The clocks have sprung forward, the daffs are blooming, spring is truly upon us. Easter, a significant date in the Christian calendar celebrating Jesus' resurrection from the dead, falls on 9th April 2023. For many families, the Easter holidays and first bank holiday weekend of the year will be a welcome break from school and work life.
But this time off school presents another issue for parents and families... keeping the kids entertained! So we've scoured the country for the best Easter activities, from egg hunts to fun days out.
National Trust will be running their usual Easter trails from 1st April until 16th April across hundreds of their properties up and down the country. Some properties will also be running additional activities and workshops so check what's on at your nearest NT property. Before you set off on your hunt, your little ones will receive a trail sheet and be given the option between chocolate eggs or Free From/vegan alternatives.
Dates: 1st-16th April
Cost: Free entrance plus £3 for members / Property admission plus £3 for non-members / Free for new members (see offer details at nationaltrust.org.uk)
Find out more at National Trust
RHS Gardens are hosting 'The Giant Easter Egg Hunt' at five of their gardens across England - RHS Bridgewater; RHS Harlow Carr; RHS Hyde Hall; RHS Rosemoor and RHS Wisley. From 1 April, explorers of all ages can search the gardens to find the giant eggs designed by local families and schoolchildren. You'll be rewarded with tasty chocolate eggs (Free From and vegan alternatives also available). Other family fun activities,
storytelling and more will also be on offer.
Dates: 1st-16th April
Cost: Free for members / Garden admission with activities included for non-members
York’s Chocolate Story, Yorkshire is putting on an incredible masterclass for those aged over six. Learn the secrets of chocolate making from York's master chocolatiers and indulge in decadent truffles, stylish chocolate eggs and sip on luxury hot chocolate. It's also worth checking out York's Chocolate Festival which runs 5th-9th April, celebrating the city's sweet heritage, local makers and plenty of tasters!
Dates: 3rd-9th April
Cost: £25 per person
Find out more at York Chocolate Story
Tatton Park, Manchester It's lambing week at Tatton Park and they're throwing open their gates this easter! Get a glimpse at the first lambs of the season, join the Tiger Who Came to Tea on an Easter egg hunt around the gardens, browse the stable yard Easter market and join in on free craft sessions.
Dates: 1st-16th April (some activities only run on selected dates, check before visiting)
Cost: Varies depending on activity. General admission from £6 for child, £8 for adult
Cadbury World, Birmingham This one is for the true chocolate lovers. Cadbury are putting on an egg-stra special Easter this year with an epic Easter egg hunt, live shows and competitions at its magical chocolate factory in Bourneville.
Dates: 7th-10th April
Cost: Included in entry ticket (from £18.95 for adult)
Find out more at Cadbury World
Hever Castle, Kent Fancy an Easter day out in the Garden of England? Hever Castle has got you covered. Once home to two of Henry VIII's wives - a young Anne Boleyn and later, Anne of Cleves, Hever is serving up some super family fun this easter break, alongside its usual attractions.
Dates: 1st-16th April (some activities only run on selected dates, check before visiting)
Cost: Included in general admission price (from £20.80 for adult) unless otherwise stated
The Passion of Jesus, London Join hundreds of spectators in the iconic Trafalgar Square to watch the spectacular free performance of the Passion of Jesus - a moving and powerful portrayal of the final days of Christ.
Be aware: there is a realistic interpretation of the crucifixion so parental guidance is advised. This is an open-air performance so prepare for any weather eventualities.
Dates: 7th April. Performances at 12pm and 3.15pm
Cost: Free, no tickets required
Find out more at Wintershall Performances
Looe Easter Beach Clean, Cornwall Looking for something a little different? Join Looe Marine Conservation Group on 8th April for a spring beach clean. British households throw away about 100 billion pieces of plastic packaging a year and our throw-away habits can sadly be seen when visiting many beaches across the country. So let's clean up our act and our beaches, and bring along the little ones to help out!
Dates: 8th April, 2pm - 3.30pm
Cost: Free, kit provided
Come back to Looe beach on 9th April to join the Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt. Bring your spades and get digging for chocolaty treasure! Suitable for those aged under six. Tickets cost £1 per child.
Easter Eggstravaganza at Traquair House, Scotland Hosting the biggest Easter egg hunt in the Borders with over 5,000 mini eggs to be found, Traquair House invites you to scramble amongst Scotland's largest hedged maze and find as many hidden eggs as you can! Family fun, workshops and crafting sessions will also be held so you'll never be bored.
Dates: 9th April, 11am - 5pm
Cost: from £6 for adults, £5 for children
Find out more at Traquair House
Easter at the Ulster Folk Museum, Northern Ireland Experience Easter 1900s style! Learn what typical celebrations would have looked like in rural Ulster in the early 20th century, and which of these traditions are still alive today! Join in with traditional games and themed craft demonstrations, and transport yourself back to simpler times.
Dates: 8th-14th April
Cost: Included in general admission price (from £9.90 for adults, £6.05 for children)
Find out more at Ulster Folk Museum
With over 1,000 kid-friendly sites across Europe, from small family-run sites to all-singing, all-dancing complexes, we've got you covered this easter holiday and beyond.
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Ben Tully
Visual Design & Content Creation
Ben deals with all things design, working on the visual design of our annual guides, Destinations magazine, information leaflets, social media and email campaigns, and much more across the Alan Rogers, Rallies and Worldwide brands. He also produces written content for our blogs alongside our other contributors.
