Easter Fun
This Easter, get into the great outdoors and explore all that's on offer at the National Trust. The whole family can enjoy wide open spaces perfect for exploration, coast and countryside places brimming with wildlife and historic houses full of enchanting characters and stories; everything you need for great family fun during the holidays.
Enjoy a family day out and explore new places with the National Trust this Easter. What's more, every visit helps to care for these special places, and open them up for everyone to enjoy.
Don't forget to visit over the Easter weekend to enjoy fun and games for all the family at the Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts – www.cadbury.co.uk/easter
Souter Seashore Safari, 7 April, 9.30am – 11.30am, 10 April, 11.30am – 1.30pm
Do you know your winkles from your whelks? Join a anger to search the rock pools along Souter's rocky shore and discover salty sea creatures galore. You're sure to come away with lots of watery wildlife facts. Don't forget to explore the lighthouse while you're there. Climb the 76 steps to the top of the tower, take in the amazing view and discover why Souter Lighthouse truly was 'a marvel of its age'.
Price: £1
For more information, please call 0191 5290909 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/souter-lighthouse-and-the-leas
Sheep in the park at Wallington, Northumberland
Wallington, Northumberland
Broomhouse Farm Event: Lambing Shed Live, 25 March – 10 April, 12.30pm – 2pm, 2pm – 3.30pm
Take a short scenic tractor trailer ride through the Wallington estate to Broomhouse Farm where you will get a close-up experience of lambing on a working farm. Enjoy a guided tour of the lambing shed, visit the 'lamb hospital' to see how we look after new-borns in intensive care and help with bottle feeding. You might even see a lamb being born.
Price: £6
For more information, please call 07469203088 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington
Storytelling, 5 - 6 April, 12pm – 4pm
Gather round in the dairy and be transported back in time by tales of the Victorian era. Discover the lives of Catherine and George Grey (the 7th Earl), who left Dunham Massey for 50 years following Catherine's rejection by local society. While you're there why not try to spot the deer on the estate, or explore the newly-opened stable yard and uncover the comings and goings of the family and their workers.
Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply).
For more information, please call 0161 941 1025 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey
Speke Hall, Liverpool
Easter Bonnet Making, 25 March, 11am – 4pm
Get crafty at Speke Hall on Good Friday with this Easter Bonnet making event, where the whole family can compete to create the best bonnet and win the prize during the Easter parade at 4pm. Make a day of it by exploring 400 years of history on the estate, from the Tudor priest's hole to the Victorian maze, or head out to the woodland play area for climbing, den building and the chance to ride a zip wire.
Price: £1 (normal admission charges apply)
For more information, please call 0151 427 7231 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/speke-hall
Wray Castle, Cumbria
50 Things - Fires and Marshmallows, 31 March & 2 April, 10am – 4pm
Have an outdoor adventure with Wray Castle's Rangers as you learn how to prepare and light a fire. Afterwards you can enjoy toasting your success by roasting some marshmallows over your roaring fire. Don't forget to explore the castle as well, where kids can try dressing up or enjoy playing in the Peter Rabbit Adventure area.
Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply)
For more information, please call 015394 33250 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wray-castle
Rockpooling at South Milton Sands, (image Ben Selway)
Fell Foot, Cumbria
Spring fun in the Park, 25 March, 10am – 4pm
Visit Fell Foot Park and discover the beauty of the Lake District landscapes that inspired the author of Peter Rabbit and other cherished tales. Have fun following a Beatrix Potter themed trail around the park, at the end of which you will receive a surprise gift. Afterwards you can hire a boat (weather permitting) to see if you can find some of Jemima Puddleduck's friends swimming on Lake Windermere, or take a break in the café which will be serving special Easter treats.
