by Victoria Pollitt | Nov 1, 2020 | UK days out
Make your Easter an egg-stremely good one with Visit England
The last year may have been very different for families but children can still have an egg-citing time this Easter.
Visit England has put together a guide including lots of local events to actually attend and online activities.
The list includes Easter eggs hunts, walks, bake-off competitions and virtual campfires.
First up, here is Visit England’s selection of online events that everyone can take part in from the comfort of their own homes.
After that, we will look at local events across the country which you can attend.
Part 1: Virtual Events
Virtual Children’s Chocolate Bake Off
April 6
For budding bakers, The Farm Cookery School in Chippenham, Wiltshire will run a virtual Brownies and Chocolate Nests masterclass and competition.
There are classes for under 7s, 7-10s and 11-16s which will run from 10 – 11am with judging and winners announced at 3pm.
Prices from £10 per device/household.
www.thefarmcookeryschool.co.uk/shop/virtual-2021/virtual-holiday-clubs/virtual-21-chocolate-bake-off-tuesday-6th-april-10am-11am/
Cosy up to a virtual campfire
Easter Monday April 5
Dabble in crafts and sing along with the Girlguiding’s online Spring Social, bringing the magic and excitement of camp to families at home over the Easter holidays.
Be sure to have hot chocolate and Easter eggs at the ready.
www.girlguiding.org.uk/what-we-do/events-and-opportunities/event-and-opportunity-finder/
The Bowes Museum Virtual Family Fun Day
April 10 (register by April 1)
Join guides at different locations aronud the museum to discover the love story of its founders.
A craft pack will be delivered to you with items to create a theatre with characters connected to the museum.
A range of other online Easter activities are available on the museum website.
Locals can visit the Spring trails with guided prebookable outdoor tours available from March 29.
The prices are £3 per person for a Virtual Family Fun Day craft pack and £3 per person for outdoor guided tour.
www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk/
Jane Austen’s House Virtual tour live
April 3, 15 and 24
Join expert guides for a new virtual tour of Jane Austen’s House in Hampshire from the comfort of your home.
A Jane Austen expert will guide you around the house and outbuilding with lots of opportunities to chat and ask questions.
£5 per person.
www.janeaustens.house/
Part 2: Local Easter events, from traditional egg hunts to energetic outings and perfect picnics
Kentwell Hall, Long Melford, Suffolk
Eastertide family walks and trails with friendly activities and acres of gardens and woodland to explore.
Take up the challenge to find the huge wooden eggs hidden around the walk and to ‘scramble’ the clues to ‘crack’ the code they reveal.
From £13.50 to £17.95 (under 4s free).
www.kentwell.co.uk/events/eastertide
Canoe Easter Egg Hunt, New Forest
April 2 to 11
Paddle along the waters of Beaulieu River in Canadian-style canoes, before disembarking for an Easter egg hunt with a twist.
Hidden hidden chocolate eggs are scattered along the riverside.
Adults £34.00 and children £25 (16 years and under).
www.newforestactivities.co.uk/activities/canoeing-easter-egg-hunt/
English Heritage, various sites
English Heritage will welcome visitors back to more of its historic sites from March 29.
All sites scheduled to open enjoy large outdoor spaces, such as historic gardens, extensive grounds and even a battlefield.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/
National Trust Easter Excitement, nationwide
Available from March 29
Easter adventures await in many National Trust locations across the country from Easter Trails to Easter egg hunts.
Bookings and activities for local residents only. Advance bookings required.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/join-the-easter-egg-hunts
Sewerby Hall and Gardens, Yorkshire
Sewerby Hall and Gardens in Yorkshire will reopen the gardens, cafe (takeaway-only, no seating available), play area and toilets from March 27.
Adults £3.80, children £2.70.
www.sewerbyhall.co.uk/coronavirus/
Commandery Gardens, Worcester
From April 2 – 18 (excluding Monday, April 12)
The gardens will open free for local residents seeking a breath of fresh air, a walk and a coffee at Easter.
There will also be a free Family Fun Fitness Trail available in the gardens with exciting tasks to complete for budding explorers.
