Easter in England 2024
ShareMarch 2024: The promise of chocolate paired with a long weekend means Easter is nearly upon us. With food and fun at the heart of the action, here are VisitEngland’s highlights for Easter including egg hunts with a twist, fantastic food festivals and quirky days out for all the family.
Plus for those looking for an alternative Easter gift, the new VisitBritain digital gift card is now available with access to over 300 attractions and experiences to make the most of this blooming time of year and beyond.
Egg Hunts and Chocolatey Adventures
200th Anniversary of the First Cadbury shop, Birmingham, West Midlands
Throughout 2024
The success story of the famous British chocolate producer Cadbury started 200 years ago, when founder John Cadbury opened his first shop at 93 Bull Street in Birmingham. To celebrate, 2024 is full of chocolatey goodness, with special events and exhibitions at Cadbury World including the recent recreation of the first ever store made out of chocolate which is on display now, and a brand-new immersive chocolatey ride called Cadbury Chocolate Quest which is set to open at the family-fun attraction this spring.
www.visitbritainshop.com/gb/en/cadbury-world
Egg Hunting at RHS Gardens, Nationwide
Selected dates from 23 March – 14 April 2024
It wouldn’t be Easter without the annual egg hunt at the five Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Gardens which are blooming for spring. Chocolate-loving explorers of all ages can sniff out the giant eggs at RHS Garden Bridgewater, Salford; RHS Harlow Carr, North Yorkshire; RHS Hyde Hall, Essex; RHS Rosemoor, North Devon; and RHS Wisley, Surrey. Children who successfully find all of the hidden eggs will be rewarded with a special treat from vegan chocolate brand NOMO. Additional action-packed activities are on offer throughout the Easter holidays including storytelling sessions, arts and crafts workshops and family-friendly planting. Dates, times and activities vary per garden.
The Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt at Hampton Court Palace, Surrey
23 March – 14 April 2024
The Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt is making a return to Hampton Court Palace this Easter season. Visitors can embark on an adventure exploring the iconic gardens of Hampton Court Palace and discover the individuals who left their mark on the historic masterpiece. Roam through Henry VIII’s lush gardens, keeping eyes peeled for elusive Lindt gold bunny statues peeking out from colourful daffodils or early buds from the Tulip Festival. All entrants will be rewarded with a chocolate bunny treat.
www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/whats-on
www.visitbritainshop.com/gb/en/hampton-court-palace
Canoeing for Eggs in the New Forest, Hampshire
From 23 March 2024
Enjoy a fun-filled Easter paddle along the Beaulieu River in stable ‘Canadian style’ canoes. Spend time taking in the stunning scenery of the river before disembarking for an Easter egg hunt with a twist. Leave no leaf unturned on the hunt for those hidden chocolate eggs scattered along the riverside.
www.newforestactivities.co.uk/seasonal/canoe-easter-egg-hunt
Easter at the National Trust, Nationwide
29 March – 1 April 2024
Trails cost from £3, free for National Trust Members
The egg hunting stakes are pretty high for visitors to the 195 plus National Trust Easter trails across the UK this spring. Those seeking a chocolate reward are invited to explore mazes and meadows, kitchen gardens and orchards, as well as as parkland and woodland during their hunt. Every single National Trust Easter trail is different, from nature-inspired crafts, den-building and seed planting to egg and spoon races and welly wanging. Every trail ends with a chocolate egg, or a vegan ‘Free-From’ chocolate egg, made in the UK using cocoa from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/easter
NEW: App trail at Drusillas, Sussex
29 March – 14 April 2024
An 'appy Easter’ is in store for visitors to Drusillas following the launch of a new free in-app Easter Egg Trail. Follow the interactive app map along the zoo route to hunt for giant eggs hidden among the animals, solve the family-friendly clues and snap a selfie at the end to be in with a chance of winning a prize. In addition, mini ‘eggsplorers’ have the opportunity to get up close to 80 species of animals in the interactive zoo, get wet in the super splash pad and go wild in indoor and outdoor playgrounds.
www.drusillas.co.uk/easter-at-drusillas
Quirky Easter Days Out
Easter Crazy Golf Meets the Movies, Yorkshire Dales National Park
23 March – 7 April 2024
Crazy Golf in the Yorkshire Dales National Park has returned this Easter, now with an exciting new movie-themed 18-hole course. This year visitors of this fun experience can try their putting skills on the Harry Potter, Moulin Rouge and The Grinch greens.
www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/whats-on/crazy-golf-meets-the-movies
Royal Armouries International Jousting Tournament in Leeds, West Yorkshire
29 March – 1 April 2024
The Royal Armouries are bringing live-action jousting to the heart of Yorkshire this Easter bank holiday weekend. Teams from the UK, France and Italy will compete for honour and trophies in this spectacular live sporting event from medieval times. There will also be a full programme of events and activities in and around the museum, including jesters, minstrels, blacksmiths, have-a-go pool-noodle jousting and the chance to try some medieval-style food.