Price: £1 (normal admission charges apply)
For more information, please call 015395 31273 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fell-foot
Attingham Adventures: Potty about Plants, 5 April, 11am – 4pm
Turn your fingers green this Easter at Attingham Park and tick off 'Plant it, grow it, eat it' from your '50 Things to do before you're 11¾' list. Join the team for a variety of different green fingered projects, where you can craft an eco-pot out of newspaper and plant a bean seed inside, make a groovy grass head and decorate a small terracotta pot to take home. There are lots of other activities over the Easter holidays too. Every day you can pick up a family Easter trail and go on an adventure, exploring the grounds and looking for clues.
Price: Attingham Adventures are £5 per child, family Easter trails are £2.50, including a small prize (normal admission charges apply).
For more information, please call 01743 708170 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/attingham-park
Corfe Castle (image David Levenson)
Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
Spring family crafts, 20 – 24, 29 – 31 March, 1 - 10 April, 11am – 4pm
There's fun for all the family at Hardwick Hall this Easter, with a range of activities, crafts and trails throughout the school holidays. Join the Hardwick team who will help you make a daffodil or doily sheep, or try out the self-led activities where you can craft an Easter hat or see what you can create with sensory herby playdough. The activities will vary each day so check at the Visitor Centre to see what's available.
Price: Free, or a small charge for some events (normal admission charges apply)
For more information, please call 01246 850430 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardwick-hall
Family explorers: Beautiful birds, 1 - 30 April, 10am – 6pm
How many birds can you spot in the air, water and trees at Stowe? Have a go at number 44 on the '50 Things to do before you're 11¾' list and use a free bird guide to work out which feathery friends you've seen. Bring along your binoculars or borrow some from the team to help spot those birds soaring high. You might see some swans, geese or even red kites. Why not make a day of it and enjoy a picture-perfect picnic after?
Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply)
For more information, please call 01280 817 156 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stowe
Winchester City Mill, Winchester
Seasonal baking demonstrations, 25, 27 March & 3, 9 April, 10am – 3pm
Winchester City Mill is well known for its baking demonstration days, and this Easter there are no less than four opportunities for you to find out how to make a variety of seasonal sweet and savoury treats, from hot cross buns and Welsh cakes, to cheese straws and bread. Pick up a couple of recipe cards (small donation) and try some baking at home using the Mill's very own flour, available from the shop.
27 March: Easter Treats
3 April: Chocolate Indulgence
9 April: Spring baking
Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply)
For more information, please call 01962 870057 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/winchester-city-mill
Children on mud walk, Box Hill (image John Millar)
Foxbury, New Forest
'Wild Play' day, 27 and 28 March, 11am – 4pm
Bring your best detection skills to the 'wilds' of the New Forest, for a day packed with exciting woodland activities. Discover nature's hidden secrets with our Rangers: find out where New Forest birds make their nests, and which creepy crawlies they like to eat. Get hands-on den building and bush craft advice from our experts, and watch chain sawing in action. The Ranger team are even bringing along some New Forest animals for you to meet, and when you want to relax, you can toast marshmallows on an open fire and visit the on-site BBQ.
Directions: Foxbury can be accessed via Half Moon car park on Blackhill Road. Follow the sign posts up from the car park, through the tree line to the Foxbury gate. The trail takes in about 1.2 miles of wide gravel track, so stout footwear, outdoor clothing and off-road buggies are advisable.
Price: £4 (booking essential)
For more information, please call 01794 344020 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/new-forest-northern-commons
Devil's Dyke, South Downs
Egg rolling competition, 28 March, 10.45am-12noon
Bring your own hand decorated hardboiled egg and try your luck at this Easter egg rolling custom - the egg that gets furthest down the Dyke valley wins, plus there are prizes for the best decorated egg. Make the most of your trip by having a go at some of the '50 Things to do before you're 11¾' challenges: we've got one of the biggest hills in the Sussex for you to roll down, plus you can try den building the woods or flying a kite – up near the car park is best.