And there will be a Lotrail happening on Fort Royal Hill organised by Friends of Fort Royal Park.
www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk
Bamburgh Castle (grounds only), Northumberland
From March 29
Discover Northumberland’s stunning coast from the grounds of Bamburgh Castle, witness outstanding sea views and explore nine acres of Northumberland with a history dating back thousands of years.
£6 per adult, pre-booking required.
www.bamburghcastle.com
Bolton Castle Gardens, Yorkshire
Available from March 29
Visit the country gardens, including the maze and vineyard. Enjoy superb views of Bolton Castle and the glorious Wensleydale valley.
Falconry displays will recommence from 12 April. Pre-booking recommended.
www.boltoncastle.co.uk/
Raby Castle Easter Trail, County Durham
The park and gardens burst into life in the spring and there is plenty for families to discover in the acres of parkland.
This Easter the castle has a brand new trail for families where you can keep an eye out for the wildlife that calls Raby home.
There are ducks and swans on the lake along with red and fallow deer in the park.
https://www.raby.co.uk/events/easter-trail/
High Force Waterfall, Barnard Castle
Open daily from March 27 to April 11
The Woodland Walk to High Force Waterfall – one of England’s most spectacular waterfalls – is home to a huge variety of birds, insects and animals. The trail is open daily from 10am and is included in the admission ticket to the waterfall.
Newby Hall, Harrogate
Opening from April 1
The stunning gardens and extensive adventure playground at Newby Hall will reopen just in time for the Easter holidays.
This year they are starting the season with an enchanted wood family trail in the magical woodland walk.
www.newbyhall.com
The Arundell Lakeside Easter Egg Trail & Picnic Lunch, Devon
Easter Saturday April 3
Collect your picnic lunch from The Arundell Deli and walk down to the Arundell Lake in Tinhay for the Easter Egg Trail.
Picnic by the lake, follow the trail of clues and walk back to the deli to collect Easter prizes.
From £15 per adult, £10 children (includes picnic lunch and entry for the Easter Egg trail).
www.thearundell.com/
Easter Picnics at Weston Park, Staffordshire
Available: April 2 – 5
This Easter, Weston Park has a real treat – picnics in the park. Pre-book your picnic, pick it up as you head into the park and settle in for an Easter themed hamper of delights, with plenty of beautiful spots to enjoy, overlooking Temple Pool, by the Deer Park or on the lawns at the front of the house.
Visitors must also pre-book tickets into the estate separately.
From £20 for two – £56 for six people – limited number of picnics available each day, pre-booking required.
www.weston-park.com/event/picnic-tickets/
Picnics at Rufford Abbey from Josephine’s Tea Room, Nottinghamshire
Grab a picnic from Josephine’s Tea Room and take it to Rufford Abbey, a former 12th century Cistercian Monastery and country house.
Take a stroll around the lake, check out the gardens and then find your perfect picnic spot on the large grass area at the side of the magnificent abbey.
From £27 per box, suitable for two.
www.josephinesnottingham.co.uk/ //
www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/things-to-do/rufford-abbey-country-park-p355911
Energetic Easter Experiences for the family, Durham
Easter weekend opening: April 2 – 5
For a more energetic Easter experience for the family, head to Weardale Adventure Centre, with canoeing, rock climbing, archery, and caving.
www.thisisdurham.com/whats-on/easter-weekend-weardale-adventure-centre-p1067431
The Outdoor City SUP (Standup-paddleboarding) Experience, Sheffield
From April 3
For another energetic ways to burn off the Easter eggs, take to Sheffield’s historic Victoria Quays waters for standup-paddleboarding.
After a quick introduction (and once you’ve cracked standing up) set off on a short journey along the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal.
£40 per person
www.dcoutdoors.co.uk/off-the-shelf-adventures
Day Boat Hire with Drifters, various locations
Available from March 29
Drifters day boats will be available to hire to single households to explore England’s network of inland waterways from various boat yards across England.
Full tuition is included so those new to narrowboating can get the hang of steering, mooring up and working the locks.
