Fun family things to do this Easter holiday

Nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth

When: 7-9 April

To celebrate its links with early astrologer and moon mapper Thomas Harriot, visitors to Petworth House are invited to dress in their wildest alien outfit and join an ‘Eggs in Space’ chocolate Easter trail around the Pleasure Grounds.  As well as the chocolate hunt, children can enjoy a planetarium show in an inflatable dome, plus create and launch their very own rocket.

Cost: The trail costs £5 per child, with admission to the Pleasure Grounds £4.50 per adult and £2.30 per child.
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Where: Petworth House, West Sussex, Nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth

When: 7-9 April

To celebrate its links with early astrologer and moon mapper Thomas Harriot, visitors to Petworth House are invited to dress in their wildest alien outfit and join an ‘Eggs in Space’ chocolate Easter trail around the Pleasure Grounds.  As well as the chocolate hunt, children can enjoy a planetarium show in an inflatable dome, plus create and launch their very own rocket.

Cost: The trail costs £5 per child, with admission to the Pleasure Grounds £4.50 per adult and £2.30 per child.
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Hop-skip-jump.com

When: From 5 April

Take part in one of the UK’s largest Easter Egg Hunts for a chance to win some great prizes. 110 ceramic eggs have been specially handcrafted to celebrate Peter Rabbit’s 110th birthday and the centenary year of ‘The Tale of Mr Tod’.  The distinctive eggs will be hidden across Cumbria with clues to help you in your search, but it is up to you to get out into the Lake District countryside and enjoy the challenge of finding them. They could be hidden in villages, gardens, by lakes or on the top of hills. Each ceramic egg is a limited edition prize in itself, but finders also get free entry in to The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction along with a special edition Beatrix Potter book. Ten lucky winners will receive top prizes including hotel stays. The Easter Egg map with clues is launched on Thursday 5 April at 10am at Hop-skip-jump.com

Cost: Free
 
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Where: Cumbria, Hop-skip-jump.com

When: From 5 April

Take part in one of the UK’s largest Easter Egg Hunts for a chance to win some great prizes. 110 ceramic eggs have been specially handcrafted to celebrate Peter Rabbit’s 110th birthday and the centenary year of ‘The Tale of Mr Tod’.  The distinctive eggs will be hidden across Cumbria with clues to help you in your search, but it is up to you to get out into the Lake District countryside and enjoy the challenge of finding them. They could be hidden in villages, gardens, by lakes or on the top of hills. Each ceramic egg is a limited edition prize in itself, but finders also get free entry in to The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction along with a special edition Beatrix Potter book. Ten lucky winners will receive top prizes including hotel stays. The Easter Egg map with clues is launched on Thursday 5 April at 10am at Hop-skip-jump.com

Cost: Free
 
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Nts.org.uk

When: 5 April, 6-7.30am

Join a crack of spring dawn walk through the gardens on the hunt for real, mad Easter hares. Later in the weekend on Sunday 8th April, visitors can follow the Easter egg trail, collect the clues, solve the puzzle and win a Cadbury Easter egg. There will also be face painting, games and plenty more going on through the grounds.

Cost: Entrance to the Garden & Country Park is £6.50 for adults, and £17.50 for a family ticket. Call 0844 4932152 for more details on event charges.
 
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Where:  Brodick Castle & Country Park, Isle of Arran, Nts.org.uk

When: 5 April, 6-7.30am

Join a crack of spring dawn walk through the gardens on the hunt for real, mad Easter hares. Later in the weekend on Sunday 8th April, visitors can follow the Easter egg trail, collect the clues, solve the puzzle and win a Cadbury Easter egg. There will also be face painting, games and plenty more going on through the grounds.

Cost: Entrance to the Garden & Country Park is £6.50 for adults, and £17.50 for a family ticket. Call 0844 4932152 for more details on event charges.
 
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Bodnantgarden.co.uk

When:  8 April 3pm-4.30pm

Come along and enjoy a mad tea party. You might see Alice and the dormouse too!

Cost: £6 for first child, £3 for second. Booking ahead essential.
 
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Where: Bodnant Garden, Conwy, Bodnantgarden.co.uk

When:  8 April 3pm-4.30pm

Come along and enjoy a mad tea party. You might see Alice and the dormouse too!

Cost: £6 for first child, £3 for second. Booking ahead essential.
 
