WHAT’S ON IN FEBRUARY

February in the Notswolds

February is transitional, a month of small changes and early promise. Snowdrops and winter garden visits to Six Nations fixtures, a comedy festival, and the first event of the year for runners.

Explore what’s on below, or use the links to jump to this month’s events, half term activities, supper clubs and cookery classes, where to catch the snowdrops, workshops, and sporting challenges.

Seasonal events

  • Nature Walk at Londonthorpe Woods

    1 February 2026

    Join a guided walk to learn how to identify common tree species and understand their role in an urban landscape. This family-friendly, accessible route explores the woodland’s hidden history, with practical tips on spotting the clues that help tell one tree from another.

    Londonthorpe Woods, Belton Estate

  • Leicester Comedy Festival

    4-22 February 2026

    Under the theme The Art of Comedy, close to 700 shows run across the region in February, including two Big Weekends in Harborough and Blaby Districts.

    Various venues across Leicestershire

  • UK Kids Comedy Festival

    4-22 February 2026

    A dedicated UK Kids Comedy Festival with 70 family shows across Leicestershire.

    Various venues across Leicestershire

  • Newark International Antiques Fair

    5-6 February 2026

    Held just outside Newark, the Newark International Antiques & Collectors Fair is the largest antiques fair of its kind in Europe with up to 1,500 stands, attracting trade buyers, collectors, and curious browsers alike.

    Newark Showground

  • The Gruffalo's Child on stage

    6-8 February 2026

    A much-loved children’s classic brought to life on stage, Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation follows The Gruffalo’s Child as she ventures into the deep dark wood on a snowy night, chasing the legend of the Big Bad Mouse. Filled with playful storytelling, music and gentle thrills, it is a warm, funny adventure that captures the magic of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s original tale for audiences of all ages.

    Royal & Derngate Theatre, Northampton

  • The Vintage Flea Market

    8 February 2026

    This indoor weekend flea market from Arthur Swallow Antique and Salvage Shows brings together collectors, families, and bargain hunters for a rummage through vintage, antique, and eclectic finds.

    EXO centre Lincolnshire Showground

  • Helios: An Installation by Luke Jerram

    10-28 February 2026

    Helios is a breathtaking touring artwork by internationally renowned UK artist Luke Jerram. Seven metres in diameter, this illuminated sculpture uses real solar imagery from NASA and leading astrophotographers to reveal the Sun’s surface in extraordinary detail. Experience it up close, or step inside the glow for yoga under Helios or a dedicated photography evening.

  • Six Nations with Matthew Hoggard & Friends

    21 February 2026

    A relaxed Six Nations gathering built around good food and good stories hosted by Matthew Hoggard and friends. Lunch served family-style, an informal Q&A and watch England vs Ireland together.

    The Bull and Swan, Stamford

Supper clubs and cookery classes

  • The Olive Branch Cookery Masterclasses

    5, 12, 26 February 2026

    Hands-on cookery masterclasses at the much-loved The Olive Branch Pub in picturesque Clipsham offer half-day, practical sessions led by professional chefs. From bread and pasta to fish and butchery, each class focuses on technique, confidence, and working from scratch, followed by a lunch in the pub.

    The Olive Branch, Clipsham

  • Chinese New Year at Hoggy's Grill

    17 February 2026

    An evening marking Chinese New Year with bold flavours and warming dishes. Places are limited, so booking ahead is advised.

    Hoggy’s Grill, Rutland Nursery Manton

  • The Olive Branch Cooking demonstrations

    The Olive Branch Winter Cooking Demonstration

    19 February 2026

    A relaxed morning with head chef Dean Carroll, who shows you his back-to-basics approach to cooking with local ingredients. He shares techniques, tips and kitchen know-how, with time for questions throughout, followed by a three-course lunch.

    The Olive Branch, Clipsham

  • Hoggy's Grill Classes

    Various dates

    Workshops at Hoggy’s Grill range from the best-selling Ultimate Burger class to meat masterclasses, introductions to grilling, seafood, and gourmet cooking. Led by Hoggy himself, each session is hands-on, lively, and focused on building real confidence in the kitchen.

    Hoggy’s Grill, Rutland Nursery

Where to see the snowdrops

  • Snowdrop Season and guided Winter Walks at Barnsdale Gardens

    2 - 28 February 2026

    Enjoy thousands of snowdrops in flower, from familiar favourites to rare and unusual varieties, planted throughout the gardens and the new for 2026 snowdrop theatre. Included in your garden admission, or book a winter walk on 10 or 14 February to join a guided tour of the gardens with Nick Hamilton.

    Barnsdale Gardens

  • Guided Snowdrop Walk, Burghley House

    6 February 2026

    Snowdrops sweep across the landscape at Burghley House, with a rare chance to explore the private South Gardens and Sculpture Garden alongside the gardening team. Walk through Capability Brown’s rolling ground, see newly planted areas ahead of the open season, and hear what’s been happening behind the scenes over winter.

    Burghley House

  • Snowdrop Season at Easton Walled Gardens

    From 11 February 2026

    Snowdrops mark the start of the season at Easton Walled Gardens, with drifts of white flowing through the gardens and down towards the River Witham all month. The gardens are open Wednesday to Sunday and on bank holiday Mondays.