Pricing from £99 (per boat), day boat hire from £10.00.
www.drifters.co.uk/day-boats/ https://www.drifters.co.uk/enjoy-a-day-out-boating-this-spring-on-your-local-canal/
The Wave, Bristol
Available from March 29
An inland surf destination where everyone can surf on consistent, safe waves all year round. The Wave will be running surf sessions, rolling a fantastic variety of waves to suit all levels of surfer, from beginner to expert.
www.thewave.com/
Egg-straordinary Eggcups at Eastnor Pottery, Ledbury
Making egg cups at Eastnor Pottery, Ledbury
April 13 and 14
Take the family for a day of clay modelling to create their very own eggcup.
£20 per person
www.eastnorpottery.co.uk/2021/03/10/easter-themed-pottery-fun-for-families-eggstraordinary-egg-cups/
Hidden Tracks Cycling Tours, London
From March 29
Join a cyclist expert guide for off-road rides both around the city and out of London.
Hidden Tracks Cycling takes groups of up to 10 people. Most rides last between four and a half to five hours.
The cost is from £40.
www.hiddentrackscycling.co.uk
Exmoor Explorer Walks, Exmoor
Launching April 12
A series of 10 short walks showcasing the best landscapes, wildlife and history Exmoor has to offer.
Each route is easy to follow, with relatively gentle terrain and range from taking less than an hour to about two and a half hours for the longest.
Waterproof route guide will be available from Exmoor National Park Centres or from the online shop.
www.exmoorwalks.org/explorers
Easter Breakout, Bristol
April 14 and 15
The Parking Lot Social’s Easter Breakout event offers a variety of entertainment.
There will be an Easter pantomime, family movie, interactive Social Kids party and some live comedy.
Ticket prices vary by event.
www.visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/the-parking-lot-social-at-bristol-airport-p2897253
*Always check individual websites and government guidance first.
by Victoria Pollitt | Feb 27, 2020 | Top Story, UK days out
The best Easter 2020 entertainment from egg hunt to lambing activities, walks and spring festivals
Spring is a great time for family fun and adventures and getting outside with your children.
Here are our pick of the best Easter activities planned around the South East of England.
Buckinghamshire
Waddesdon Manor is having a Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt from April 4 to 13.
Discover fun facts about nature and new parts of the gardens while taking part in an egg hunt around the grounds. Children £3, grounds admission applies.
Children can also enjoy an Easter petting farm at the manor which runs from April 15 to 19.
Get up close and personal with new furry, hairy or feathered friends this Easter, as animals return to Waddesdon’s stable yard. Free with grounds admission.
Dorset
Farmer Palmer’s, just outside Poole, is planning family-friendly Easter-themed activities.
The Easter fun includes hands-on experiences with the animals that populate the farm and an Eggstravaganza featuring hundreds of chocolate eggs over the weekend (April 10 to 13).
Entry from £12.50, children aged two are £5.50 and children under two are free. For more information go to the website.
East Sussex
The annual Marbles Match and Easter Bonnet Parade takes place in the imposing shadow of Battle Abbey, site of the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
The marbles match
Visitors will be able to watch local teams lose their marbles in a traditional competition dating back to 1945. It starts at 10am on Good Friday, April 10.
Spectators of all ages will also be able to give marbles a try or take part in the Easter Bonnet competition. For more information go to the website.
Hampshire
Visit Gambledown Farm where in Spring, lambs are bottle fed, bluebells and daffodils are out and children can see baby chicks.
If you are looking for a family Easter break, the farm offers barn stays and glamping set in 270 acres of Hampshire countryside, go to the website for more information.
Chicks at Gambledown Farm
Gilbert White’s House Garden Bird Easter Egg Hunt runs from April 4 to 19. Children can hunt for painted eggs in the gardens and meadow, which are all based on the eggs of the birds which nest in the grounds. Find them all and claim a chocolate egg.
The cost is £3 in addition to the general admission price, adult £12, child under 16 £5, for more information go to the website.
Gilbert White’s House
There will be an Easter Sunday Cruise and Egg Hunt on the John Pinkerton II canal boat on the Basingstoke Canal through beautiful Hampshire countryside on April 12.
