The Easter weekend arrives early this year, with Good Friday falling on 29 March. By this time, most schools will be taking some time out – leaving families across the country looking for ways to keep the kids occupied.
The National Trust is playing host to a total of 195 Easter trails across England, Wales and Northern Ireland over the Easter bank holiday weekend – offering visitors the chance to explore everything from mazes to meadows, and to join in with themed craft sessions or seasonal games such as an egg and spoon race or den-building.
Each National Trust Easter trail features 10 activity stations, showcasing the early signs of spring, from bursting buds, daffodils in bloom to frolicking lambs and spring birdsong.
The trails cost £3 per child, plus normal National Trust admission, and include a chocolate or vegan egg prize upon completion.
Here we highlight some of the places where you can take part and what to expect.
South East
Mottisfont, Hampshire
With all the feel of a classic village fete, Mottisfont’s Easter egg trail is packed with traditional and energetic springtime activities. Look out for bunny bowling, welly wanging, hoopla and other outdoor games. The trail weaves through the walled kitchen garden, across grassy paddocks and by a sparkling chalk stream where bridges provide the perfect spot for a game of Pooh Sticks.
Village fete themed Easter adventure trail 23 March-14 April. nationaltrust.org.uk
Nymans, West Sussex
Nymans is a Grade II listed garden set around a romantic house and ruin, with views reaching out across the Weald. The annual Springfest Easter trail will celebrate the joys of the season: from blossom trees to bug-hotels; butterflies to bluebells. Explore the Play Glade when you visit and get busy building a den or playing on the stepping stones.
Easter Springfest Easter trail 23 March–14 April. nationaltrust.org.uk
Polesden Lacey, Surrey
Polesden Lacey has views across the rolling Surrey Hills and gardens filled with daffodils: the perfect place for an Easter adventure. Spring has sprung and this year one of Polesden Lacey’s statues has come to life in a new interactive Easter trail. Grizwald the Griffin is cooking up an Easter feast but has never celebrated Easter before, so may need some help to figure out what to cook.
Easter adventure trail 23 March – 21 April. nationaltrust.org.uk
Mottistone Gardens, Isle of Wight
In spring, the lawns of this sheltered valley garden are littered with scented narcissi, and the avenue of fruit trees creates a canopy of pink and white blossom. With its network of paths, hidden nooks, different levels and – at the top – sea views, it’s the perfect spot for an Easter adventure. Help Red Squirrel to find and collect all the Signs of Spring stamps, from ringing bluebells to buzzards dancing in the sky. Complete 10 fun activities, from jumping like a frog on tree rings to building a nest in the willow maze, so that Red and her friends can celebrate spring with a silent disco under the weeping lime tree.
Red Squirrel’s Easter adventure trail 25 March–14 April. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
The Vyne, Hampshire
Set on the edge of a lake, The Vyne was once a great Tudor powerhouse regularly visited by King Henry VIII. Today, the spacious gardens, wetlands and woods are just waiting to be explored. Limber up to get ready for The Vyne’s action-packed Easter challenges with a nature twist. There are 10 activity stations to locate as you roam through the gardens, with games the whole family can take part in – try spring animal’s charades, mini wheelbarrow racing, egg-throwing target practice and solve an Easter egg puzzle.
Easter adventure trail 23 March–14 April. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Knole, Kent
The Easter egg trail at Knole takes place in the parkland and Orangery. This year it features games and activities that the whole family can have a go at, including giant noughts and crosses and tin can alley. Once all you Easter Explorers have collected your trail sheet and bunny ears from the Visitor Centre, you’ll head out into the parkland to find giant musical instruments, a spinning wheel of butterflies and more. Booking recommended to guarantee entry.
Easter trail 29 March–14 April. nationaltrust.org.uk
Hughenden, Buckinghamshire
This Easter, encounter life-size mythical creatures, solve riddles, and discover hidden treasures at Hughenden. Challenge yourself with a mythical twist on classic games – conquer Medusa’s Snakes and Ladders or engage in a playful game of Cyclops Eye Spy on the parterre. There’s also a natural playground for climbing, balancing and make-believe at Hughenden.