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Lake-railway.co.uk

When: 6-10 April

Steam through the North Wales countryside spotting specially placed eggs amongst views of beautiful scenery. Jot down the letters on the eggs, as the message you discover can be exchanged for a chocolate egg each back at the station. Stop off en route to explore mining life at the National Slate Museum.

Cost:  Adult, £7.50, child, £4.50
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Where: Llanberis Lake Railway, North Wales, Lake-railway.co.uk

When: 6-10 April

Steam through the North Wales countryside spotting specially placed eggs amongst views of beautiful scenery. Jot down the letters on the eggs, as the message you discover can be exchanged for a chocolate egg each back at the station. Stop off en route to explore mining life at the National Slate Museum.

Cost:  Adult, £7.50, child, £4.50
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Ballet.org.uk

When: 3 April - 3 June

The ‘My First.” season of ballets brings your children their first taste of the magical world of ballet. Performed by ENB2, a new touring company featuring graduating dancers of outstanding potential from English National Ballet School and created with young attention spans in mind, the first ballet will be My First Sleeping Beauty. It brings alive an enchanted world of castles and curses, forests and fairies. Children are welcome to dress up as a ballerina, an evil fairy or a Prince and are encouraged to clap and cheer, boo the evil Carabosse, laugh and even try some ballet moves for themselves. The tour begins in London and ends in Manchester.

Cost: From £10
 
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Where: Various locations UK-wide including Birmingham Alexandra Theatre and The Grand Opera House, York, Ballet.org.uk

When: 3 April - 3 June

The ‘My First.” season of ballets brings your children their first taste of the magical world of ballet. Performed by ENB2, a new touring company featuring graduating dancers of outstanding potential from English National Ballet School and created with young attention spans in mind, the first ballet will be My First Sleeping Beauty. It brings alive an enchanted world of castles and curses, forests and fairies. Children are welcome to dress up as a ballerina, an evil fairy or a Prince and are encouraged to clap and cheer, boo the evil Carabosse, laugh and even try some ballet moves for themselves. The tour begins in London and ends in Manchester.

Cost: From £10
 
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Redhot-worldbuffet.com

When: Sunday 8 April

If you’re a family who can never agree where they want to go for a meal out (dad wants Indian, child number one wants Italian, child number two a burger whilst mum yearns for sophisticated modern European cuisine) then head to a Red Hot World Buffet restaurant. They offer up to 300 different dishes from all the cuisines above plus Japanese, Oriental, Mexican and more. What’s more, you can eat all you like - starters, mains and desserts  -  for a value set-price, and kids love watching the chefs cooking their dishes to order at the live cooking stations. For Easter Sunday, there’s a special Easter menu added to the mix, including delights such as herb-crushed lamb chops with garlic and black olive jus and choccie-inspired desserts like gnger white chocolate mousse in chocolate eggshells. You never know, with everything that’s on offer you might even get a fussy eater to try something new!

Cost: Prices differ in each restaurant but expect to pay around £10.99 for lunch and £13.99 for dinner. Children under 10 dine for half price.
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Where: Red Hot World Buffet restaurants, seven locations nationwide including Cardiff, Leeds Liverpool and Milton Keynes, Redhot-worldbuffet.com

When: Sunday 8 April

If you’re a family who can never agree where they want to go for a meal out (dad wants Indian, child number one wants Italian, child number two a burger whilst mum yearns for sophisticated modern European cuisine) then head to a Red Hot World Buffet restaurant. They offer up to 300 different dishes from all the cuisines above plus Japanese, Oriental, Mexican and more. What’s more, you can eat all you like - starters, mains and desserts  -  for a value set-price, and kids love watching the chefs cooking their dishes to order at the live cooking stations. For Easter Sunday, there’s a special Easter menu added to the mix, including delights such as herb-crushed lamb chops with garlic and black olive jus and choccie-inspired desserts like gnger white chocolate mousse in chocolate eggshells. You never know, with everything that’s on offer you might even get a fussy eater to try something new!

Cost: Prices differ in each restaurant but expect to pay around £10.99 for lunch and £13.99 for dinner. Children under 10 dine for half price.
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Oceanarium.co.uk

When: 31 March -15 April

'Eggs-tra' special events let you get up-close and discover more about the fascinating egg-laying residents here, including the Oceanarium’s new leopard geckos. Learn how different sharks lay their eggs with the chance to touch various egg cases (mermaid purses), and discover why the lobster carries the eggs on her under belly, along with other fascinating fishy facts. Watch the playful otters as they scramble to find their way into their healthy and yummy Easter egg treats everyday at 1pm.