Take a leisurely afternoon cruise to King John’s Castle where children can search out their Easter eggs. All trips are crewed by trained volunteer members of the Basingstoke Canal Society, a charity dedicated to safeguarding the canal. All proceeds are used to maintain the canal for the future. It is a two-and-a-half hour return trip.
The price is adults £12, children £6. Book online here.
The John Pinkerton II canal boat
Jane Austen’s House Museum is arranging some family-friendly activities. There will be an Easter egg trail, family walks and a Young People’s Writing Workshop. Booking is required for the workshop (April 4 to 19) and walks (April 8 and 15), go to the website.
Meet Bobtail Bunny and forest friends Betty Bunny, Hennie the Hedgehog and Red the Deer at Paultons Park from April 4 to 19, go to the website.
Easter at Paultons Park
Butser Ancient Farm will be celebrating the ancient festival of Eostre and the goddess of Spring. Visitors will be able to meet the Saxons from Herigead Hundas with demonstrations, traditional crafts, cooking and DIY archaeology experiments. There will also be mini-mosaic making, wattling and more.
And Butser’s Roman IX Legion will be in residence in the Roman village with fighting and marching demonstrations, archery, Roman cooking, crafts and more.
It runs from April 10 to 13, prices are from £9 for adults and children aged three to 16 are £5. Go to the website for more information.
Kent
There will be Easter fun at Hever Castle from April 2 to 19 April.
Children can hunt for colourful carrots and bunnies in a free Easter trail in the castle or take part in two free Easter egg hunts in the grounds at 11am and 3pm.
They can also create an egg-shaped decoration to hang on the Easter tree in a free craft activity.
Admission prices, castle and gardens: adults £18.80, children aged five to 15 £10.70 and under-5s free. See the website for more information.
Easter at Hever Castle
Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells is having Easter activities from April 10 to 13 April.
Spot all the Easter bunnies alongside the railway between Tunbridge Wells and Eridge. A chocolate egg will be available (whilst stocks last) for all children taking part.
Resident steam engine ‘Ugly’ will be in action each day and standard fares apply.
Adult tickers are £10, children aged two to 15 are £5 and a family ticket for unlimited travel on the day is £28.00 when booked online in advance here.
West Sussex
Easter sees the return of the Worthing Observation Wheel. Standing at a height of 46 metres, the WOW is the tallest wheel on the south coast offering views of up to 10 miles across the South Downs and along the coast. See here for information.
Whatever you do, have a fantastic time!
by Victoria Pollitt | Apr 2, 2019 | News
Inspiration to keep your children entertained this Easter – read our pick of the best family events around the country
Cheshire
Search for the lost words of childhood at Lyme Park in Cheshire, the National Trust site famous for being the place where the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice adaptation was filmed.
The Lost Words trail offers families the chance to help reclaim words like bramble and conker which have disappeared from the dictionary in favour of chatroom and broadband. Words are hidden all around the expansive gardens. You can collect your Lost Words booklet from the ticket office for £2.50.
London
Probably the highest Easter egg hunt in the country will be at The View from The Shard in London.
From April 6 to 22, visitors will be able to search for six giant Easter eggs placed in key parts of the capital’s skyline. The children’s task is to mark their findings on a worksheet with facts and stats on some of these historical London sites.
There are also family friendly games, Easter-themed entertainment and regular visits from the Easter Bunny.
Family tickets are available from £50 for two adults and two children.
Cornwall
Cornwall’s popular Eden Project has an Easter of farming-themed activities.
Down at the Farm will run from April 6 to 25 highlighting the importance of soil, crops and agriculture.
There are two trails for visitors to follow as well as The Great Eden Egg Hunt which sees dozens of patterned eggs hidden throughout the site.
Plus there will be wellie wanging and Eden storytellers.
Children will be given a card when they arrive to collect stamps during their day, which can be exchanged for a treat.
Yorkshire
There is a pirate-themed treasure trail egg hunt around Lightwater Valley in North Yorkshire over the Easter weekend, April 19 to 22.
Pirate egg hunts at Lightwater Valley
Children can follow clues on a treasure map to find letters around the park in order to spell out a word and collect a chocolate prize.
There will be pirate-themed face painting and an Outer Space-themed puppet show, with two shows a day throughout the holidays from Saturday, April 6 to Sunday, April 28.
