The 40 best family days out for the Easter holidays

Telegraph

25-03-2025

Somehow, the holidays are here again. And whether there's rain forecast in your area, or spring has truly sprung, that means two weeks to fill with little ones in tow. We've collated some of the best Easter activities happening across England, Scotland and Wales over the break, so everyone in the family should be catered for.
There are high-octane thrills in Cornwall and gentle boat rides in Norfolk, plus theatre performances in Lancashire. If something more artistic is in order, there are Easter crafts happening across the country, most of which come accompanied by chocolate treats. Or head to Newcastle, where a puppetry festival will take over the streets of the city.
Most of the venues featured have special, seasonal events on offer. That means you can tick off that stately home you've been meaning to visit while also keeping the children entertained, often only at the standard cost of entry. And – whisper it – some of the suggestions, such as Hebden Bridge 's Duck Race, will be just as fun for grown-ups as they are for children.
It's worth noting that many destinations offer discounts for booking online in advance, so be sure to plan as far ahead as you can. Some also have tickets that last for a year or more, which is something to remember for future school holidays. Wherever you are, these are the best activities happening across the Easter break.
North West
Avenham Park, Preston
Egg rolling has taken place in Preston's Avenham Park for over 150 years. Join the tradition yourself on Easter Monday with events including crafts workshops, street theatre, bonnet-making and more.
How to do it
Entry to the Avenham Park is free; remember to bring your own eggs for rolling.
The Dukes Theatre, Lancaster
Trips to the theatre need not be confined to the Christmas pantomime. The Dukes Theatre has a number of family performances throughout the school holidays, including ' The Three Little Vikings ', a heartwarming show for the smaller members of the family.
How to do it
Watch 'The Three Little Vikings' on April 20; tickets start at £14 per person.
East Lancashire Railway, Bury
The East Lancashire Railway, with its heritage steam engines, is always an invigorating family day out. Holiday activities include a craft-filled Wizarding School, an interactive dinosaur adventure and a visit from Peter Rabbit on Good Friday.
How to do it
Tickets for themed train journeys start at £17.50 for children and £20 for adults.
Lakeland Maze Farm Park, Sedgwick
Lakeland Maze Farm Park is not in full-swing at Easter – the eponymous puzzle is not fully grown. But that means it is, mercifully, much quieter, and its slides, tractor rides and animal-feeding opportunities are just as exciting. Plus, the farm will be transformed into Alice's Wonderland over the Easter weekend (including an egg hunt with the White Rabbit).
How to do it
Tickets start at £9.95 per person.
North East
Newcastle Puppetry Festival, Newcastle
Now in its sixth year, the Newcastle Puppetry Festival takes over the city with workshops, talks, films and, of course, mesmerising performances. A highlight is the City of Kittiwakes parade on Northumberland Street, taking place on April 19.
How to do it
Most outdoor theatre is free; other events may be ticketed. See the full programme on the Moving Parts Arts website.
Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead
Shipley Art Gallery has a schedule of family craft events throughout the season. Children can make Easter centrepieces or floral crowns, plus create cards for their favourite family members.
How to do it
Craft sessions take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the school holidays. Tickets start at £3 per person.
Life Science Centre, Newcastle
The Life Science Centre – and its ever-popular planetarium – is always a thrilling day out. Over Easter, boost your little ones' learning by taking part in themed experiments, like making a DIY egg catapult.
How to do it
Tickets start at £12.95 per adult and £9.50 for children. Infants under two enter for free.
Davenports Chocolates, Gateshead
Chocolate is likely to loom large in your family's Easter plans. To truly dig in, head to the Davenports Chocolate factory for their junior Easter egg-making workshop, aimed at children aged five to 16.
How to do it
Tickets start at £27.50 per child and £5 per adult.
Yorkshire
City Cruise, York
A city cruise in York is an ideal way to herald the springtime: especially if it is twinned with a fish and chips supper. Children will delight in the novelty of dinner on a boat, while grown ups will enjoy cruising through the historical city.
How to do it
Tickets start at £28 per adult and £18 per child; under threes travel for free. Includes fish and chips, plus live entertainment.
North Yorkshire Water Park, Scarborough
Burn off energy at the North Yorkshire Water Park where activities include archery, axe throwing, and low ropes. Or bring a change of clothes and try out the Wipeout Aquapark, complete with challenging giant inflatables – ideal for the more rambunctious members of the family.
How to do it
Ticket price varies by activity; from £8.50 to £18 per person.
Stockeld Park, Wetherby
The weather cannot be guaranteed at Easter (or, really, at any time of the year). Luckily, Stockeld Park is home to one of Europe's largest play centres, meaning children can run riot without the risk of rain. If you do venture outside, take part in the woodland trail and watch out for the Easter Bunny.
How to do it
Tickets start at £28.50 per person; under twos are free.
