AFTER a winter of deep cleaning and conservation, the dust sheets will be folded away, clocks reset and the 400-year-old doors to East Riddlesden Hall will be thrown open once more, to welcome visitors for the year ahead.

And we can’t wait!

The new year at East Riddlesden Hall begins with February half-term holidays, and this year we’ll be inviting you to join in the celebrations for the National Trust’s 125th anniversary.

During the half-term holidays, there’s a great opportunity for families to get hands on and enjoy some activities in the old hall and gardens.

On Mondays and Thursdays, families can roll up their sleeves and learn how to make traditional gingerbread, following a 400-year-old recipe.

You’ll see how different this is to today’s recipe and learn how it was made using bread and honey – you can then take it home to enjoy with the family.

Tickets for the activity cost £1 and can be purchased from the shop on the morning of your visit.

On Tuesday February 18, visitors will also get the chance to have a go at making their own bread dough, as well as learning about the history of bread making in a fun, hands-on session.

You can make the dough together, then take it away to bake at home and fill your house with the smell of freshly baked bread. Tickets cost £3 and are also available in the shop.

As well as indoor activities at the hall, there’s plenty outside to keep the kids entertained too.

Little ones will love the discovery garden, where they can enjoy some natural play. There’s a fantastic mud pie kitchen, lots of bugs to hunt for, sticks to build dens and plenty of open space for them to burn off some energy.

In the gardens at East Riddlesden Hall, the snowdrops are appearing - which is always a welcome sign of spring returning.

On Monday February 17, our Greener Gardening talks return. Join a member of the gardening team for a stroll around the gardens and discover how they combine design and colour with wildlife conservation to create a more sustainable, nature-friendly environment.

It’s a great opportunity to ask the team questions about the work they do – as well as getting inspiration for your own gardening projects for the year ahead.

If you want to get a bit more hands-on outdoors, we’re looking for families to give us (and nature!) a helping hand by becoming rangers for the morning on February 19, from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

The whole family can join in these activities, roll up their sleeves and help us create a better environment for our resident wildlife.

It’s a great opportunity to volunteer together as a family, learn new skills and meet some friendly faces, as well as making a real difference to the future of this historic site.

Don’t forget your wellies or walking boots – and we recommend wrapping up warm, too!

For more details about opening times, events and activities taking place at East Riddlesden Hall through spring and summer, you can find out by visiting the website nationaltrust.org.uk/east-riddlesden-hall.