TWO of the National Trust’s top places near Ludlow have a full week of family fun over the May half term holiday.

Croft Castle and nearby Berrington Hall in Ashton have a packed programme of outdoor activities and historical demonstrations to keep young and old entertained during the week long break.

Croft Castle starts the half term on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May with a weekend of talks and displays on the First World War.

Expert re-enactors will be returning to Croft with objects to bring the past to life, including a special display on the history of photography. Visitors are invited to bring along their old photographs for dating with a Victorian, Edwardian and wartime photography expert who will show visitors how they can tell what period their personal photographs are from.

Six miles away at Berrington Hall, Sunday May 24 will see the Side Saddle Association put on a display of side saddle riding between 11am and 3pm.

The ladies of the association will be dressed in equestrian attire from different periods, and visitors will be able to learn all about the tradition of side saddle and enjoy some skilful riding demonstrations.

Younger visitors to Berrington will get the chance to get outdoors and closer to nature with den building workshops from its countryside ranger team.

Ranger Pete Johnson will be leading sessions on Tuesday 26 May and Wednesday 27 May between 11am and 3pm and youngsters will be able to get back to basics outside while they hunt for building materials and construct their own unique hide-out .

Both places will be offering week-long outdoor excitement with themed trails for children, which run every day from Saturday May 23 to Sunday May 31.

At Berrington families can follow the ‘Georgian genius’ trail to win a prize, while at Croft they can have a go at ’cracking the code’ with a wartime themed quiz in the gardens.

Visitor experience manager, Ana Vaughan, said: "May half-term is a time when families want to get outdoors, enjoy some time together and take in the early summer scenery, and with activities such as den building and our outdoor trails we’re giving people the chance to do that. We’re offering something to keep all ages entertained this holiday."

The tea-rooms at Berrington Hall and Croft Castle will be open daily from 10am to 5pm, serving fresh made snacks and meals, and both have outdoor seating areas to take advantage of the warmer weather.

Berrington Hall and Croft Castle are open daily throughout half term and 10am until 5pm. More information can be found by visiting www.nationaltrust.org.uk/berringtonhall or www.nationaltrust.org.uk/croftcastle