20 of the Best Easter Days Out for Families in the UK
Twenty of the best Easter days out for families in the UK – egg hunts at National Trust and English Heritage places, farms, steam railways, gardens and coast walks.
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.
Children race across the lawns of grand houses, clutching trail sheets and hunting for clues among the daffodils.
2. English Heritage castles
English Heritage castles and abbeys host Easter adventure quests, often with costumed characters and family activities.
Climbing the towers, exploring dungeons and hunting for eggs among the ruins.
3. Botanic gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, RHS Wisley and the Eden Project in Cornwall often run spring trails among the first blossom.
Spring blossoms, glasshouses full of tropical plants and egg hunts among the flowers.
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.
Newborn lambs wobbling on their legs, bottle-feeding and the smell of hay in the barns.
5. Zoos and safari parks
From Chester Zoo to Longleat Safari Park and Edinburgh Zoo, spring is a great time to see new babies.
Lions, giraffes and monkeys – and the excitement of driving past animals in the safari park.
6. Aquariums
Rainy-day favourites such as the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth and the Deep in Hull.
Sharks gliding overhead in the tunnel, touch pools and colourful fish.
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.
The whistle, the clouds of steam and the smell of coal as the train chugs through the countryside.
8. Living-history museums
Beamish in County Durham and the Black Country Living Museum bring the past to life with costumed staff.
Old shops, trams and costumed people bring the past to life.
9. Castles
Warwick Castle, Leeds Castle in Kent and Caernarfon Castle in Wales are spectacular with children.
Knights, jousting shows and battlements to explore.
Outdoors
10. Ancient hillforts
Walk up an Iron Age hillfort such as Maiden Castle in Dorset – see our guide to southern England's hillforts.
Run up and down the grassy ramparts and fly a kite in the wind at the top.
11. The Cotswolds
Pretty villages, farm shops and spring walks – see our Cotswolds villages guide.
Honey-coloured villages, lambs in the fields and cream teas in cosy tea rooms.
12. Bluebell and daffodil woods
Daffodils peak in March and early April; bluebells usually follow from mid-April. Many woodlands have family trails.
Carpets of yellow and blue under the trees, with the scent of spring in the air.
13. Seaside rock pooling
Low tides at Easter are perfect for rock pooling in Cornwall, Devon, Northumberland and Pembrokeshire.
Lifting stones to find crabs, starfish and anemones in the rock pools at low tide.
14. Beach walks and fish and chips
A breezy walk along the coast followed by fish and chips is a British Easter tradition.
A windy walk on the sand, then hot fish and chips eaten on the seafront.
15. Cycling trails
Family-friendly routes such as the Camel Trail in Cornwall and the Tarka Trail in Devon are flat and traffic-free.
Family-friendly, traffic-free trails along old railway lines, through woods and villages.
Cities
16. London's museums
The Natural History Museum, Science Museum and many others are free and run family activities during the holidays.
Dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum and hands-on science at the Science Museum – all free.
17. Edinburgh
Climb Arthur's Seat, explore Edinburgh Castle and visit Camera Obscura and World of Illusions.
The castle on its rock, the Royal Mile and views from Arthur's Seat.
18. Bath
The Roman Baths and Royal Victoria Park's playground make a good combination – see our Bath guide.
Roman baths, the Royal Crescent and spring flowers in the parks.
Something different
19. Easter fairs and festivals
Look for local Easter fairs, egg-rolling contests and spring festivals in villages and towns.
Egg rolling, bonnet parades and funfairs on the village green.
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.
Rope swings, zip lines and treetop trails high above the forest floor.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find Easter egg hunts in the UK?
National Trust and English Heritage properties, many gardens, farms and zoos run Easter trails and egg hunts every year. Popular ones sell out, so book ahead.
What can you do with kids at Easter if it rains?
Head for museums, aquariums, indoor play centres or heritage railways with covered stations – and keep outdoor plans flexible.
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