Riggmoor Farm will be at the park throughout the school holidays giving visitors the chance to meet lambs, calves, donkeys, an alpaca, rabbits, chicks and chickens and pygmy goats.
Windsor
There are two new rides opening this Easter at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort. From April 13, Lord Vampyre’s Haunted House takes visitors to a banquet table which comes to life and turns the room upside down.
There is also the new LEGO MOVIE 2 Experience to see. Visitors can explore a movie set similar to the one used in the film and see Emmet, Wyldstyle and friends in their hometown of Apocalypseburg.
Kent
Chiddingstone Castle in Kent has a Funny Bunny Easter Hunt. Pick up a clue sheet to help find all the Easter bunnies which have been hidden around the castle grounds (April 14 to 17 and April 21 to 24). The clue sheets will be available from the front desk for £2.
Portsmouth
If you fancy a spectacular view this Easter you can head up the Emirates Spinnaker Tower at Portsmouth waterfront city throughout the school holidays. Bing and Flop from CBeebies will be making an appearance on April 13 and 20. There are meet and greet sessions at hourly intervals through the day, which are included in the standard admission prices.
Surrey
One of the biggest RHS Gardens at Wisley has a busy Easter programme including face painters, storytellers, a puppet show and a spring trail to discover the garden’s hidden displays. The garden is open from 10am (9am at weekends) to 6pm and the events are included in normal garden admission (April 5 to 22, 10.30am to 4.30pm).
Bristol
There are plenty of events around the Bristol area.
You can experience the sights, sounds and smells of a Victorian metalworking at SS Great Britain’s Kingdom for its Forge Easter event from April 12 to 22.
At Berkeley Castle, there’s a traditional Easter bunny and egg trail, as well as a Dragon extravaganza over the Bank Holiday weekend.
You can decorate Easter baskets and hanging decorations at Somerset Rural Life Museum’s Family Fun Day on April 18.
Cheddar Gorge & Caves is hosting an Easter trail underground where children can hunt for glow in the dark eggs, from April 6 to 22.
Glow in the dark eggs at Cheddar Gorge
And free chocolate is on offer for every child who visits Avon Valley Railway this Easter, to mark the return of the old Fry’s chocolate factory steam locomotive between April 19 and 22.
National Trust sites across the country
The National Trust is hosting their annual Cadbury Easter Egg hunts at over 260 sites around the country. These popular trails for children end with a chocolate treat. The trails cost between £2 and £4.50 per child on top of National Trust entry. For more information, see our full story Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts 2019.
Which events do you recommend this Easter? Let us know in the comments below!
by Victoria Pollitt | Apr 1, 2019 | News
The popular Cadbury Easter Egg hunts will be held at over 260 National Trust sites for 2019
What are they?
The National Trust/Cadbury Easter egg hunts take place every year and prove really popular with young children and families (us included).
This year (2019) there will be trails at over 260 National Trust sites around the country.
The children are usually given a map and follow a trail around the grounds or through an historic house.
At some sites they may have to find letters to fill in on their sheet and solve an anagram, other times they have to find bunnies or eggs or answer clues – we sometimes attend two or three over Easter and each is different (yes we love them that much)!
The trust links up with Cadbury to provide chocolate prizes at the end of the hunts.
When is it?
Most hunts only run on the Easter weekend (April 19-22) from Good Friday to Easter Monday. At some larger sites, the hunts are on throughout the Easter holidays. If you are going outside of the Easter weekend then check in advance that a hunt is on via the website.
How much does it cost?
If you are a National Trust member, the sites are free to enter. Each Easter egg hunt does cost extra, usually between £2 and £5.50 per child.
Non-National Trust members must pay the admission price plus the egg hunt cost on top.
If you aren’t a member, choose a smaller site to do your hunt as it will be cheaper to get in.
What do you get?
All hunts end with a chocolate-based prize. This is usually a medium-sized Cadbury Easter egg or chocolate bunny, sometimes the children can select their prize from a box or pack.
When is the best time to go?
It is the busiest time of the year for many National Trust places so these sites get very busy if the weather is dry.
