.

Head into the woods for a fun-filled day building your own woodland hideaway. Expert den builders will be on hand to help you learn the woodland skills you need. Look out for other ‘50 things’ activities you can do while you’re at Hinton, from bug hunting to exploring inside a tree. There is a 15-minute walk to the woodland for this activity.

THE VYNE

(Sherborne St John, near Basingstoke)

* Tree climbing on Friday, June 3 (also May 21), 10am-3.45pm. Cost £20. To book, call 0800 0556760.

For a vertical adventure, join the Great Big Tree Climbing Company at The Vyne and you’ll find yourself entering the canopy of a huge tree, using ropes, knots and karabiners while being securely attached in a harness. Two friendly instructors will be on hand to help you every step of the way. Suitable for ages six and upwards.

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/the-vyne.

WINCHESTER CITY MILL

* Themed baking demonstrations on Saturday, May 28, 11am-3pm (mill open 10am-5pm).

This bustling working water mill will be filled with the delicious smell of baking during half term. Enjoy watching seasonal baking demonstrations that use the mill’s own stoneground flour to make seasonal treats. You can taste the results too, and take home free recipe cards.

* Flowery arts and crafts fun: May 30 to June 3 (except June 1), 11am-3pm.

* Pumpkin seed sowing: May 31 and June 2, 11am-3pm.

Find out more about some of the prettiest spring flowers, on the mill’s flower trail, or try a spot of gardening in a pumpkin seed-planting activity, set in the mill’s island garden.

* While at the mill, experience the full force of the River Itchen as it roars beneath the building – known as the Thrill of the Mill. Don’t forget to view the latest CCTV footage of the mill’s resident otters, who also love the Itchen!

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/winchester-city-mill.

MOTTISFONT ABBEY

(Near Romsey)

* Half-term trail: May 28 to June 5, 10am-5pm. Suggested donation £1.

Younger visitors can enjoy a creative activity trail at Mottisfont, inspired by wonderful drawings by famous 20th Century artists, on show as part of the Schlee Collection exhibition. Using art materials provided, children can explore the grounds and complete all sorts of different drawing challenges, using various techniques to complete a weird and wonderful creature.

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont.

FOXBURY

(New Forest)

* Nightjar walk, Tuesday, May 24, 8.30pm-10.30pm. Cost £5. To book, call 01794 344020.

Experience the incredible ‘churring’ and display activity of the elusive nightjar – one of the New Forest’s most special birds. A New Forest ranger team is leading this unique event across Foxbury’s beautiful landscape. The group will also be treated to Daubenton bats flying overhead, and glow worms lining the tracksides.

* Wild Play Day, Tuesday, May 31, 10.30am-1pm. Adults £2.50, children £5. To book, call 01794 340757.

Come to the ‘wilds’ of the New Forest for a day of outdoor adventures. Try your hand at den building, mud pie making and creating some really wild art, then round off the day with toasted marshmallows around the camp fire. Rangers will be on hand to make sure you enjoy your day.

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/foxbury.

UPPARK House and Garden

(South Harting, near Petersfield)

* School holiday trail, May 28 to June 5, 11am-4pm. Suggested donation £1.

Have fun following the May-time trail around the wildflower meadow of this beautiful 18th Century mansion. If you bring a kite, you can take advantage of Uppark’s wonderful location on top of the South Downs.

* Den building, June 4, 11am-3pm.

Head into the woods at Uppark, where den-building experts will be on standby to help children create their very own woodland hideaway. This fun-filled day is also one of the National Trust’s 50 things to do before you’re 11¾ challenges, so you can grab a sticker for your 50 things scrapbook too!

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/uppark-hour-and-garden.