Cost: Between 31st March and 15th April, save 25% when buying tickets online using the promotional code RN6A63986000 - a family of four can enjoy day entry for less than £20
 
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Where: Bournemouth Oceanarium, Oceanarium.co.uk

When: 31 March -15 April

'Eggs-tra' special events let you get up-close and discover more about the fascinating egg-laying residents here, including the Oceanarium’s new leopard geckos. Learn how different sharks lay their eggs with the chance to touch various egg cases (mermaid purses), and discover why the lobster carries the eggs on her under belly, along with other fascinating fishy facts. Watch the playful otters as they scramble to find their way into their healthy and yummy Easter egg treats everyday at 1pm.

Cost: Between 31st March and 15th April, save 25% when buying tickets online using the promotional code RN6A63986000 - a family of four can enjoy day entry for less than £20
 
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Familysupportwork.org.uk

When: April 9

What better way to burn off those ‘egg-stra’ calories than by joining in Sussex charity Family Support Work’s (FSW) Easter Walk? The seven-mile leisurely walk, now in its 24th year, runs in a circle, beginning in picturesque Alfriston village. Walkers are treated to stunning views of the Sussex Downs including the Long Man of Wilmington.  Cake and refreshments are provided on route (hurrah!) and it’s a great day out for all the family.

Cost: Free
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Where: Alfriston, East Sussex, Familysupportwork.org.uk

When: April 9

What better way to burn off those ‘egg-stra’ calories than by joining in Sussex charity Family Support Work’s (FSW) Easter Walk? The seven-mile leisurely walk, now in its 24th year, runs in a circle, beginning in picturesque Alfriston village. Walkers are treated to stunning views of the Sussex Downs including the Long Man of Wilmington.  Cake and refreshments are provided on route (hurrah!) and it’s a great day out for all the family.

Cost: Free
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Rarebreeds.org.uk

When: April 6-9

An Easter weekend of entertainment includes Pig Races, where kids can help keep the piggies on course. Muck in and help wash the pigs too. Meet and pet lambs and bunnies, and earn how to make fire, identify animal tracks and skulls and survive in the wild with Badger Bushcraft sessions. There are falconry displays and trailer rides too.

Cost: Adults, £9.95, children £8, family ticket (two adults and two children), £28.
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Where: The Rare Breeds Centre, Ashford, Kent, Rarebreeds.org.uk

When: April 6-9

An Easter weekend of entertainment includes Pig Races, where kids can help keep the piggies on course. Muck in and help wash the pigs too. Meet and pet lambs and bunnies, and earn how to make fire, identify animal tracks and skulls and survive in the wild with Badger Bushcraft sessions. There are falconry displays and trailer rides too.

Cost: Adults, £9.95, children £8, family ticket (two adults and two children), £28.
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Exchangeilford.com

When: 31 March and April 1st.

Spend over £30 at the centre and receive a free chocolate egg, which you can get decorated with intricate iced patterns and edible ornate gems, by professional Henna artist Farhana Ali. There are also decoration workshops where you can (try!) to emulate her icy wizadry!

Cost: Suggested donation of £2 to take part in a workshop, proceeds to Frenford Club Charity, that run educational and sports activities for children.
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Where: The Exchange Shopping Centre, Ilford, Exchangeilford.com

When: 31 March and April 1st.

Spend over £30 at the centre and receive a free chocolate egg, which you can get decorated with intricate iced patterns and edible ornate gems, by professional Henna artist Farhana Ali. There are also decoration workshops where you can (try!) to emulate her icy wizadry!

Cost: Suggested donation of £2 to take part in a workshop, proceeds to Frenford Club Charity, that run educational and sports activities for children.
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Ripleyslondon.com

When: 8 April

Top Capital attraction Ripley’s is offering visitors the chance to win free entry on Easter Sunday - but only if they survive a terrifying round of ‘Russian Roul-egg.’ The jokey (or should that be ‘yolky’?) challenge will see visitors asked to pick an egg at random from a box of six and smash it on their head. While five will be hard-boiled, one of the half-dozen will be raw. Anyone lucky enough to ‘survive’ by finding a cooked egg will win a free entry ticket to see thousands of weird and wonderful exhibits from around the world including real Dinosaur Eggs and a two headed lamb!

