1. WELCOME THE SNOWDROPS

When: February 26, 1pm-4.30pm. Where: Greatham Hall, Front Street, Greatham, off the A689, near Hartlepool. Contact: 07434 517225; email greathamca@gmail.com. Cost: £2, accompanied children £1.

You know that spring is nearly here when you see the snowdrops begin to emerge and the private wood at Greatham Hall is a wonderful place to see them. The wood will be open for people to view the impressive carpet of snowdrops. A yellow straw trail will be laid down providing a temporary though uneven path - so sensible shoes are advised. The Georgian Chapel will also be open where talks will provide an insight into the 745 year old Greatham Hospital. Entrance tickets and refreshments can be bought from Greatham Community Centre which is across the road from the entrance to the hall.

2. VISIT GOD'S COUNTRY 

When: February 18, 10.30am-12 noon. Where: Durham Cathedral. Contact: 0191 3864266; email events@durhamcathedral.co.uk. Cost: £3

Durham may be “a perfect little city” – as described by best-selling author Bill Bryson – but it also happens to be set in the midst of natural beauty. This is a chance to experience a walking tour of Durham Cathedral’s historic woodlands and riverbanks, guided by an expert walk leader. Meet at the Information desk inside the cathedral. Please dress appropriately for the countryside. Booking is essential as places are limited.

Darlington and Stockton Times:

3. TAKE A WALK ON THE WILDSIDE 

When: February 19, 10.30am. Where: Easington Colliery Nature Reserve, SR8 3QW. Contact: Middlesbrough District Ramblers - 01642 813464.

Who would have thought that the scene of a terrible mining disaster would be turned into a nature reserve teeming with wildlife? This is a chance to join a guided walk of approximately five miles, with a Heritage Coast Officer. Easington Colliery is situated to the north of Horden, and a short distance to the east of Easington Village. Easington Colliery is known for a mining disaster which occurred, on May 29, 1951 when an explosion led to the deaths of 83 men. The site of the former colliery has been designated as a local nature reserve and has good car parking very close to the coastal footpath.

4. SEE THE STARS

When: February 18 to February 26. Where: Yorkshire Dales National Park. Contact: 01969 666210; email tourism@yorkshiredales.org.uk; website: www.darkskiesnationalparks.org.uk. Cost: Free.

As part of the national park’s Dark Skies Festival, this is a chance to see the stars while being out in the open air. There is a themed activity trail at each of the National Park Centres, as well as the Dales Countryside Museum. The events are aimed at primary aged children but don’t let that stop you! You’re never too old to learn about stars, planets, constellations, and nocturnal animals. The trails are open daily and activity sheets can be bought from the centres for 50p. Museum charges apply at the Dales Countryside Museum. Aysgarth National Park Centre is the place to head for the “Constellations Trail”; Grassington National Park Centre has the “Planet Trail”; Malham National Park Centre hosts the “Space Trail”; Hudson House at Reeth also has the “Space Trail”; and the Dales Countryside Museum is the place to go for “Nocturnal Animals”.

5. STEAM ACROSS THE COUNTRYSIDE

When: February 18 to February 26, 9am-6pm. Where: North York Moors Railway. Contact: 01751 472508, email info@nymr.co.uk.

What a fabulous way to see some of England’s most spectacular countryside – by steam train. The North York Moors Railway is the setting for some half-term fun, with daily steam trains running between Pickering and Grosmont. As well as 24 miles of stunning scenery, there’s also chance to see Hogsmeade Station at Goathland, made famous by Harry Potter and Heartbeat.

Darlington and Stockton Times:

6. SEARCH FOR SPRING IN NORTHUMBERLAND

When: February 20-24. Where: Ford and Etal. Contact: www.ford-and-etal.co.uk Cost: Admission charges apply at different venues.

If you fancy a trip to beautiful Northumberland, it’s not as far as you might think. We recommend a visit to Ford and Etal to enjoy some half-term fun. Take a diesel train ride with Heatherslaw Light Railway with trains running at 11am, 12 noon, 1 and 2 pm. Stop off at Etal and visit Lavender Tearooms or ride straight there and back, a round trip of approximately 50 minutes. You can learn how to make bread at Heatherslaw Mill Monday-Wednesday. And at Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre, there’s a chance to meet the magnificent Clydesdales and other rare breeds and learn about farming in years gone by.