Price: £1 per entrant
For more information, please call 01273 857712 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/devils-dyke
Look Out Archery at Easter, 25 March - 3 April, 11am – 4pm
Have you got what it takes to be the next Katniss Everdeen? Test and develop your skills with a bow and arrow at this ultimate archery experience for all ages. Full instructions will be provided by qualified staff and there's an Easter egg prize for special target achievements. Once you've had your fill of archery why not find the perfect picnic spot in the rolling parkland, or visit the house to discover the history of the Hervey family and their passion for all things Italian.
Price: £3 (normal admission charges apply)
For more information, please call 01284 735270 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth
Child making a den at Lydford Gorge (image John Millar)
Sheringham Park, Norfolk
Adder Adventure, 1 April, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Join the team as we go in search of Britain's only venomous snake - the adder. Listen to a fascinating talk about British reptiles from our learning officer, before heading off into the park to seek them out. Adders are very shy, but luckily we know some of their favourite places to hide. What's more, by helping us track these wild animals you'll be able to tick off number 34 on your list of '50 Things to do before you're 11¾'.
Price: Children £4.75, accompanying adults £2.75 (Booking required - normal admission charges apply)
To book, please call 0844 2491895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheringham-park
Net an Easter Duck', 29 - 30 March, 5 – 6 April, 11am – 3.30pm
This Easter the fountain pond at Montacute will be taken over by some new residents: rubber ducks. Grab one of the nets provided, or buy your own from the shop to help round them up. If you can catch one it's yours to keep. Why not take your new feathered friend on a tour round the parkland and see if you can find some of the wobbly hedges and hidden paths?
Price: £1 per duck caught
For more information, please call 01935 823289 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/montacute-house
Visitors learning archery at Erdigg, Wales (image Paul Harris)
Lydford Gorge, Devon
Woodland Easter Bunny Faces, 31 March, 11am & 2pm
Suitable for children aged 7 years and over, this fabulous family event will enable you to create wooden bunny faces for your garden or home. Join the team of Rangers who will teach you how to use tools to create your own wooden sculpture which you can take away with you. While you're here you can take an adventurous walk through the gorge to find the 30-metre high Whitelady Waterfall, or have a go at some of the '50 Things' challenges like tracking wild animals and playing pooh sticks.
Price: £3 per sculpture (normal admission charges apply)
Full instruction and supervision, plus all materials supplied.
For more information, please call 01822 820320 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lydford-gorge
Greenway, Devon
Plant it, grow it, eat it, 5 April, 1pm – 3pm
With nearly 35 acres of stunning woodland garden packed with amazing and rare plants from around the world, what better place to start a gardening adventure than Greenway? This year the Greenway gardeners are busy planting seeds to grow beautiful flowers and vegetables, and they've invited you to join them for a muddy '50 Things to do before you're 11¾' challenge. Drop by to plant your very own pot of seeds and then take it home to watch them grow into tasty vegetables just in time for summer.
Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply)
For more information, please call 01803 842382 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway
Corfe Castle, Dorset
Medieval Archery, 2 - 10 April, 10am – 5pm
If you've ever fancied yourself as the next Robin Hood this is your chance to test your skills and help bring Corfe Castle's past to life. The Wolfshead Bowmen will be turning back the clock by setting up a medieval encampment among the fairy-tale fortress ruins with displays of combat and skilled archery. They'll also be giving talks on the longbow and running have-a-go sessions, so get stuck in, test your aim and see if you can hit the bullseye.
Price: £2 (normal admission charges apply)
For more information, please call 01929 481294 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle
50 things activity days, 30 March & 6 April,
Visit Plas Newydd's 169 acres of woodland and parkland on 30 March to find out more about the wonderful world of birds and mammals. Make a bird feeder and join in a guided bird walk, make an ink track trap to help you track wild animals, and follow our wild animals trail or have a go at birdwatching.
The following week, on 6 April, you can learn to 'find the way'. Explore the woodlands to see if you can find a geocache, or find your way with a map and compass. You can also make a trail with sticks and try the barefoot walk challenge, or have a go at flying a kite.
Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply).
