20 of the Best Easter Days Out for Families in the UK

Easter is the start of spring days out in the UK: lambs in the fields, daffodils in the gardens, chocolate trails at castles and the first steam trains of the season. Here are 20 of the best Easter days out for families, from egg hunts to coast walks. Events change each year, so check dates and book ahead.

Egg hunts and trails

1. National Trust Easter trails

Many National Trust houses and gardens run Easter trails with chocolate rewards – a classic family day out across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

2. English Heritage castles

English Heritage castles and abbeys host Easter adventure quests, often with costumed characters and family activities.

3. Botanic gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, RHS Wisley and the Eden Project in Cornwall often run spring trails among the first blossom.

Animals and farms

4. Lambing at a farm park

Farm parks across the country open their lambing sheds at Easter – children love bottle-feeding lambs and holding chicks.

5. Zoos and safari parks

From Chester Zoo to Longleat Safari Park and Edinburgh Zoo, spring is a great time to see new babies.

6. Aquariums

Rainy-day favourites such as the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth and the Deep in Hull.

Trains and history

7. Steam railways

Heritage lines such as the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, the Severn Valley Railway and the Ffestiniog in Wales often run Easter specials – see our guide to UK rail adventures.

8. Living-history museums

Beamish in County Durham and the Black Country Living Museum bring the past to life with costumed staff.

9. Castles

Warwick Castle, Leeds Castle in Kent and Caernarfon Castle in Wales are spectacular with children.

Outdoors

10. Ancient hillforts

Walk up an Iron Age hillfort such as Maiden Castle in Dorset – see our guide to southern England's hillforts.

11. The Cotswolds

Pretty villages, farm shops and spring walks – see our Cotswolds villages guide.

12. Bluebell and daffodil woods

Daffodils peak in March and early April; bluebells usually follow from mid-April. Many woodlands have family trails.

13. Seaside rock pooling

Low tides at Easter are perfect for rock pooling in Cornwall, Devon, Northumberland and Pembrokeshire.

14. Beach walks and fish and chips

A breezy walk along the coast followed by fish and chips is a British Easter tradition.

15. Cycling trails

Family-friendly routes such as the Camel Trail in Cornwall and the Tarka Trail in Devon are flat and traffic-free.

Cities

16. London's museums

The Natural History Museum, Science Museum and many others are free and run family activities during the holidays.

17. Edinburgh

Climb Arthur's Seat, explore Edinburgh Castle and visit Camera Obscura and World of Illusions.

18. Bath

The Roman Baths and Royal Victoria Park's playground make a good combination – see our Bath guide.

Something different

19. Easter fairs and festivals

Look for local Easter fairs, egg-rolling contests and spring festivals in villages and towns.

20. Forest adventures

Treetop adventure courses and forest trails, such as those in many Forestry England woods, are a fun way for older kids to burn off chocolate.

Tips

• Book early: popular egg hunts and steam train specials sell out.
• Memberships: National Trust or English Heritage family membership can pay for itself in a few visits.
• Pack for all weather: British Easter weather can bring sun, rain and hail in one day.