Chinese New Year Trail & Starry Stargazing at Stowe House
If you’re looking for a February half term day out that feels a bit different (and doesn’t depend on perfect weather), Stowe House is running a brilliant family programme: a Chinese New Year zodiac trail through the historic rooms, hands-on crafts, and two special evening stargazing sessions.
It’s an easy trip from Northamptonshire, so it works whether you want a quick “get us out of the house” plan… or a full day adventure.
What’s on at Stowe House this February half term?
Chinese New Year Trail & Family Crafts (Daytime)
During half term you can follow a Chinese New Year Zodiac Trail inside the House — little ones can hunt for all twelve zodiac animals as they explore the rooms.
There are also drop-in craft stations running through the day, including:
- Chinese calligraphy (learn how to write the character for “horse”)
- Make-your-own fortune cookie craft (with a message inside!)
- Colouring station for younger children
Pocket Hug Workshop (drop-in): On 18 February (11am–3pm), families can create a small handmade “pocket hug” keepsake to gift to someone special.
Dates: 14–22 February 2026
Time: 10:30am–4:30pm
Cost: Activities are free with House admission (and kids go free with a paying adult).
See more February Half Term Events in Northants here!
Stars at Stowe Stargazing (Evening event)
If you’ve got space for an evening plan (and kids who can manage a later bedtime), Stars at Stowe is a special stargazing experience with UK Astronomy.
The evening includes:
- A family-friendly talk about the solar system
- Guided stargazing from the South Front
- Shared telescopes (and you can bring binoculars or your own telescope too)
- Light refreshments included
Dates: 17–18 February 2026
Time: 6:00pm–9:00pm
Tickets: From £12.50–£18.50 (booking essential)
Prices & booking (what to expect)
Stowe House admission is:
- £9.50 adult
- £7.50 adult (National Trust member rate)
- Children under 16 go free with a paying adult
For the stargazing evenings, tickets are separate from daytime admission and numbers are limited — so if you fancy it, book sooner rather than later.
Is it pram-friendly / good for little ones?
Yes — and it’s one of the reasons this works well for mixed ages.
Stowe House highlights for families include:
- Baby changing facilities
- A café for snacks and drinks
- Lift access for pushchairs
- Dress-up and interactive play in the museum
- Picnic tables and lawn space outside the visitor centre
Top tip for “little legs”: If you pre-book your admission, you can arrange parking closer to the House via a separate entrance (handy if you don’t want a long walk through the gardens first).
How far is it from Northamptonshire?
Stowe House is in Buckingham (Buckinghamshire) and is very doable as a day trip from across Northants.
As a rough guide:
- Around 30 minutes from Northampton
- About 15 minutes from Towcester / Brackley
- Around 55 minutes from Kettering
A simple family plan (if you want to make a full day of it)
Morning: Chinese New Year trail + crafts inside (warm, easy win)
Lunch: Café snack stop or picnic if the weather behaves
Afternoon: Let the kids burn energy outside (space to run = happier drive home)
Optional evening: Return (or stay local) for Stars at Stowe stargazing
What to bring (so it’s actually enjoyable)
A layer you can add/remove (it’s warm inside, chilly outside)
Comfy shoes for exploring the House (and any outdoor wandering)
For stargazing: wrap up warm, proper footwear, and binoculars if you have them
Quick FAQs
Do I need to book?
For daytime entry, pre-booking is recommended (and helps if you want closer parking). For stargazing, booking is essential.
Are the Chinese New Year activities included in the ticket price?
Yes — the trail and crafts are included with House admission.
Is it suitable for toddlers?
Yes. There are easy “dip in and out” craft stations, plus lots of visual exploring with the zodiac trail.
Can we do both daytime activities and stargazing?
Yes — they’re separate experiences. Many families will do daytime in one visit and come back for stargazing another evening.
Where is it?
Stowe House is in Buckingham (Buckinghamshire), an easy drive from many Northamptonshire towns.