For more information please call 01248 714795 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/plas-newydd
Enjoy a family day out and explore new places with the National Trust this Easter. What's more, every visit helps to care for these special places, and open them up for everyone to enjoy.
Don't forget to visit over the Easter weekend to enjoy fun and games for all the family at the Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts – www.cadbury.co.uk/easter
North East
Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, Tyne & WearSouter Seashore Safari, 7 April, 9.30am – 11.30am, 10 April, 11.30am – 1.30pm
Do you know your winkles from your whelks? Join a anger to search the rock pools along Souter's rocky shore and discover salty sea creatures galore. You're sure to come away with lots of watery wildlife facts. Don't forget to explore the lighthouse while you're there. Climb the 76 steps to the top of the tower, take in the amazing view and discover why Souter Lighthouse truly was 'a marvel of its age'.
Price: £1
For more information, please call 0191 5290909 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/souter-lighthouse-and-the-leas
Sheep in the park at Wallington, NorthumberlandWallington, Northumberland
Broomhouse Farm Event: Lambing Shed Live, 25 March – 10 April, 12.30pm – 2pm, 2pm – 3.30pm
Take a short scenic tractor trailer ride through the Wallington estate to Broomhouse Farm where you will get a close-up experience of lambing on a working farm. Enjoy a guided tour of the lambing shed, visit the 'lamb hospital' to see how we look after new-borns in intensive care and help with bottle feeding. You might even see a lamb being born.
Price: £6
For more information, please call 07469203088 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington
North West
Dunham Massey, CheshireStorytelling, 5 - 6 April, 12pm – 4pm
Gather round in the dairy and be transported back in time by tales of the Victorian era. Discover the lives of Catherine and George Grey (the 7th Earl), who left Dunham Massey for 50 years following Catherine's rejection by local society. While you're there why not try to spot the deer on the estate, or explore the newly-opened stable yard and uncover the comings and goings of the family and their workers.
Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply).
For more information, please call 0161 941 1025 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey
Speke Hall, Liverpool
Easter Bonnet Making, 25 March, 11am – 4pm
Get crafty at Speke Hall on Good Friday with this Easter Bonnet making event, where the whole family can compete to create the best bonnet and win the prize during the Easter parade at 4pm. Make a day of it by exploring 400 years of history on the estate, from the Tudor priest's hole to the Victorian maze, or head out to the woodland play area for climbing, den building and the chance to ride a zip wire.
Price: £1 (normal admission charges apply)
For more information, please call 0151 427 7231 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/speke-hall
Wray Castle, Cumbria
50 Things - Fires and Marshmallows, 31 March & 2 April, 10am – 4pm
Have an outdoor adventure with Wray Castle's Rangers as you learn how to prepare and light a fire. Afterwards you can enjoy toasting your success by roasting some marshmallows over your roaring fire. Don't forget to explore the castle as well, where kids can try dressing up or enjoy playing in the Peter Rabbit Adventure area.
Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply)
For more information, please call 015394 33250 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wray-castle
Rockpooling at South Milton Sands, (image Ben Selway)Fell Foot, Cumbria
Spring fun in the Park, 25 March, 10am – 4pm
Visit Fell Foot Park and discover the beauty of the Lake District landscapes that inspired the author of Peter Rabbit and other cherished tales. Have fun following a Beatrix Potter themed trail around the park, at the end of which you will receive a surprise gift. Afterwards you can hire a boat (weather permitting) to see if you can find some of Jemima Puddleduck's friends swimming on Lake Windermere, or take a break in the café which will be serving special Easter treats.
Price: £1 (normal admission charges apply)
For more information, please call 015395 31273 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fell-foot
Midlands
Attingham Park, ShropshireAttingham Adventures: Potty about Plants, 5 April, 11am – 4pm
Turn your fingers green this Easter at Attingham Park and tick off 'Plant it, grow it, eat it' from your '50 Things to do before you're 11¾' list. Join the team for a variety of different green fingered projects, where you can craft an eco-pot out of newspaper and plant a bean seed inside, make a groovy grass head and decorate a small terracotta pot to take home. There are lots of other activities over the Easter holidays too. Every day you can pick up a family Easter trail and go on an adventure, exploring the grounds and looking for clues.
