CHILDREN from Belsay First School visited their namesake hall, castle and gardens last Wednesday to get a sneak preview of activities for families throughout the summer.

The year three children, aged seven and eight, explored Belsay’s new temporary art exhibition Outside In and made their own garden- themed art.

They also went on a scavenger hunt for leaves, twigs and foliage from the beautiful gardens at Belsay.

Headteacher Lillian Harris said: “It is such an exciting place for them to explore and it’s great for them to see something new like the exhibition.

“They have loved getting their hands dirty and making art. I’m sure this sneak preview will inspire many of the children to come back with their family during the holidays.”

The exhibition, which includes work from notable landscape-inspired artist Halima Cassell, runs at Belsay until September.

The ‘Garden Explorers’ activities run through the school holidays.

During this time, visitors are encouraged to make their own garden art at Belsay, photograph it and upload it to Belsay Hall’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

All artworks will be entered into a competition to win a family hamper of goods and tickets to Belsay’s Bank Holiday event at the end of the summer.