    Easton Walled Gardens

  • Snowdrop Sundays at Deene Park

    15, 22 February 2026

    Snowdrops take centre stage at Deene Park on two February Sundays, with the gardens open from midday to late afternoon to enjoy the seasonal displays.

    Deene Park

  • Snowdrops at Rockingham Castle

    17-19 February 2026

    A short seasonal opening at Rockingham Castle, allowing visitors to enjoy the snowdrops at their peak across the Wild Garden and garden trail.

    Rockingham Castle

  • NGS Boughton House open garden

    22 February 2026

    The Boughton gardens will open again this February as part of the National Garden Scheme, offering a winter moment to explore the grounds and support this much loved charity.

    Boughton House

Workshops

  • Valentine’s Watercolour Cards with @Elsa_Works

    1 February 2026

    Creative Company at Milly’s Bistro

    Relaxed, sociable workshops bringing people together to make, chat, and enjoy something good to eat. These easygoing sessions are designed to spark creativity without pressure, pairing hands on crafting with the chance to make new connections.

    Milly’s Bistro, Stamford

  • Winter Kantha Embroidery Workshop

    4 February 2026

    Spend a full day learning Kantha embroidery at the Old School House Village Hall. Guided by expert makers, you’ll take inspiration from winter scenes to create your own stitched piece to take home, working slowly and mindfully with reclaimed fabrics.

    The Old Schoolhouse, Belton Estate

  • Silk Sari Gathered Lampshade Workshop

    5 February 2026

    Join Chloe Jonason for a step-by-step workshop creating a gathered silk sari lampshade, using beautiful recycled saris with a hand-pleated lining and hand-sewn trim for a professional finish.

    Chloe Jonason Co, The Orchards, Grantham

  • Art Social

    5 February 2026

    A regular creative event hosted by @art.social.uk, held on the first Thursday of each month. Drop in to draw, paint, and experiment with materials. Supplies provided and a relaxed, bring-your-own-tipple atmosphere.

    Curious Magpie, Mountsorrel

  • Alcohol Ink Workshop

    6 February 2026

    A hands-on workshop exploring alcohol inks and abstract mark-making. All materials are provided, with time to experiment and create a finished piece to take home, ideal for anyone drawn to bold colour and one-of-a-kind artwork.

    Curious Magpie, Mountsorrel

  • Terrarium Workshop

    7 February 2026

    A hands-on terrarium workshop introducing the principles of design and plant care, with all materials provided and a finished miniature garden to take home.

    Rutland Nursery

  • Henry Agg: The Weekend Gardener

    18 February 2026

    Rutland Nursery welcome Garden designer Henry Agg to talk about his new book, The Weekend Gardener. Drawing on his own route into gardening and years of hands-on experience, Henry shares practical advice for creating a beautiful garden around work, family life, and limited time, with an emphasis on confidence, wellbeing, and making steady progress in the margins of everyday life.

    Rutland Nursery

  • Doddington Hall Catkin Flowers Nature Gathering course

    Nature Gathering with Catkin Flowers

    18 February 2026

    Nature Gathering is a seasonal course rooted in a wilder, lighter approach to gardening. Meeting every two months from February to December, it brings together naturalistic garden design, cut flower growing, and hands on botanical making including floristry and botanical crafts.

    Doddington Hall, Lincoln

  • Thrive & Bloom: the power of mindset

    26 February 2026

    A reflective workshop with Fiona Wilson, offering a gentler, more intuitive approach to change as New Year resolutions begin to fade. A chance to reconnect with long-held dreams, overlooked callings, and the inner wisdom you already carry.

    Rutland Nursery

  • Spring Sweetpea Sowing Workshop

    27 February 2026

    Head into the gardens to see how plants are sown and managed, and how the ground is prepared for a productive growing season. You’ll sow your own sweet peas during the session, with materials to take home and continue growing.

    Easton Walled Gardens

  • Introduction to Watercolour

    27 February 2026

    This small-group course is open to beginners and improvers, with no experience needed. Led by Liddy from Something Less Boring, the workshop introduces core watercolour techniques to help you build confidence with the medium and complete your own finished painting by the end of the session.

    Lyvedon, Oundle

  • Winter Rose Pruning Workshop

    29 February 2026

    A guided tour of the roses, followed by a hands-on pruning demonstration and the chance to practise techniques yourself. The session ends indoors with homemade soup and a roll.

    Easton Walled Gardens

  • Galentine’s Pottery Painting with Original Ceramics

    13 February 2026

    Creative Company at Milly’s Bistro

    Relaxed, sociable workshops bringing people together to make, chat, and enjoy something good to eat. These easygoing sessions are designed to spark creativity without pressure, pairing hands on crafting with the chance to make new connections.

    Milly’s Bistro, Stamford

February half term days out and activities

  • UK Kids Comedy Festival

    4-22 February 2026

    A dedicated UK Kids Comedy Festival with 70 family shows across Leicestershire runs from the beginning of the month right through half term.