Price: Attingham Adventures are £5 per child, family Easter trails are £2.50, including a small prize (normal admission charges apply).
For more information, please call 01743 708170 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/attingham-park
Corfe Castle (image David Levenson)Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire
Spring family crafts, 20 – 24, 29 – 31 March, 1 - 10 April, 11am – 4pm
There's fun for all the family at Hardwick Hall this Easter, with a range of activities, crafts and trails throughout the school holidays. Join the Hardwick team who will help you make a daffodil or doily sheep, or try out the self-led activities where you can craft an Easter hat or see what you can create with sensory herby playdough. The activities will vary each day so check at the Visitor Centre to see what's available.
Price: Free, or a small charge for some events (normal admission charges apply)
For more information, please call 01246 850430 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardwick-hall
South East
Stowe, BuckinghamshireFamily explorers: Beautiful birds, 1 - 30 April, 10am – 6pm
How many birds can you spot in the air, water and trees at Stowe? Have a go at number 44 on the '50 Things to do before you're 11¾' list and use a free bird guide to work out which feathery friends you've seen. Bring along your binoculars or borrow some from the team to help spot those birds soaring high. You might see some swans, geese or even red kites. Why not make a day of it and enjoy a picture-perfect picnic after?
Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply)
For more information, please call 01280 817 156 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stowe
Winchester City Mill, Winchester
Seasonal baking demonstrations, 25, 27 March & 3, 9 April, 10am – 3pm
Winchester City Mill is well known for its baking demonstration days, and this Easter there are no less than four opportunities for you to find out how to make a variety of seasonal sweet and savoury treats, from hot cross buns and Welsh cakes, to cheese straws and bread. Pick up a couple of recipe cards (small donation) and try some baking at home using the Mill's very own flour, available from the shop.
27 March: Easter Treats
3 April: Chocolate Indulgence
9 April: Spring baking
Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply)
For more information, please call 01962 870057 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/winchester-city-mill
Children on mud walk, Box Hill (image John Millar)Foxbury, New Forest
'Wild Play' day, 27 and 28 March, 11am – 4pm
Bring your best detection skills to the 'wilds' of the New Forest, for a day packed with exciting woodland activities. Discover nature's hidden secrets with our Rangers: find out where New Forest birds make their nests, and which creepy crawlies they like to eat. Get hands-on den building and bush craft advice from our experts, and watch chain sawing in action. The Ranger team are even bringing along some New Forest animals for you to meet, and when you want to relax, you can toast marshmallows on an open fire and visit the on-site BBQ.
Directions: Foxbury can be accessed via Half Moon car park on Blackhill Road. Follow the sign posts up from the car park, through the tree line to the Foxbury gate. The trail takes in about 1.2 miles of wide gravel track, so stout footwear, outdoor clothing and off-road buggies are advisable.
Price: £4 (booking essential)
For more information, please call 01794 344020 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/new-forest-northern-commons
Devil's Dyke, South Downs
Egg rolling competition, 28 March, 10.45am-12noon
Bring your own hand decorated hardboiled egg and try your luck at this Easter egg rolling custom - the egg that gets furthest down the Dyke valley wins, plus there are prizes for the best decorated egg. Make the most of your trip by having a go at some of the '50 Things to do before you're 11¾' challenges: we've got one of the biggest hills in the Sussex for you to roll down, plus you can try den building the woods or flying a kite – up near the car park is best.
Price: £1 per entrant
For more information, please call 01273 857712 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/devils-dyke
East
Ickworth, SuffolkLook Out Archery at Easter, 25 March - 3 April, 11am – 4pm
Have you got what it takes to be the next Katniss Everdeen? Test and develop your skills with a bow and arrow at this ultimate archery experience for all ages. Full instructions will be provided by qualified staff and there's an Easter egg prize for special target achievements. Once you've had your fill of archery why not find the perfect picnic spot in the rolling parkland, or visit the house to discover the history of the Hervey family and their passion for all things Italian.