Easter adventure trail 23 March–7 April. nationaltrust.org.uk
East of England
Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire
With 2,500 acres of gently rolling countryside west of Cambridge, the gardens and parkland surrounding Wimpole Hall offer plenty of room for family adventure. Nestled within the picturesque surroundings of the estate’s Home Farm, the new Farm playground will be waiting for younger visitors to explore. Embark on an Easter adventure in nature and explore Wimpole Estate as you go on the hunt for Easter challenges on a new route for 2024, set against the backdrop of the mansion house. Enjoy nature-themed activities, including hop like a bunny, build a home for nature and wibble wobble like a lamb.
Easter trail 23 March and 14 April 2024. nationaltrust.org.uk
Ickworth Estate, Suffolk
Ickworth Estate is home to an Italianate Palace in the heart of an ancient deer park. Formal gardens, pleasure grounds, rolling Suffolk landscape and woodlands invite gentle strolls or long walks, runs, bike rides and picnics. As spring awakens, watch Ickworth come to life with lambs frolicking in the parkland and beautiful blooms bursting with colour. Explore the Easter trail with 10 different nature-based activity stations, each designed with fun and creativity in mind.
Easter adventure trail 29 March–14 April. nationaltrust.org.uk
Blickling Estate, Norfolk
Blickling’s Jacobean mansion and ancient yew hedges sit at the heart of a magnificent garden and historic park in the beautiful Bure meadows. Treat your little ones and celebrate Easter with an adventure at Blickling Estate. Make your way along the trail, finding nature-based activities that celebrate spring to get the whole family active, creative and inspired. Explore the garden with its displays of daffodils and notice the bluebells coming to life across the estate. Out in the parkland, the multi-use trail is perfect for burning off extra energy and suitable for walking, cycling, running, pushchairs and wheelchairs. Cycle-hire is also open every day over the holiday and from balance to e-bikes, it’s a perfect way for you to explore some hidden parts of the parkland.
Easter adventure trail 28 March–14 April. nationaltrust.org.uk
Sutton Hoo, Suffolk
Watch the landscape of Sutton Hoo come to life in spring. Enjoy bright spring views from the top of the 17-metre viewing tower. Escape into the history of one of the most important archaeological sites in the High Hall exhibition, where you can find out more about what life was like for the Anglo-Saxons and explore Tranmer House, to find out what it was like to be an archaeologist on the eve of a discovery. Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of spring on Sutton Hoo’s Easter trail. Look out for lambs frolicking, spot carpets of daffodils and listen out for birdsong as you tackle the adventure in nature trail with opportunities to play and get creative across the landscape.
Easter adventure trail 29 March–14 April. nationaltrust.org.uk
Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve, Cambridgeshire
Wicken Fen, one of Europe’s most important wetlands, supports an abundance of wildlife with more than 9,000 species recorded. Spot early arrivals like swallows or look out for butterflies. This Easter, get creative by taking part in some art workshops: create a picture of a highland cow or learn some watercolour skills. The Easter trail will take place along the Boardwalk through the historic undrained Fen, lush with wetland plants and rich in wildlife, and through the woodland walk.
Easter adventure trail 23 March–14 April. nationaltrust.org.uk
The Midlands
Quarry Bank Mill, Cheshire
At Quarry Bank you can discover nature, beauty and history on a fun-filled family day out. Explore paths that twist and turn through the formal gardens, passing cliffs and rustic bridges. Stroll along the river, step inside the glasshouse, or see what’s growing in the walled garden. This Easter enjoy exploring and learning about the weather, play leapfrog and smelly wellies as you complete the Easter adventure trail.
Easter adventure trail 23 March–14 April. nationaltrust.org.uk
Attingham Park, Shropshire
From the moment you enter Attingham’s gates, you are met with impressive views across 200-year-old parkland to the Shropshire Hills, and the Georgian mansion emerges against the silhouettes of cedar trees. Around the Mile Walk you will discover 10 spring-themed Easter trail stations to complete before collecting your chocolate egg prize at the end.
