Dozens of National Trust gardens and countryside sites – including Avebury Manor, Colby Woodland Garden, Allan Bank and Box Hill – offer free Explorer Backpacks that children can borrow for the day to go looking for minibeasts, birds and wildlife.

The backpacks typically include things like binoculars, magnifying glasses, bug jars and spotter or bingo sheets, and are handed out free of charge from the garden gate or visitor welcome point with no need to book ahead.

Availability varies by property (some sites do charge a general admission fee unless you are a member, though many gardens and countryside spots are free to enter), so check the individual property’s page on the National Trust website before you go.