Cost: Adult, from £26.95, child, £21.95 including entry to the Mirror Maze and the brand new LaseRace.
 
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Where: Ripley’s Believe it or Not! London, Ripleyslondon.com

When: 8 April

Top Capital attraction Ripley’s is offering visitors the chance to win free entry on Easter Sunday - but only if they survive a terrifying round of ‘Russian Roul-egg.’ The jokey (or should that be ‘yolky’?) challenge will see visitors asked to pick an egg at random from a box of six and smash it on their head. While five will be hard-boiled, one of the half-dozen will be raw. Anyone lucky enough to ‘survive’ by finding a cooked egg will win a free entry ticket to see thousands of weird and wonderful exhibits from around the world including real Dinosaur Eggs and a two headed lamb!

Cost: Adult, from £26.95, child, £21.95 including entry to the Mirror Maze and the brand new LaseRace.
 
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Thenewartexchange.org.uk/events

When: 3 April, 10am - 1pm: 11 to 15yrs, 2pm - 5pm: 16 to 19yrs

Pixelated Power is a creative workshop led by graphic artist Honey Williams, which will explore pixelated art inspired by the work of artist Rashid Rana. This workshop is a chance to create colourful striking mosaic wall pieces, collage, decoupage and mirror image art. Using a mixture of block printing, paint, magazines, newspapers, and illustration it’s a chance for your teens to make a bold statement via their own unique artwork.

Cost: Free
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Where: The New Art Exchange, Nottingham, Thenewartexchange.org.uk/events

When: 3 April, 10am - 1pm: 11 to 15yrs, 2pm - 5pm: 16 to 19yrs

Pixelated Power is a creative workshop led by graphic artist Honey Williams, which will explore pixelated art inspired by the work of artist Rashid Rana. This workshop is a chance to create colourful striking mosaic wall pieces, collage, decoupage and mirror image art. Using a mixture of block printing, paint, magazines, newspapers, and illustration it’s a chance for your teens to make a bold statement via their own unique artwork.

Cost: Free
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Holkham.co.uk

When: April 7

Led by Julia Gant, food historian and cookery expert, and hosted in the Old Kitchen, this chocolaty day is filled with all things delicious. You’ll be guided through the process of truffle making, how to make choc mousse and confectionary and learn about chocolate wine (I must be dreaming..) the origins of our addiction to chocolate, and how chocolate turns from bean to treat. No experience is needed, simply a love of chocolate!

Cost: £40 per person to include morning coffee and a buffet lunch in the Stables Cafe. Booking essential: tel: 01328 713111
 
 
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Where: Holkham Hall, Norfolk, Holkham.co.uk

When: April 7

Led by Julia Gant, food historian and cookery expert, and hosted in the Old Kitchen, this chocolaty day is filled with all things delicious. You’ll be guided through the process of truffle making, how to make choc mousse and confectionary and learn about chocolate wine (I must be dreaming..) the origins of our addiction to chocolate, and how chocolate turns from bean to treat. No experience is needed, simply a love of chocolate!

Cost: £40 per person to include morning coffee and a buffet lunch in the Stables Cafe. Booking essential: tel: 01328 713111
 
 
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Dur.ac.uk/botanic.garden

When: 8 & 9 April

A nest full of Easter chicks have hatched and escaped! They are believed to be hiding in the botanic Garden. See how many you can spot!

Cost: Admission to the gardens, adult: £4, children, £1.50. For more info on this event contact botanic.garden@durham.ac.uk.
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Where: Botanic Garden. Durham University, Dur.ac.uk/botanic.garden

When: 8 & 9 April

A nest full of Easter chicks have hatched and escaped! They are believed to be hiding in the botanic Garden. See how many you can spot!

Cost: Admission to the gardens, adult: £4, children, £1.50. For more info on this event contact botanic.garden@durham.ac.uk.
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Londoneye.com

When: 6-9 April

Get busy decorating papier maché eggs and Easter animal masks. And join in the ultimate egg decorating egg-stravaganza too. Five giant white eggs will be installed on the London Eye’s landscape from 31st March to 15th April and you’ll be invited to take part in transforming them into egg-stravagant and colourful Easter eggs. Pick up your free multi-coloured stickers to fix onto the enormous eggs.

Cost: Adult, from £17, child, from £8.91. The arts and crafts activities are free with every child ticket.
 