Easter Duck Race, Hebden Bridge
Is there anything more charming than a duck race? The Rotary Club of Hebden Bridge will be running the riverside competition on Easter Monday, with prizes for the winning bird (and the best decorated entries, too).
How to do it
Duck Race tickets cost £1.
East of England
ROARR!, Norwich
Dinosaur-themed adventure park ROARR! is leaning into the season with a prehistoric egg trail, plus chocolate treats and a visit from a (non-Jurassic) guest, Peter Rabbit. Older children will enjoy the 'Raptor Contraptor' ride, while the secret animal garden is bound to excite every age group.
How to do it
Tickets start at £12.95 per person.
Museum of the Broads, Stalham
The Museum of the Broads offers a more gentle sort of day out. It chronicles the traditions of the Broads through mesmerising exhibits, and boat trips into the striking landscape. Visit over Easter for a series of themed springtime events.
How to do it
Tickets start at £8 for adults and £5 for children; under fives are free.
Holkham Hall, Wells-next-the-Sea
Captivating stories and exhilarating games are the focus at Holkham Hall. And if there are animal lovers in your family, visit the Walled Garden to meet guinea pigs, rabbits, pythons, bearded dragons and more.
How to do it
Tickets start at £7 per person; under twos are free.
Easter Punt and Hunt, Cambridge
The Easter Punt and Hunt, from the Traditional Punting Company, uses riddles and rhymes to lead children on a water-bound scavenger hunt. It'll certainly make you popular: complete all the clues, and go home with a sweet treat.
How to do it
Tickets start at £30 for groups of up to three adults, plus £2.50 per child.
Midlands
Packwood House, Solihull
Packwood House, a timber-framed Tudor manor, looks excellent in the April sunshine. Children might be more interested in its Easter activities, however, which include origami, a scavenger hunt, and wearable bunny ears for everyone taking part.
How to do it
Entry starts at £17 for adults and £8.50 for children. Under fives are free, as are those with National Trust membership.
Henley Street, Stratford-upon-Avon
It is Shakespeare's birthday on April 23, and so Henley Street – his former home – is being transformed into a party destination. Think live music, art workshops and a silent disco, ideal for the little performers in the family.
How to do it
Tickets start at £20 for adults and £10 for children; under threes are free.
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, Birmingham
Thinktank, Birmingham's quirky science museum, is probably best known for its child-sized city, MiniBrum. Over the holidays, expect performances, demonstrations and experiments, which will undoubtedly delight budding biologists.
How to do it
Tickets start at £15.50 for adults and £7.50 for children. Visitors travelling by train are eligible for two-for-one entry; see the National Rail website for details.
Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath
Britain's ' oddest attraction ', the Heights of Abraham, is a fantastically bonkers day out. With its cable cars, show caves and 'wild' gardens, it's an endlessly diverting place to visit – and one that will keep everyone entertained. Easter activities include live music, engaging storytelling and an immersive light show.
How to do it
Tickets start at £27 for adults and £19 for children; under fives are free.
South East
Easter Fireworks Eggstravaganza, Sandown
Taking place at the Isle of Wight's Sandown esplanade, on April 19, this firework extravaganza is not to be missed. Rescheduled from New Year's Eve, the show is a spectacular way to celebrate the school holidays.
How to do it
The event is free, although donations are welcome.
Tulleys Tulip Fest, Crawley
Tulleys Tulip Fest is about as seasonal as an activity can be. Stroll through kaleidoscopic fields, filled with 1.5 million tulips, or view them from up high in the observation wheel. Watch out for the roaming street characters, too, or eat at the Dutch-inspired 'Taste of Holland'.
How to do it
Tickets start at £16.95. Children under three are free.
Butser Ancient Farm, Chalton
A visit to Butser Ancient Farm, an open-air archaeology museum, beats learning about the Anglo Saxons in the classroom. Children can join the Time Traveller Holiday Club, where activities include making their own clay pots, grinding wheat, baking bread, playing ancient games and getting to know the Butser goats.
How to do it
Easter holiday camps start at £45 per child, per day. Standard entry costs £13.50 per adult; £8.50 per child. Under threes are free.
Chawton House, Alton
This year would have been Jane Austen's 250th birthday, and venues across the country are clamouring to celebrate. Among them is Chawton House, where the writer's brother lived, which is hosting a bonnet-themed Easter trail throughout the holidays.
How to do it
Tickets start at £12.50 for adults and £6 for children; those under six are free.
London
Sinfonia Smith Square, Westminster
The opportunity to play the organ presents itself rarely – but this workshop, at Sinfonia Smith Square, will allow children to discover the instrument, from thunderously loud melodies to softer sounds. It will make for a more dramatic soundtrack to the holidays.
How to do it
The workshop is free, starting at 11am on Saturday April 19. Booking online is advised.