Easter adventure trail 16 March–7 April. nationaltrust.org.uk
Hardwick, Derbyshire
Winding its way through parkland scattered with ancient oaks, Hardwick’s drive offers glimpses of the famous house, with its golden stonework, turrets and sparkling glass. The estate surrounding the Hall covers around 2,000 acres of parkland, woodland and farmland. This Easter, the adventure trail will encourage families to get closer to nature with a host of active and creative activities, on a 10-point trail.
Easter adventure trail 29 March–13 April. nationaltrust.org.uk
Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire
Explore sweeping parkland, ancient woodland and a landscape peppered with monuments. Head over to Park Farm and see the Tamworth pigs and Dorking chickens. Say hello to the animals, such as Longhorn cows and Southdown sheep that roam around in the fields. This Easter follow Shugborough’s nature inspired trail, and try your hand at being a weather presenter, getting crafty or find the giant bird’s nest.
Easter adventure trail 23 March–7 April. nationaltrust.org.uk
Croome, Worcestershire
Rescued from almost total loss, today Croome’s parkland with its serpentine river, commanding views over the Malverns and elegant garden buildings, is a perfect place for walks and Easter adventures. Activities to discover include a rabbit racecourse, a giant bird’s nest with supersized selfie bird board, animal footprint stepping stones, collaborative Easter art project, true or false egg path, egghead and spoon race, spin the wheel nature dares, interactive weather station and a tactile interactive egg learning experience.
Easter adventure trail 23 March– 7 April. nationaltrust.org.uk
Northern Ireland
Castle Ward, County Down
Castle Ward’s Easter trail celebrates the world of circus. Discover and finish the 10 circus-inspired activities that are hidden along the journey; Elephant hoop throwing, jump through a “ring of fire” and walk the tightrope before venturing into a sensory-rich circus barn of fun. Once you’ve explored the trail and picked up your chocolate egg, head into the theatre for Easter crafts, fancy dress, food stalls, live music and storytelling sessions.
Circus-themed Easter adventure trail 23 March–7 April; Crafts and storytelling 30 March-2 April. nationaltrust.org.uk
Mount Stewart, County Down
Mount Stewart is one of Northern Ireland’s most celebrated gardens, much loved for its originality and unrivalled collections of plants. A formal garden around the house is themed using plants from all round the world, while the pleasure ground surrounding the lake is a semi-natural woodland garden containing many rare plants. The Easter trail will celebrate the arrival of spring, with opportunities to sniff out wild garlic and the chance to spot a variety of southern migratory birds, including swallows, singing blackcap and chiffchaff.
Easter adventure trail 23–27 March. nationaltrust.org.uk
North
Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester
Dunham Massey is a green oasis nestled between the vibrancy of Manchester and tranquillity of rural Cheshire. With its ancient trees, reflective moat and Orangery on the lawn, it’s a total escape from city life. This spring, Dunham Massey’s Easter adventures trail follow a route that takes in the medieval deer park, 400-year-old mill and extensive gardens. Walk winding paths to discover trail points with active challenges for the whole family. Enjoy a picnic on the lawn or go fallow deer spotting across the 300 acre parkland.
Easter adventure trail 20 March–20 April. nationaltrust.org.uk
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire
This Unesco World Heritage Site is a unique place with one of the largest and best preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England and an elegant 18th century water garden of mirror-like ponds, statues and follies. Pick up an Easter adventure trail and follow the map around the estate to complete activities during your visit. From spring flowers blooming and boxing brown hares to deer appearing in the park, there’s plenty to spot. And don’t miss a trip to the play area.
Easter adventure trail 23 March–14 April. nationaltrust.org.uk
Gibside, Tyne & Wear
Gibside is one of a few surviving 18th-century designed landscapes complete with valley views, woodland, Palladian chapel, stable block, grand ruin and Column to Liberty towering above it all. Families can enjoy four outdoor play areas, a café and a wealth of woodland adventures. This Easter hop, skip and jump your way along the Gibside Easter trail, with traditional games for the whole family to enjoy.
Easter adventure trail 23 March–2 April. www.nationaltrust.org.uk.
