Enjoy the Easter break at home

The hundreds of historic houses, gardens, woodlands and parklands in our care are normally a magnet over Easter weekend, with thousands of visitors keen to see nature blossom and enjoy seasonal traditions. But our Director-General, Hilary McGrady has urged people to stay at home this Easter as part of the national collective effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus.  

'We know how sad our members and visitors are that they can’t travel to their favourite places to mark Easter and celebrate the arrival of spring this year, but our biggest priority has to be staying at home to help our NHS and keep ourselves and one another safe,' she says. 

'During the closure, we are still looking after the places people love, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming them back when it’s time.' 

Easter at home

We are launching a new rolling programme of online content for members and supporters. Starting from this week, and while social distancing measures continue, our website will feature free-to-access articles, podcasts, videos, tips and activities for all age groups. This will include the Great Easter Scavenger Hunt, which was created with our members and will encourage families and anyone who wants to take part to join in with a virtual challenge. 

Our social media channels will also join in the programme of home-based activities and content, with films, pictures and stories including some special seasonal recipes to try.

Our Head of Experiences & Programming, Jessica Monaghan, said: 'During these extraordinary times, while people can’t visit us, we want to take National Trust experiences to them. We’ll be working hard to share the best of the Trust with everyone, so that people can stay connected to nature and to their favourite places and have fun together.

'We have something for everyone – whether it’s our collections and houses you love and you want to enjoy them at home, or you’re looking for fun ways to connect online with friends and family of all age groups.

'We hope we can help everyone stay close to the nature, beauty and history that the Trust is here to look after. Our new activities are ones that everybody can do – whether that’s in their own front rooms or gardens – while sticking to the government guidelines.'