www.royalarmouries.org/leeds/whats-on/international-jousting-tournament
NEW: Escape Room Experience at Oliver Cromwell’s House, Cambridgeshire
Various dates
Launched in time for Easter, the Tomb of the Templars is the latest addition to the Escape Rooms experience at Oliver Cromwell’s House. Visitors have a race against time to explore the chamber to find all the sacred relics and escape before the Guild of Shadows arrive. Experience an hour of fun and an opportunity to learn about this historical site with the option of a site tour too (time permitting).
www.olivercromwellshouse.co.uk/escape-rooms/
NEW: Easter at The Wave, Bristol
New experiences launching Easter 2024
The Wave Bristol has plenty on offer this Easter, from an Easter Trail which involves exploring the site to solve the secret puzzle, to the newly launched Cold Water Dip experience for those who don’t want to surf but are keen to get the many benefits of cold-water immersion. The newly installed saunas will be open throughout the Easter holidays and are free to use after a cold dip or surf session. Also new to book from March are the Little Rippers Surf Lessons – a brand-new surfing experience tailored to younger children which are a great first step on the surfing journey.
Easter at Warwick Castle, West Midlands
Throughout Easter
Visitors to Warwick Castle will experience an unforgettable show as majestic birds take flight in The Falconer's Quest this Easter. Britain’s largest working siege machine also returns in a daring, action-packed show, The Legend of the Trebuchet, and little visitors can step into the Realm of Zog – with activities including the Zog Playland and the return of Zog and the Quest for the Golden Star trail. In addition, the Princess Tower offers an immersive storytelling experience, whilst the resident Bowman demonstrates his incredible archery skills. The Castle Dungeon also continues to be a hauntingly thrilling attraction alongside the Horrible Histories Maze.
www.warwick-castle.com/explore/events/easter
www.visitbritainshop.com/gb/en/warwick-castle
NEW: 3D Experience this Easter Weekend at Chiltern Open Air Museum, Buckinghamshire
29 March – 1 April 2024
New for 2024 at Chiltern Open Air Museum, visitors can put on a pair of 3D glasses and delve into COAM’s captivating mini 3D exhibition, a series of images captured on-site by photographer Ethel Davies. From sculptures to Easter trails, an Easter themed Terrific Tuesday on 2 April with arts and crafts, plus Easter nest hunt, there’s plenty to explore.
www.visitbuckinghamshire.org/event/easter-weekend-1
Easter at Kentwell, Suffolk
29 March – 1 April 2024
It’s a packed schedule at Kentwell Hall this Easter, a timeless Manor House set in acres of family-friendly gardens and parkland in the beautiful Suffolk village of Long Melford. Over the long weekend there will be live action from Tudors (in the Bakehouse, Dairy and Stillroom) and Victorians in the House and Tudor Stables, each portraying aspects of life of their period. For the younger folks, in addition to the usual Kentwell Easter egg challenge and Storybook Trail, the chance to spot spring lambs is sure to be a hit.
Dinos on the Farm, Manchester
29 March - 1 April 2024
Cockfield’s Farm Park in Oldham, Manchester is preparing a dinosaur-themed Easter event. As dinosaurs roam free in the farm, families can enjoy plenty of fun activities including a treasure hunt and the tractor ride. Tickets include farm admission, meaning visitors can also take part in hands-on experiences, from hand feeding the animals in the barn, to visiting the reptile room. Families can explore the Duck Pond, Animal Barn and Cuddle Corner.
www.cockfieldsfarm.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/54765?catID=54382&
Easter at the British Ironwork Centre, Shropshire
29 & 30 March 2024
Set within 90 acres of countryside near Oswestry, on the North Shropshire/Wales border, the British Ironwork Centre’s outdoor sculpture park is a safari experience like no other. With 100 large scale sculptures all made from metal, it features works from some of the best artists and blacksmiths in the country. The venue is hosting a ‘Homemade Easter Festival’ to showcase some of the best crafters and makers from both sides of the border. There will be growers, stitchers, knitters, sculptors, brewers and more, with a major focus on all things homemade and wonderful.
www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk
How to Train Your Dragon, Blenheim Palace Adventure Play, Oxfordshire
29 March – 14 April 2024
Step into the realm of dragons at Blenheim Palace Adventure Play this Easter. In collaboration with the beloved book series How to Train Your Dragon, by well-known children’s author Cressida Cowell, the Adventure Play experience has been scaled up to include all kinds of exciting dragon themed activities. Little ones can unleash their inner Viking and set out on a Dragon Spotting Trail to find all of the different varieties of dragon found in the How to Train Your Dragon books, from the fierce Triple Header Rage-blast to the friendly Toothless Daydream.
