Easter events for families

A child exploring the woodland and gardens at Blickling Estate, Norfolk

Over the Easter holidays we've got loads on to get everyone outside and exploring nature. From learning wild survival skills to helping feed new-born lambs, there are loads of family-friendly events going on at the special places we look after.

A little girl crouching down to look at daffodils and primroses

Spring nature trail at the Blickling Estate in Norfolk, 29 March – 15 April 

Help the kids let off some steam by taking them to a 55-acre playground in the heart of the Norfolk countryside. The team at the Blickling Estate have organised a series trails so that families can get the most out of being outdoors during the Easter holidays. Learn about nature, marvel at the first buds of spring and see if you can spot any birds building their nests. You can also enjoy sow-and-grow sessions in the walled garden and a family-friendly cycle trail.

Explore Blickling Estate this spring
50 Things Spring Castle Ward

Secret shore trail, Castle Ward, County Down, 24 March - 8 April 

Are you ready for a walk on the wild side? Castle Ward’s ‘Secret Shore’ trail is perfect for little ones who like their country strolls with a helping of adventure: scrambling over fallen trees in the woods, jumping into muddy puddles and seeking out the secret spots where animals make their homes.

Take a stroll around Castle Ward
Climbing trees at Colby Woodland Garden

Colby Woodland Garden, Pembrokeshire, 26 - 29 March & 3 - 16 April 

Head to Colby Woodland Garden and challenge yourself to the explorer trail. Walk through woodland and a wildflower meadow and look out for wildlife. Spring also brings carpets of bluebells, crocuses and daffodils to this magical site, also renowned for its rich industrial heritage.

Spot wildlife at Colby Woodland Garden
A view of Dyffryn House through the gardens.

Plant hunter expedition, Dyffryn Gardens, Vale of Glamorgan, 30 March- 15 April 

In the 19th century, bold explorers travelled the world in search of rare plants and seeds to bring back home. Plan an expedition from the comfort of Dyffryn’s opulent mansion or grab your boots and head outdoors for an adventure. Hunt for special species in our enormous gardens and traverse the brand new wild play area to gain your explorer status.

Explore Dyffryn gardens
Dark green fritillary male on thistle Heddon Valley

Spring nature trail at Heddon Valley, Devon, 30 March to 15 April 

How much do you know about the wildlife that hides among the cliffs and woodlands of the Heddon Valley? This Easter, ranger Dan has made a special trail that will lead you through twisting trees and among the bracken to find out about all the wild and wonderful animals that might be living here. From birds’ eggs and mammals to creepy crawlies, there’s so much to discover.

Discover nature at Heddon Valley
Boy with a net catching bugs in long grass at Newtown

Mini-beast safaris at Newtown National Nature Reserve, Isle of Wight, 4,6 & 11 April 

As well as being a peaceful wildlife haven, Newtown is also a great place for little explorers to have adventures. Wander together across flower-rich hay meadows, through ancient woodlands and along the harbour bobbing with sailing boats. This Easter they can even get up close to some of Newtown’s smallest residents: the creepy crawlies. Join our rangers with their moth traps, butterfly nets and bug pots to find and identify special insects that call this place home.

Take your little explorer to Newtown
Learn wild survival skills such as den building

Spring nature trail at Prior Park, Bath, 24-29 Mar & 3-8 April  

Spring has sprung at Prior Park, and there’s plenty to explore. Gambol through the fields, breathe in the scent of spring flowers and hear birds tweeting from their nests. There’ll even be a family-friendly trail to lead you all around the garden on the hunt for clues. If you can work out the password there will be a prize waiting for you at the end.

Explore Prior Park as a family
Muntjac at Sheringham park

Wild animal tracking at Sheringham Park, Norfolk, 3 April 

This Easter, take a walk off the beaten track at Sheringham Park to discover the signs animals leave behind, and match them to the correct wild creature. Learn to make plastercasts of footprints, spot signs of feeding on trees and shrubs, and even look out for animal poo.

Find out more about animal tracking at Sheringham Park
Spring lambs

Springtime events at Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire, 30 Mar – 15 April 

Spring has sprung at Shugborough, and there are plenty of adventurous activities to get stuck in to over the Easter holidays. Little adventurers can follow the special explorers map to find the best spots on the estate to try some of the 50 things to do before you’re 11¾, from climbing trees to seeing lambs born at the farm. The really adventurous can even have a go at canoeing on the River Sow.

Meet the lambs at Shugborough
Stoneywell daffodils

Coot Club Trail, Stoneywell, Leicestershire, 24 Mar – 8 Apr 

Explore Stoneywell’s garden and woodland on a new family trail based on the second book in the ‘Swallows and Amazons’ series. With a range of themed activities and crafts, kids can get closer to nature and experience the magic of the stories. This site, cared for by us, is a haven for wildlife so it’s perfect for a nature walk afterwards.

Get close to nature at Stoneywell
Wildlife hide at Wallington

Busy bees: build a new wildlife area, Wallington, Northumberland, 3 - 6 & 9 – 13 April 

Fancy giving something back to nature this springtime? The National Trust rangers at Wallington will be busy building a new wildlife-friendly area in the West Wood, and they’d love a bit of help. There will be opportunities for the whole family to get involved, from weaving willow branches for fences to crafting special bug hotels for creepy-crawly friends.

See new-born lambs at Wallington