Kew Gardens, Kew
Thwart the Evil Pea with Supertato, a kid-friendly character marauding through Kew Gardens. Based on the popular book character, expect dressing up and lively activities throughout the school holidays.
How to do it
Tickets start at £24.50 for adults and £7 for children. Visitors travelling by train are eligible for two-for-one entry; see the National Rail website for details.
The O2, Greenwich
It takes a particularly brave family to climb the roof of the O2 – and an even braver one to stop and decorate cupcakes. If you like to really earn your sweet treats, this heart-stopping adventure might just be the holiday highlight.
How to do it
Climbs cost £42 per person, and are available to everyone aged over eight.
The Big Egg Hunt, across the capital
The Big Egg Hunt, helpfully, takes place across the capital, meaning it's a low-effort way to fill an afternoon. The jolly, art-inspired eggs will likely appeal to grown-ups as much as children, and it's all in aid of Asian Elephant conservation.
How to do it
Find a scavenger hunt map, and collect the eggs, via the free Big Egg Hunt app.
South West
High Angle Battery, Isle of Portland
Portland and Weymouth are Towns of Culture for 2025. A whole series of community events are taking place as part of the scheme, including a spooky – but family friendly – sound installation at the Isle of Portland's High Angle Battery. The live performances include gongs, bells, whistles and explosives: quite the start to the celebrations.
How to do it
State of Alarm takes place on April 26. Free to attend; no booking required.
The Eden Project, Bodelva
Visitors to the Eden Project can get involved in a programme of family games, including wildlife-inspired art and nature-themed soft play. Easter eggs have been hidden across the site, too, with prizes for everyone taking part.
How to do it
Tickets start at £28 for adults and £12 for children; under fives enter for free.
Killerton, Broadclyst
Killerton sits in 6,400 acres of beautiful, landscaped grounds. Animal-lovers can discover exactly how the park rangers help creatures to make the woodland their home through a sensory activity trail (and collect a chocolate egg at the end, too).
How to do it
Tickets start at £17 per adult; £8 per child, plus £3.50 per trail. Under fives are free, as are those with National Trust membership.
Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pentewan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan holds claim to having the UK's only outdoor jungle. Adventurous little ones can explore it via the Burmese Rope Bridge – if they dare – before spotting creepy crawlies in Bugginghum Palace Bug Hotel.
How to do it
Admission starts at £20 per adult and £9 per child.
Wales
Chirk Castle, Wrexham
Inspired by a medieval Welsh legend, children can bound through the beautiful gardens of Chirk Castle to help a courageous hare on its Easter quest. Chocolate prizes are on offer for families who complete the challenge.
How to do it
Tickets start at £18 per adult; £9 per child. Under fives are free, as are those with National Trust membership.
Hawarden Estate, Hawarden
The Hawarden Estate 's Easter Show is a jam-packed fete full of rides, food and entertainment. Four-legged friends are not left out of the festivities, either: they can enter the dog show, where categories include waggiest tail, golden oldie and loveliest lady.
How to do it
Tickets are £18 per adult and £15 per child; under fives are free.
Llanelli Wetland Centre, Llanelli
Aardman's Lloyd of the Flies will be visiting Llanelli Wetland Centre in April. Children can shrink down to insect-size and follow the augmented reality trail, exploring the world as a creepy crawly.
How to do it
Tickets start at £9.20 for adults and £5.93 for children; infants under four are free.
Memo Arts Centre, Barry
Julia Donaldson's The Detective Dog has been popular for years, and this stage-adaptation brings your children's favourite characters to life. Head to the Memo Arts Centre on April 11 to see captivating puppetry and toe-tapping music.
How to do it
Tickets start at £12 for adults and £8 for children.
Scotland
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh
Five colourful eggs have been hidden among the kaleidoscopic attractions at the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions. Nothing is quite what it seems here, so schedule a visit to discover its mind-bending Easter installations.
How to do it
Tickets start at £23.95 for adults and £17.95 for children; under fives are free.
Balmacara Estate, Kyle
A short detour off the North Coast 500, the Balmacara Estate is a wonderful example of traditional croft farming. Each member of the family will find something to do – adults can wander through its woodlands and meadows while the children take part in the puzzle-filled Easter egg hunt.
How to do it
Entry to the Balmacara Estate is free. Tickets for the Easter egg hunt are £5.89, bookable online.
St Andrews Botanic Garden
Budding horticulturalists should head to St Andrews Botanic Garden, where the Planet Botanic holiday club activities include den-building and wildlife-spotting. It's suitable for primary school children – just remember to send them with a packed lunch.
How to do it
The Planet Botanic holiday club is priced at £25 per day.
Loch Ness Centre
Forget the Easter Bunny – Nessie has hidden her eggs around the Loch Ness Centre, and little visitors need to find them. Activity booklets and special treats are included in the ticket price, alongside an hour-long cinematic experience.
How to do it
Tickets start at £13.95 for adults and £12.55 for children.