February Half Term at Burton Constable

The February half-term break is creeping up, and with it comes that classic question: how to keep the kids entertained without resorting to a week of screen time? It’s that tricky time of year when the weather can’t make its mind up, and the excitement of Christmas has long since faded. But finding something that gets everyone out of the house, breathing in some fresh air, and actually having a bit of fun doesn't have to be a massive headache.

There's a brilliant event happening in East Yorkshire that ticks all the boxes, offering a perfect escape for families looking to make the most of the school holidays.

Get ready for a wildlife adventure

This February, from the 16th to the 20th, Burton Constable Hall is hosting a special week called 'Little Explorers: Wildlife Week'. It’s designed to get children away from their gadgets and properly stuck into nature. Imagine swapping the living room for sprawling parkland, where the main task of the day is spotting squirrels or finding the coolest-looking bug. It’s all about encouraging that natural curiosity kids have. The event is set up to be a hands-on experience, letting little ones become mini-David Attenboroughs for the day, exploring the amazing wildlife that calls the grounds of this historic hall home.

The whole week is planned around fun, outdoor activities. Think of it as a mission: to discover the secrets of the parkland. Kids might be following trails, looking for animal footprints, or learning about the different trees and plants. It’s the kind of fun that doesn’t feel like learning, but they’ll come away knowing a bit more about the natural world. This is especially good for that mid-winter energy burst that kids always seem to have. And for parents, it’s a chance to see them having a brilliant time outdoors, without having to organise a single thing. The team behind the event, from the groundskeepers to the marketing executive, have put in a huge effort to create something memorable for the whole family.

More than just a half-term fix

While Wildlife Week is the star of the show during the school holidays, a visit to Burton Constable offers so much more. The place is steeped in history. The main hall itself is like stepping back in time, and while it has its own specific opening times, the grounds are open for much of the year. So, even if the half-term event is your first visit, there's a good reason to come back. The parkland, designed by the famous 'Capability' Brown, is huge – we're talking 300 acres of it. That’s a lot of space to run around, have a picnic when the weather’s a bit warmer, or just go for a long walk.

The Burton Constable Foundation, the charity that looks after this incredible place, works hard to keep it in amazing condition for everyone to enjoy. A trip here isn't just a day out; it's also helping to preserve a big piece of East Yorkshire heritage. Every admission fee goes back into maintaining the estate for future generations. The foundation's status as a registered charity (with charity number 1010121) underlines its commitment to conservation and public enjoyment. It's nice to know that a fun day out is also doing some good.

Planning your visit: all the key details

Getting the logistics right is key to a stress-free day. The ‘Little Explorers: Wildlife Week’ runs from Monday 16th to Friday 20th February 2026. Beyond that, it’s useful to know the general opening times for the rest of the year, as they vary for different parts of the estate. The grounds are generally open daily from 10am, which is great for a morning walk. The closing time depends on the season – it’s 5pm in the summer months and 4pm during British Winter Time. So, if you're planning a visit later in the year, just remember the earlier closing time.

The hall itself has a more specific schedule. It opens for the main season from 28th March to 1st November, with visiting hours from 11am to 4pm. A key thing to remember is that the last admission to the hall is at 3pm, giving you a full hour to wander through its magnificent rooms. It’s usually closed on Mondays, but they make an exception for Bank Holidays and during the school holidays, which is really handy.

And what about the festive season? Burton Constable Hall gets a full Christmas makeover. The special Christmas opening period runs from 21st November to 20th December. During this time, the hall is open from 11am to 4pm, with last entry at 3pm, perfect for getting into the festive spirit. The only time the estate fully closes is for a short break between 24th and 31st December.

Burton Constable 2026 Opening Times at a Glance

Area Dates Hours Notes Grounds Open Daily (except 24th-31st Dec) 10am - 5pm (4pm in British Winter Time) Plenty of space for walks and exploring. Hall (Main Season) 28th March - 1st November 11am - 4pm Last admission is at 3pm. Closed Mondays, except for Bank Holidays and School Holidays. Hall (Christmas) 21st November - 20th December 11am - 4pm Last admission is at 3pm, a perfect festive trip.