    Various venues across Leicestershire

  • National Space Centre Leicester

    National Space Centre

    14-22 February 2026

    Explore the wonders of the universe through space-themed talks, creative workshops and hands-on science activities, all included with your visit. A brilliant mix of learning and discovery designed to spark curiosity and make the school break feel a little more extraordinary.

    National Space Centre, Leicester

  • Skate Skillz

    16-19 February 2026

    Skate workshops for all levels, alongside street art sessions with ImageSkool to customise your gear.

    Deepings Skate Park - 16th Feb
    Stamford Skate Park - 17th Feb
    Bourne Skate Park - 18th Feb
    Grantham Skate Park - 19th Feb

  • Dinosaur Adventure Live

    17 February 2026

    A lively, interactive dinosaur adventure is coming to the Notswolds, bringing prehistoric creatures to life through storytelling, movement and hands on fun.

  • Wilder Doddington Hall campfire cooking and half term activities

    Wilder Doddington

    17, 19 February 2026

    Join Wilder Doddington for a relaxed, family friendly adventures in the woods.

    Campfire Cookout: learn simple woodland skills, before gathering around the fire for pancakes to mark Shrove Tuesday.

    Dusk Discoveries: an evening walk across the Wilder landscape as daylight fades and the sounds of the wild begin to change

    Doddington Hall, Lincoln

  • Films, shows and crafts

    17-20 February 2026

    A week of shows and activities, from much loved children’s theatre and storytelling to mask making and comic art workshops.

    Stitch Head (film) 13, 15, 17, 19, 22 Feb
    Snow White, Rose Red, Brown Bear (show) 14 Feb
    Sir Charlie Stinky Socks (show) 18 Feb
    Craft Morning (workshop) 19 Feb
    Comic Art Masterclass (workshop) 20 Feb

    Stamford Arts Centre, Stamford

  • Braybrooke beer & co line dancing for kids

    Kids Line Dancing Party

    20 February 2026

    A playful morning led by Valerie from Valerie’s Line Dancing. With simple steps, upbeat music and a friendly, welcoming feel, this is an easy introduction to line dancing that builds confidence while keeping the focus firmly on fun. Perfect for beginners and full of energy from start to finish.

    Braybrooke Beer & Co, Market Harborough

  • 3D animal mask making

    20 February 2026

    A half term craft morning making 3D animal masks.

    Guildhall Arts Centre, Grantham

  • Belton House Lincolnshire family days out school holidays

    Belton House

    14-22 February 2026

    Half term at Belton House is easy and family friendly, with indoor and outdoor play areas, space to roam in the parkland, and all the facilities you need for a comfortable day out. Plenty to keep children busy, with room to slow down and enjoy the estate together.

    Belton House, Grantham

  • Burghley House adventure playground half-term fun

    Burghley House

    14-22 February 2026

    Inspired by the estate’s spymaster past. Young explorers can collect a Spymaster’s Guide at Hide & Secrets Adventure Play, alongside winter walks through the gardens and the first snowdrops.

    Burghley House, Stamford

  • Belvoir Castle Leicestershire

    Belvoir Castle

    14-22 February 2026

    Children can head straight to the adventure playground, while the retail park offers space to explore independent shops before stopping for lunch and a slower wander around the gardens.

    Belvoir Castle, Grantham

  • Clumber Park

    14-22 February 2026

    From den building and wildlife spotting to the Woodland Play Park there’s plenty to explore outside, alongside hands on learning at the Discovery Centre with seasonal activities, pondlife encounters, the much loved 50 Things room, and a calm sensory space for quieter moments.

    Clumber Park, Worksop

  • Sacrewell Farm

    14-22 February 2026

    Outdoor play combined with hands on heritage. Families can explore the animal village, large outdoor play areas and indoor playbarn, discover the working watermill and historic buildings, and spend quieter moments in the sensory garden.

    Sacrewell, Peterborough

  • Windmill Farm Park

    Windmill Farm Park

    14-22 February 2026

    Packed with hands on fun and open every day. Families can roam the farmland to meet rare and native animals, join in seasonal farming activities like tractor rides and goat milking, then burn off energy in the indoor playbarn. Outside, there’s water play, ride on tractors, and plenty of space to explore and build dens in Brian’s Wood.

    Windmill Farm Park, Kibworth Harcourt

Sporting challenges and events

  • Naseby 1645

    15 February 2026

    A popular February road race through rural Northamptonshire, covering 16.45 miles past Battle of Naseby memorials and viewpoints. A firm favourite that sells out each year, and an ideal long run for runners building towards spring marathons.

    Naseby Village Hall, Naseby

FIND YOUR NOTSWOLDS

Whether you’re chasing adventure, uncovering hidden stories, getting creative, tasting your way through the region, or simply slowing down, the Notswolds has something for you. Explore the calendar, pick your moment, and make it your own.

Share your Notswolds experiences on social. Tag @notswolds and use #notswoldsmoments to be part of the story.

RECOMMEND YOUR NOTSWOLDS

Do have a favourite events in the Notswolds that you think we should know about? Get in touch at hq@notswolds.com.