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Where: London Eye, Londoneye.com

When: 6-9 April

Get busy decorating papier maché eggs and Easter animal masks. And join in the ultimate egg decorating egg-stravaganza too. Five giant white eggs will be installed on the London Eye’s landscape from 31st March to 15th April and you’ll be invited to take part in transforming them into egg-stravagant and colourful Easter eggs. Pick up your free multi-coloured stickers to fix onto the enormous eggs.

Cost: Adult, from £17, child, from £8.91. The arts and crafts activities are free with every child ticket.
 
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Gawthorpemaypole.org.uk

When: When: April 9

Join in the fun as men and women race three quarters of a mile through the village of Gawthorpe with sacks of coal on their back! Children run with little sacks of sand!

Cost: Entry to the race, £15 for men, £10 for ladies and £1 for children. Watching is free.

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Where: Gawthorpe, West Yorkshire, Gawthorpemaypole.org.uk

When: When: April 9

Join in the fun as men and women race three quarters of a mile through the village of Gawthorpe with sacks of coal on their back! Children run with little sacks of sand!

Cost: Entry to the race, £15 for men, £10 for ladies and £1 for children. Watching is free.

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Yorkssweetstory.com

When: Opening 31 March

Opening just in time for Easter, this delicious new visitor attraction tells the story of the world’s favourite chocs, including Kit Kat and Terry’s Chocolate Orange, taking you through the journey of how a Quaker named Mary Tuke made such an impact on the city’s people when she opened a grocery store in 1725 selling cocoa; how the production of sugared almonds in the French Almond Works in York influenced 1960s fashion; and how if it wasn’t for two men who sold cough lozenges and lemon and orange peel in 1767, Terry’s Chocolate Oranges and All Gold wouldn’t exist today.  Learn the fine art of chocolate tasting and the intricate processes that cocoa beans go through to become a chocolate bar.

Cost: Adults, £10 adults, children, £8
 
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Where: King’s Square, York, Yorkssweetstory.com

When: Opening 31 March

Opening just in time for Easter, this delicious new visitor attraction tells the story of the world’s favourite chocs, including Kit Kat and Terry’s Chocolate Orange, taking you through the journey of how a Quaker named Mary Tuke made such an impact on the city’s people when she opened a grocery store in 1725 selling cocoa; how the production of sugared almonds in the French Almond Works in York influenced 1960s fashion; and how if it wasn’t for two men who sold cough lozenges and lemon and orange peel in 1767, Terry’s Chocolate Oranges and All Gold wouldn’t exist today.  Learn the fine art of chocolate tasting and the intricate processes that cocoa beans go through to become a chocolate bar.

Cost: Adults, £10 adults, children, £8
 
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Facebook.com/LindtUK

When: 5-7 April

Look for LINDT Gold Bunnies and enjoy face painting and Easter bonnet making - all to celebrate the 60 years of the LINDT Gold Bunny being part of Easter tradition.

Cost: Free
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Where: Potters Field, London, Facebook.com/LindtUK

When: 5-7 April

Look for LINDT Gold Bunnies and enjoy face painting and Easter bonnet making - all to celebrate the 60 years of the LINDT Gold Bunny being part of Easter tradition.

Cost: Free
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Barmybritain.com

When: Throughout April

The world premiere dishes the dirt on life in Britain from our rotten Roman rulers to the terrible Tudors, slimy Stuarts, gorgeous Georgians, vile Victorians, right up to the frightful First World War.
Enjoy an episode of Roman Mankychef and find out how to impress your guests with roast dormouse; is it easier to lose your heart or head to horrible Henry? Will Parliament escape gunpowder Guy? Take a peek inside Georgian Crime School, dare to dance the Tyburn jig and find out what a baby farmer did.

Cost: From £10
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Where: Garrick Theatre, London, Barmybritain.com

When: Throughout April

The world premiere dishes the dirt on life in Britain from our rotten Roman rulers to the terrible Tudors, slimy Stuarts, gorgeous Georgians, vile Victorians, right up to the frightful First World War.
Enjoy an episode of Roman Mankychef and find out how to impress your guests with roast dormouse; is it easier to lose your heart or head to horrible Henry? Will Parliament escape gunpowder Guy? Take a peek inside Georgian Crime School, dare to dance the Tyburn jig and find out what a baby farmer did.

Cost: From £10
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