The best time to go is as soon as the sites open (usually between 10am and 11am). Alternatively consider going at the end of the day (last hunt times are usually 4pm) but be warned it has been known for sites to run out of eggs as prizes.
Can I park?
Unless you arrive early or late in the day, be prepared to queue to park your car or to park outside the grounds and walk. Consider a public transport alternative if there is one available.
What are the options?
With 260 places around the UK, there will be something fairly near to everyone. Below is a selection of the places available.
London
Nine locations including Osterley Park and house. Hunt costs differ at each site from £2 to £4.50.
Example hunt: Fenton Gardens. The closest site to central London where the trail goes through a sunken garden, ancient orchard and across lawns. Timed tickets on entry which are issued from 11am. Cost £3.
Birmingham
Nine locations within 20 miles of Birmingham.
Example hunt: Moseley Old Hall in Wolverhampton. You must complete a nature trail to find all the missing pieces and claim a prize. Cost £2.50
Manchester
Nine sites within 30 miles of the city. Hunts cost £2.50 to £4 per child.
Example hunt: Biddulph Grange Garden. Follow a trail through tunnels, around hedges and along woodland paths to find the clues. Cost £2.50. The car park gets full fairly quickly.
Leeds
Six sites within less than 30 miles.
Example hunt: Fountains Abbey, North Yorkshire. Find all the giant eggs, nests and feathers on the bird detective family trail to claim your chocolate treat. Costs £2.50
Bristol
Four sites within 30 miles of Bristol.
Example hunt: Prior Park Landscape Garden, Somerset. Follow a trail around the garden to find a bird with their nests to receive a prize at the end. Cost £2.50.
Glasgow
Four sites within 10 miles of the city centre.
Example hunt: Greenbank Garden. Follow a bunny’s clues and complete an adventure to win a chocolatey prize. Cost £2.
Cardiff
Two sites close to the city with four more between 40 and 50 miles away.
Example hunt: Tredegar House. Staff have hidden different types of eggs around the garden and visitors need to find them and work out who they belong to Cost £2.50.
Newcastle
Six sites within 20 miles of the city.
Example hunt: Washington Old Hall has a garden nature trail with clues to solve for visitors. Cost £2.50
Norwich
Nine sites around Norfolk and Suffolk to explore with hunts and prizes.
Example hunt: The theme this year is the butterflies and moths found at the estate. The hunt takes place around the springtime garden. Cost £2.50.
Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt extra information
Where is your favourite site for an Easter Egg hunt?
by Victoria Pollitt | Mar 5, 2019 | News, Top Story
What would your children like to do this Easter? Make plans with these ideas from English Heritage.
English Heritage has unveiled a host of glorious treats for families to enjoy this Easter.
Children can hunt for dragon eggs at more than 20 sites, explore the forts of Hadrian’s Wall, stroll through blooming spring gardens and enjoy popular falconry events.
And Whitby Abbey – the place where the date of Easter was decided – reopens to the public in April, following a £1.6 million update.
Events include:
Easter Adventure Quest
Where: Over 20 sites around the country, including Audley End House and Gardens, Essex; Beeston Castle and Woodland Park, Cheshire; Walmer Castle and Gardens, Kent; and Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire. *Full list at the bottom of the article.
What: An Easter egg hunt with a difference – search for hidden dragon eggs at stunning historic sites around the country.
Crack the clues as you make your way along the trails, with a certificate, sticker and chocolate treat in store for victorious questers.
When: Saturday, April, 6 to Monday, April 22 (dates vary by property) .
Cost: £1 per child (in addition to standard admission prices).
An Easter quest with English Heritage
Wallpaper Tours
Where: Wrest Park, Bedfordshire.
What: Marvel at centuries-old art in the stunning wallpaper rooms of Wrest Park. Step into the French chateau-inspired house to take part in one of the exclusive tours. See the intricate, 18th-century hand-painted wallpaper of the Chinese Room, and the vibrant scenes of a mythical city in the French Room. Wrest Park’s knowledgeable volunteer guides will be on hand to share their fascinating histories.
When: Sunday April, 7.
Cost: £14.30 adult, £13.20 concessions, £9.80 child (advance booking recommended).