www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/easter-holidays
www.visitbritainshop.com/gb/en/blenheim-palace
Paddington in Concert, Nationwide
30 March – 13 April 2024
Marmalade sandwiches at the ready, audiences across the UK can enjoy watching the award-winning Paddington film on a giant HD screen, accompanied by The London Concert Orchestra playing Nick Urata’s calypso-infused score live. Visiting London, Brighton, Southend, Sheffield, Nottingham, Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool in 2024 – tickets are now on sale for the Easter holidays.
www.rg.live/events/paddington-in-concert
Blackpool Brick Festival, Lancashire
6 April 2024
Blackpool’s Norbreck Castle will be playing host to a LEGO fan event over the Easter holidays dedicated to all things LEGO bricks. Established in 2018, the event is open to fans of all ages - families, collectors, adult builders and every other kind of LEGO enthusiast. There will be plenty to see and do, including speed building competitions, large scale displays, a dedicated building area and visiting traders selling everything from minifigures and loose bricks to retired LEGO sets.
www.brickfestivalevents.com/event/blackpool-brick-festival
Easter at Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland
Various activities between 9-24 April 2024
A host of Easter activities are on offer at historic Bamburgh Castle this spring. From the resident Dragon Hope’s Easter Trail, to being crowned King or Queen of the North by Viking warrior Ragnar. A highlight is meeting Marley the miniature pony who gives short rides around the castle grounds in his special cart. Visitors can also take part in craft making including the popular Easter Wreath Making classes, hosted by award-winning florist Sharon Wright. However the weather rolls this Easter, there are magnificent indoor state rooms to explore and over nine acres of grounds with the most Instagrammable sea views to take in.
www.bamburghcastle.com/easter-fun-at-bamburgh-castle/
Marvel at my World Exhibition, Birmingham
Until 13 April 2024
Dancer, choreographer and artist Subhash Viman Gorania has created a Visual Art Exhibition which will be touring the UK in 2024. It combines his Hindu beliefs with that of his children’s fascination with superheroes. It includes a collection of three-dimensional deities, a series of Hindu Gods presented as powerful superheroes as well as an array of prints, inspired by Andy Warhol, each one characterised in an individual and unique movement.
www.birmingham.gov.uk/events/event/4109/marvel_at_my_world_exhibition_at_the_library_of_birmingham
Easter Foodie Festivals & Events
Chocolate Festival, York
27 – 31 March 2024
What a sweet indulgence it will be to wander through Parliament Street in York this Easter for the five-day Chocolate Festival. As part of the celebration of the city’s rich chocolate heritage, a vast variety of sugary delights will be on offer, all served from the very best local traders, chocolatiers, bakers and chefs. Highlights include a chocolate sculpture gallery, a taste trail, Easter egg hunt and chocolate egg bar decorating.
Broadstairs Easter Food Festival, Kent
29 – 31 March 2024
Once again the celebration of food and drink comes to coastal Kent over the Easter weekend. From The Chocolate Pig’s homemade artisan chocolates, to Kentish Tipple’s non-alcoholic cordials and Crabworks brioche buns, these local hand-picked exhibitors make this free festival a landmark event on every foodies' calendar.
www.broadstairsfoodfestival.org.uk/easter-2024-festival
Easter Springfest at the Eden Project, Cornwall
29 March – 14 April 2024
Fantastic food-themed challenges, a tasty chocolate trail and Earth-friendly market stalls are among a packed programme of activities awaiting guests visiting the Eden Project this Easter. At the heart of the action will be a series of entertaining games, each exploring our relationship with food. Visitors can compete in a round of milk bottle skittles, try their hand at hoopla and follow the journey of food, from field to fork, with buzz wires. In addition, guests can also take part in an egg-themed scavenger hunt and a large-scale marble labyrinth-style game exploring the pros and cons of different diets.
The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Train Ride, Manchester
29 March – 6 April 2024
This Easter, step inside Wonderland in this magical train ride from Churnet Valley Railway. As part of onboard The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, guests will spend this one-hour steam journey meeting the characters from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and dining on delicious treats. The round-trip departs from Froghall Station and includes carriages full of live entertainment.
www.churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk/news/mad-hatters-2023
Taste Cheshire Food & Drink Festival, Chester Racecourse
30 March – 1 April 2024
With headliners including Simon Rimmer, Andy Oliver and John Torode, bigger than ever, this is the 24th edition of the Taste Cheshire Food & Drink Festival. The festival includes over 150 exhibitors of food, drink and lifestyle items plus adult and kids cooking workshops and entry for children under five is entirely free. This family festival is also dog friendly.
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Notes to editors:
- For more Easter days out ideas head to www.visitengland.com/easter-events-near-me-england
- VisitEngland’s comprehensive What’s New in England 2024 overview can be downloaded here. Password is England2024.
- Registration to the from the VisitBritain asset library is required to download images. Register here.