The countryside and parkland looked after by the National Trust is perfect for summer exploring and picnicking. The beautiful gardens are at their colourful best in summer, filled with paths and lawns to run along, walled gardens to hide in, and peaceful shady spots where you can close your eyes and soak up summer scents and the dreamy buzz of insects.

If you're stuck for ideas for the school holidays, there's plenty of summer highlights from the National Trust across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight:

Hinton Ampner - Straw bale maze

Until September 4, 10am – 5pm, normal admission charge only

Last summer’s straw maze at Hinton Ampner was such a huge success that it’s coming back! Can your little ones beat the maze? Let them loose in the ancient parkland, as they run round the giant puzzle to find the surprise in the centre.

Falconry sports day

August 13, 11am – 4pm, normal admission charge only

This isn’t any old falconry demonstration. Local bird of prey experts, Hawking About, present this show as a Medieval falconry sports day. Dressed in authentic costume, they will involve the audience every step of the way, culminating in a human tunnel through which the birds will fly.

Mottisfont - Beatrix Potter: Play and Childhood exhibition and trail

Until September 18, normal admission charge only

This exhibition of 30 delightful and original Beatrix Potter watercolours and drawings celebrates the 150th anniversary of the author and illustrator’s birth.

The artworks, rarely shown outside of their home in the Lake District, feature some of Beatrix Potter’s most famous characters, from naughty Peter Rabbit to the extremely mischievous Two Bad Mice. You’ll also discover a selection of rare vintage Beatrix Potter dolls and figurines.

Accompanying the exhibition is an action-packed family trail inspired by Beatrix’s playful characters and colourful stories. On set weekends there’s a host of additional Beatrix Potter-themed fun, including storytelling and drop-in sessions with artists. These will run on July 30 and 31, August 13,14, 27 and 28.

Foxbury, New Forest - Wild Play Day

August 9 and 23, 10.30am – 1pm, adults £2.50, children £5, book on 01794 340757

Come to the ‘wilds’ of the New Forest for a day of outdoor adventures and loads of ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ challenges with our rangers. Try your hand at den-building, mud pie-making and creating some really wild art, then round off the day with toasted marshmallows around the camp fire.

The Vyne - tree climbing

August 5 and 20, September 2, 10am to 3.45pm, £20, book on 0800 0556760

For a vertical adventure, join the Great Big Tree Climbing Company at The Vyne, and you’ll find yourself entering the canopy of a huge tree, using ropes, knots and karabiners whilst being securely attached in a harness. Two friendly instructors are on hand to help you every step of the way. Age 6 plus.

The Vyne - map and compass challenge

August 7, 12pm, normal admission charge plus £3 per child, book on 01256 883858

This outdoor brain-teaser is a great summer challenge. Borrow a compass and put your map reading skills to the test as you hunt down points marked on the map, taking you on an adventure through the orchard and down to the lake. Age 7 plus.

The Vyne - make a trail with sticks

August 27, 12pm, normal admission charge plus £1 per child, book on 01256 883858

Learn how to create your own unique trails using a variety of sticks. Then see if anyone can follow it right to the end.

Winchester City Mill- themed baking demonstrations

August 13, September 3, 11am – 3pm

This bustling working watermill hosts regular themed baking demonstrations that use the mill’s own stoneground flour to make seasonal treats. You can taste the results too, and take home free recipe cards. Whilst you’re at the mill, experience the full force of the River Itchen as it roars beneath the building – known as the Thrill of the Mill. Don’t forget to view the latest CCTV footage of the mill’s resident otters, who also love the Itchen!

Winchester City Mill- plan your South Downs adventure

Winchester City Mill is also the official gateway to the South Downs National Park. A permanent exhibition space introduces people to the delights of walking, cycling and enjoying days out in England’s newest National Park. Discover more about the South Downs’ special landscapes and wildlife, find ideas for local walks and experiences, as well as how easy it can be to explore by trains, buses or bicycle.

Winchester City Mill – Summertime fun

Until September 4,10am - 4pm, normal admission charge only

As well as a range of quizzes and trails to take you around this ancient working watermill, participate in our summer challenge everyday throughout the holiday. Are you bold enough to take on the Mill?

Winchester City Mill – A Tudor Wedding

August 23 and 25, 11:30am & 2:00pm, normal admission charge only, but booking recommended to avoid disappointment – call 01962 870057.

Pedlars and Petticoats will be bringing their costumed characters to the City Mill for four performances only. Meet them and hear about the marriage of Queen Mary I ("Bloody Mary") to Phillip II of Spain, which took place in Winchester Cathedral in 1554. Learn about Tudor customs and habits, find out how to behave at court and, most importantly, how not to lose your head!

Uppark House and Garden - school holiday trails

Until September 4. 11am to 4pm, normal admission charge plus £1 per trail

Have fun following the family fun trail around grounds at Uppark. If you bring a kite, you can take advantage of Uppark’s wonderful location on top of the South Downs.

Uppark House and Garden - medieval falconry display

August 6, 11am to 4pm, normal admission charge only

Hawking About, present this show as a Medieval falconry sports day. Dressed in authentic costume, they will involve the audience every step of the way, culminating in a human tunnel through which the birds will fly.

Bembridge Windmill – summer bugs and insects nature ID trails

21 July to 4 September, 10.30am – 4.30pm, normal admission charge only

Make the most of your visit to the windmill with our free ‘Bugs and Insects’ nature trail. Ask at the kiosk to borrow one of our tracker packs, hunt for bugs around the windmill and then tick off one of the ‘50 things’ adventures in your scrapbook. Dogs on leads welcome. PO35 5SQ (SZ 639 874).

Yaverland Beach - sandcastle competition

August 22, 10am - 1pm, £2 per team

Test your building skills against the tide in our ‘Last Castle Standing’ competition or use your design skills to create a spectacular sand sculpture in our ‘Design’ competition. Meet at IWC car park, Yaverland PO36 8QA

Mottistone Gardens - Night Life

August 31, 7 – 10pm, £5 each includes soup, roll and hot drink. £20 family ticket, book on 01983 741020

An evening to discover life at night in Mottistone Gardens, including moth trapping, bat detecting, bird i.d and star gazing. Find out about hedgehog rescue on the Island and go on a dusk walk. Meet at Mottistone Gardens PO30 4ED

For more details, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/days-out/regionlondonsoutheast/london-and-the-south-east