Spring Quest and Craft
Where: Kenwood, London.
What: Let the neoclassical villa Kenwood inspire your creativity as you take part in seasonal workshops exploring the house and gardens. Families can take part in different arts and crafts activities ranging from making animal masks through to creating your own seasonal treat boxes.
When: Tuesday, April 16 to Wednesday, April 17.
Cost: £2 per child.
Falconry
Where: Rievaulx Abbey, North Yorkshire.
What: Be awed by the skills of expert falconers as you wander the grounds of this medieval abbey. Discover the tales of priests, bishops and monks who broke their vows to go hawking and hear how the abbey’s coffers were boosted by hunting with birds of prey. Stop by the medieval-style hawk house to see some of them up close and quiz the falconers. See the birds in action at displays throughout the weekend which will show how hawks and falcons hunt in the air and on the ground.
Falconry at Rievaulx Abbey, North Yorkshire
When: Friday, April 19 to Monday, April 22.
Cost: £9.40 adult, £8.50 concessions, £5.60 child and £24.40 family.
St George’s Festival
Where: Wrest Park, Bedfordshire
What: At the country’s biggest St George’s Day celebration, you will experience an energetic retelling of the story of England. Bring all the family to Wrest Park for a weekend of shows, battle re-enactments, games and performances. See a medieval joust, cheeky jester, Roman display of infantry featuring two cavalry riders and take part in 2019 Second World War activities. There promises to be plenty to keep children entertained including have-a-go circus skills, Victorian games, junior jousting, a First World War obstacle course and interactive music workshops.
St George and the dragon
The highlight of the weekend is England’s most legendary battle – watch as the gallant St George takes on his fiery nemesis in the ultimate showdown. Wander Elizabethan and English Civil War encampments to see, smell and hear what life was like for people hundreds of years ago as Wrest Park celebrates England’s patron saint in one glorious weekend.
When: Saturday, April 27 to Sunday, April 28.
Cost: £18.50 adult, £16.70 concessions, £11.10 child, £48.10 family.
Events at Stonehenge over Easter
Moving and Raising a Stone
What: Join the Stonehenge team to help move and raise a four-tonne stone, similar to those used to build the stone circle. Using a hand-built sledge, and under expert supervision, visitors can experience for themselves just what it might have felt like to be involved in building Stonehenge. The experiment will run twice a day.
When: Friday, April 12 to Tuesday, April 16.
Flint Knapping and Bronze Casting
What: Craftsman James Dilley demonstrates the prehistoric skill of flint knapping – the core technology that may have helped our ancient ancestors to survive. James will also demonstrate bronze casting – a technique which shows what a huge step forward people took 3,000 years ago when they started working with bronze to create tools and valuable artefacts signifying wealth and status. Visitors will have the opportunity to craft their own ‘sun disk’ to take home.
When: Monday, April 22 to Thursday, April 25.
Fire and Life!
What: Neolithic bush craft expert Guy Hagg shares his Neolithic life-skills, from fire lighting and tool and weapon making using bone, antler and stone, to game preparation and early cooking methods. Families can have a go at preparing hazelnuts and acorns for food.
When: Friday, April 26 to Sunday, April 28.
Full list of Easter Adventure Quest locations
- 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield, East Sussex
- Audley End House and Gardens, Essex
- Framlingham Castle, Suffolk
- Osborne, Isle of Wight
- Wrest Park, Bedfordshire
- Beeston Castle and Woodland Park, Cheshire
- Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight
- Dover Castle, Kent
- Walmer Castle and Gardens, Kent
- Birdoswald Roman Fort, Cumbria
- Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, South Yorkshire
- Chesters Roman Fort and Museum, Northumberland
- Goodrich Castle, Herefordshire
- Old Sarum, Wiltshire
- Pendennis Castle, Cornwall
- Scarborough Castle, North Yorkshire
- Warkworth Castle and Hermitage, Northumberland
- Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire
- Eltham Palace and Gardens, London
- Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden, Warwickshire
- Witley Court and Gardens, Worcestershire
- Kenwood, London
- Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Northumberland
- Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
(Pictures credit: ©English Heritage)