Price: £3 (normal admission charges apply)
For more information, please call 01284 735270 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth
Child making a den at Lydford Gorge (image John Millar)Sheringham Park, Norfolk
Adder Adventure, 1 April, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Join the team as we go in search of Britain's only venomous snake - the adder. Listen to a fascinating talk about British reptiles from our learning officer, before heading off into the park to seek them out. Adders are very shy, but luckily we know some of their favourite places to hide. What's more, by helping us track these wild animals you'll be able to tick off number 34 on your list of '50 Things to do before you're 11¾'.
Price: Children £4.75, accompanying adults £2.75 (Booking required - normal admission charges apply)
To book, please call 0844 2491895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheringham-park
South West
Montacute House, SomersetNet an Easter Duck', 29 - 30 March, 5 – 6 April, 11am – 3.30pm
This Easter the fountain pond at Montacute will be taken over by some new residents: rubber ducks. Grab one of the nets provided, or buy your own from the shop to help round them up. If you can catch one it's yours to keep. Why not take your new feathered friend on a tour round the parkland and see if you can find some of the wobbly hedges and hidden paths?
Price: £1 per duck caught
For more information, please call 01935 823289 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/montacute-house
Visitors learning archery at Erdigg, Wales (image Paul Harris)Lydford Gorge, Devon
Woodland Easter Bunny Faces, 31 March, 11am & 2pm
Suitable for children aged 7 years and over, this fabulous family event will enable you to create wooden bunny faces for your garden or home. Join the team of Rangers who will teach you how to use tools to create your own wooden sculpture which you can take away with you. While you're here you can take an adventurous walk through the gorge to find the 30-metre high Whitelady Waterfall, or have a go at some of the '50 Things' challenges like tracking wild animals and playing pooh sticks.
Price: £3 per sculpture (normal admission charges apply)
Full instruction and supervision, plus all materials supplied.
For more information, please call 01822 820320 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lydford-gorge
Greenway, Devon
Plant it, grow it, eat it, 5 April, 1pm – 3pm
With nearly 35 acres of stunning woodland garden packed with amazing and rare plants from around the world, what better place to start a gardening adventure than Greenway? This year the Greenway gardeners are busy planting seeds to grow beautiful flowers and vegetables, and they've invited you to join them for a muddy '50 Things to do before you're 11¾' challenge. Drop by to plant your very own pot of seeds and then take it home to watch them grow into tasty vegetables just in time for summer.
Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply)
For more information, please call 01803 842382 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greenway
Corfe Castle, Dorset
Medieval Archery, 2 - 10 April, 10am – 5pm
If you've ever fancied yourself as the next Robin Hood this is your chance to test your skills and help bring Corfe Castle's past to life. The Wolfshead Bowmen will be turning back the clock by setting up a medieval encampment among the fairy-tale fortress ruins with displays of combat and skilled archery. They'll also be giving talks on the longbow and running have-a-go sessions, so get stuck in, test your aim and see if you can hit the bullseye.
Price: £2 (normal admission charges apply)
For more information, please call 01929 481294 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle
WALES
Plas Newydd, North Wales50 things activity days, 30 March & 6 April,
Visit Plas Newydd's 169 acres of woodland and parkland on 30 March to find out more about the wonderful world of birds and mammals. Make a bird feeder and join in a guided bird walk, make an ink track trap to help you track wild animals, and follow our wild animals trail or have a go at birdwatching.
The following week, on 6 April, you can learn to 'find the way'. Explore the woodlands to see if you can find a geocache, or find your way with a map and compass. You can also make a trail with sticks and try the barefoot walk challenge, or have a go at flying a kite.
Price: Free event (normal admission charges apply).
For more information please call 01248 714795 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/plas-newydd