Easter events for families

Making Easter bonnets at Speke Hall, Liverpool

Spring is finally here, it’s the perfect time to get the whole family together to discover the sights, smells and sounds of the season. Whether you’re after things to do with the kids or somewhere to shelter from the April showers, there’s plenty to get stuck into over the 2020 Easter holidays.

Which places are open and what you need to know before you visit 

More than 100 gardens and parks and hundreds of coast and countryside places are open in England and Northern Ireland. Many historic houses are open in England. To avoid disappointment please book in advance, especially at weekends and school holidays. In line with Welsh Government legislation, all places in Wales will close from 24 October to 9 November. Please check the property webpage of the place you wish to visit before you travel. Read this article to find out how to book and what to expect from your visit.

How to book your visit
Children in the orchard at Ardress House, County Armagh, Northern Ireland

Spring into nature

Spot signs of spring on a nature trail at Stowe, Buckinghamshire, and find baby lambs to meet, delicate blossoms to delight in and chattering birds among the trees – just remember to pack your wellies. For the explorers among you, go orienteering at Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire, and explore some of the less seen parts of Kedleston. Or for the even more adventurous, at Sheringham Park, Norfolk, you can get closer to nature by building a waterproof shelter and navigating with a map and compass.

Visitors enjoying Easter activities at Belton House, Lincolnshire

Crack on with Easter crafts

At Lydford Gorge, Devon, you can create your own bunny face sculpture for your garden or home using local wood and basic hand tools. Decorate your own eggs at Ormesby Hall, near Middlesbrough, and also at Moseley Old Hall, Wolverhampton, with your own designs to get arty this Easter.

Visitors dressing up in Tudor outfits

Jump back in time

Need inspiration for things to do with kids? You can make history fun and dress up in Elizabethan costumes at Trerice, Cornwall, with replica dresses, ruffs and doublets to get into character. If you’d ever wondered what people from the past used for medicine, discover revolting Georgian remedies for illnesses using ingredients grown in the garden at Quebec House, Kent.