Winter isn’t the obvious time for days out. It’s cold, often wet, and the temptation is to stay home. But over the last few weeks we’ve visited Drum Castle and East Riddlesden Hall in the middle of winter – and honestly, it made us rethink National Trust visits at this time of year.

So… is it actually worth it?

The Pros of Visiting National Trust in Winter

1. It’s quieter (a big win with kids)

Both Drum Castle and East Riddlesden Hall were noticeably calmer than summer visits. No queues, no packed paths, and plenty of space for kids to explore without constantly saying “excuse me”.

2. Parking is easier

At Drum Castle, parking was stress-free and close. At East Riddlesden Hall, there was no waiting or circling for a spot, which makes a huge difference when you just want to get everyone out of the car.

3. The outdoors still delivers

Even in winter, the grounds are the real highlight. Bare trees, muddy paths, fresh air and that feeling of actually getting out of the house. Just put your wellies on!

Drum Castle’s woodland feels atmospheric in winter, and East Riddlesden Hall still offers a lovely, manageable walk that works even on a grey day. This is when the mud kitchen came into its own!

4. Great value if you’re a member

If you’re National Trust members, winter visits feel like a bonus rather than something you need to “get your money’s worth” from. Even a short walk and a look around feels enough.

The Downsides (Let’s Be Honest)

Some areas are closed

At East Riddlesden Hall, everything was open, but the play area can be harder to use in winter due to weather and muddy ground. The house itself was open too, but it was noticeably cold inside, so it’s definitely one to explore quickly and then head back out.

At Drum Castle, access can vary slightly depending on the season, but visiting in winter actually came with the bonus of a quieter, more personal experience.

Weather matters more

A wet, freezing day will limit how long kids last. Wellies, waterproofs and low expectations help a lot here.

Facilities can be limited

Cafés may have shorter opening hours, and play areas are sometimes shut. We always go prepared with snacks just in case.

Drum Castle in Winter – Worth It?

Drum Castle in Winter – Worth It?

Yes, especially if you enjoy woodland walks and don’t need a busy, full-on day out. One of the unexpected highlights of our visit was the guided tour. Because there were so few visitors, it felt much more intimate and relaxed.

There was time to ask questions, move at a comfortable pace, and actually take things in rather than being shuffled along with a large group. It felt personal and engaging, and the kids were far more interested than they usually are on busier visits.

Best for:

• Guided tours without crowds
• Woodland walks
• Quieter, more personal experiences

East Riddlesden Hall in Winter – Worth It?

Absolutely, particularly for a low-key family outing. It’s compact, easy to walk, and still interesting even when it’s cold and wet. We visited on a grey January Sunday and still really enjoyed it.

Best for:

• Short walks
• Younger kids
• Easy days out without pressure

So… Is It Worth Visiting National Trust Places in Winter?

Yes! Just adjust your expectations.

Winter National Trust visits aren’t about ticking everything off. They’re about fresh air, quieter spaces, and getting out of the house without the stress of busy attractions.

If you go dressed for the weather and treat it as a gentle outing rather than a full day, winter visits can be surprisingly lovely.

Thinking of Visiting?

Check opening times before you go, pack snacks, and embrace the mud.

If you’re a member, winter is actually one of the best times to visit.

Before you go, it’s worth knowing that National Trust and National Trust for Scotland memberships can be used interchangeably across the UK, which is really handy if you’re visiting different regions.

For current seasonal events and half term activities, you can also check our February What’s On guide for families in the North West.