Snowdrops and Outdoor Family Fun This February Half Term
Families are invited to wrap up warm and make the most of the outdoors this February Half Term
From scrambling over giant molehills and climbing the Hidden Towers to exploring the Gardens as the first signs of spring appear, families can enjoy a mix of outdoor adventure and seasonal discovery at Burghley this February Half Term.
Hide & Secrets Adventure Play offers plenty of space to run, climb and explore. Young adventurers can follow Cecil the Mole on playful spy missions, cracking codes and uncovering hidden mole friends throughout the play area. The fun continues with enormous slides, climbing walls, wobbly walkways and crawl tunnels.
February is when Burghley’s snowdrops take centre stage, filling the Sculpture Garden with abundant displays that brighten the winter landscape. Set among winding paths, contemporary sculpture and sloping grassy banks, the snowdrops create a beautiful backdrop for family walks and seasonal photos. Half Term visitors can also enjoy vibrant bursts of colour from emerging spring flowers and take in the wintry lakeside views.
Drop-in Garden Activities
Alongside outdoor play and garden exploration, seasonal drop-in activities led by the Gardens Team will run throughout the February Half Term.
Family Snowdrop Planting sessions give visitors the chance to take part in a seasonal hands-on activity suitable for all ages. Guided by Burghley’s Gardens Team, families are invited to plant snowdrop bulbs in the Sculpture Garden, contributing to next year’s display. Sessions take place from 10.30 to 11.30am, 14 to 20 February and are included with Admission or an Annual Pass.
Those keen to learn more about the Gardens can also join Daily Winter Garden Tours, led by a member of Burghley’s expert Gardens Team. These relaxed 30-minute walks explore seasonal highlights, including early spring growth and winter garden work taking place behind the scenes. Tours run daily at 11.30am from 14 to 20 February and are included with Admission or an Annual Pass.
Burghley Gardens and Hide & Secrets Adventure Play are open daily from 10am to 5pm (last admission 4.30pm) between Saturday 14 and Sunday 22 February 2026.
Tickets booked online in advance cost £11 for adults, £8.50 for children (3–15 years) and £35 for families (2 adults, up to 3 children), with under 3s going free. Annual Passes, offering unlimited visits throughout the open season cost from £28.
The Gardens and Adventure Play will also open at the weekend on 28 February and 1 March and 7-8 March before returning to daily opening from Saturday 14 March.
The House, which is currently closed for essential upkeep, maintenance and conservation work, opens for the season on Saturday 14 March.