Nostell, West Yorkshire
This historic Georgian house is home to some of Robert Adam’s finest interiors and has one of the best collections of Chippendale furniture (commissioned for the house) in the country. 300 acres of landscaped gardens and parkland offer picture-perfect views of the historic mansion, rolling hills and woodland. Head off on the Easter trail to celebrate the signs of spring, before shaking out the picnic blanket and relaxing among the daisies and buttercups that pepper the lawn.
Easter adventure trail 23 March-7 April. nationaltrust.org.uk
Wentworth Castle Gardens, Barnsley
With a fairy tale castle, secret gardens and winding wilderness paths, Wentworth Castle Gardens is the perfect setting for an Easter day out. Discover the new natural play space, where you can scramble and climb and keep your balance. Up at Stainborough Castle, become a storyteller and weave a tale of knights and dragons. On the Easter trail find adventure in the blossoming gardens with giant bird’s nests, Easter crafts and interactive wingspan activities.
Easter adventure trail 28 March–2 April. nationaltrust.org.uk
South West
Stourhead, Wiltshire
When Stourhead first opened in the 1740s, a magazine described it as “a living work of art”. Enjoy family fun at Stourhead this Easter with themed activities – make your way around the garden, complete the trail and collect a chocolate egg at the end.
Easter adventure trail 23 March–14 April. nationaltrust.org.uk
Dyrham Park, South Gloucestershire
Dyrham Park was created in the 17th century by civil servant William Blathwayt. The 270-acre ancient steep and sloping parkland is full of trees, views towards Bristol and beyond – and plenty of wide open space for young explorers to run free. Old Lodge play area and café has reopened in the parkland after a major revamp and kids can play on climbing equipment, balance beams and a log tunnel. This year’s Easter trail includes 10 different activities and games dotted around the garden.
Easter adventure trail 23 March-14 April. nationaltrust.org.uk
Castle Drogo, Devon
High above the ancient woodlands of the Teign Gorge stands Castle Drogo. Inspired by the rugged Dartmoor tors that surround it, the castle was designed and built by renowned 20th century architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. The grounds have lots of paths to explore, or head for the Rhododendron Garden for beautiful spring colour. This Easter, discover more about the birds that call Dartmoor home. Before you set off, you’ll receive a trail sheet to guide you on your adventure and Easter bunny ears to wear along the way.
Easter adventure trail 23 March–14 April. nationaltrust.org.uk
Trelissick, Cornwall
Originally built in the 1750s, Trelissick is set on its own peninsula with panoramic views over the Fal estuary. Explore the meandering paths through the garden that lead to exotic plants, herbaceous borders bursting with colour and spectacular maritime views. With the Trelissick estate covering over 300 acres of countryside, there are plenty of adventures to be had. Explore the parkland, skim stones on Trelissick beach and wander through the woodland walks. Follow the Easter trail around the garden and search for signs of spring, play Easter games and hop across the finish line of a rabbit racecourse.
Easter adventure trail 23 March–7 April. nationaltrust.org.uk
Wales
Chirk Castle, Wrexham
A stark symbol of power, the construction of Chirk Castle began around 1295. Built on an outcrop above the meeting point of the Rivers Dee and Ceiriog, the castle, with its imposing silhouette, was a brooding statement of English intent in these disputed lands. The award-winning gardens cover 5.5 acres of lawns, clipped yews, herbaceous borders, shrub and rock gardens, and the wooded pleasure ground. Plus there are 480 acres of estate parkland to explore. This Easter visit 10 stations packed with nature-themed activities.
Easter adventure trail 25 March-7 April. nationaltrust.org.uk
Dyffryn Gardens, Vale of Glamorgan, south Wales
A peaceful oasis on the outskirts of Cardiff, Dyffryn has something new to discover on every visit. Find intricate themed garden rooms, sweeping formal lawns, productive kitchen gardens, meadows and a large arboretum. In spring thousands of bulbs will be flowering throughout the meadows and in the beds around the gardens. At Easter, discover a family-friendly trail with 10 activities to get the family active and creative outside. Dress up like a baby animal, put your nose to the test to guess the spring smells, or challenge each other to some Easter games.
Easter adventure trail 23 March-2 April. nationaltrust.org.uk
