Milissa Davis, Watlington chocolatier & director of Tutu Chocolates, tells us about her sweet journey
Watlington, with its picturesque Chilterns landscape, is a dream location for any chocolatier. The town is a perfect stop for walkers exploring the Ridgeway, especially on National Walking Day (it’s the first Wednesday of April).
What makes Watlington even more special is its thriving independent high street, where shop owners pour their hearts into unique, curated products. From artisanal food to one-of-a-kind gifts, it’s a town chock-full of character.
Tutu Chocolates was founded in 2011 by Zoe Haynes. My journey with chocolate began when I was 16, working as a Saturday girl at Tutu Chocolates. I fell in love with the art of chocolate making, fascinated by the craftsmanship and creativity. That passion led me to become an apprentice chocolatier, honing my skills, learning the techniques of tempering, moulding, and flavour balancing. Eager to expand my knowledge, after working for Tutu Chocolates for five years, I worked in London, completing courses across the UK & America, gaining invaluable insights from some of the best in the industry. When Zoe decided to retire & the opportunity arose to buy Tutu Chocolates in 2023, I knew I had to jump at the chance! At 23, I took on the challenge of owning and running the business, making me one of the youngest chocolatiers in the UK with my own shop. It’s been an incredible journey.
Every chocolate is crafted by hand using traditional techniques. Tutu Chocolates is committed to sustainability and sources its cocoa through Cocoa Horizons, which supports farmers and promotes ethical practices.
From the award-winning Fennel Pollen, Honey & Ginger truffle to the bold Mango & Chilli truffle, each piece is carefully curated to surprise and delight. The shop offers an immersive experience where you can witness the magic of chocolate making. Walking into Tutu Chocolates isn’t just about buying chocolate – it’s about experiencing it. The shop is filled with the scent of rich cocoa, the warmth of handcrafted artistry, and the joy of watching chocolate being made right in front of you. It’s a place where every piece has a story, and every bite is a moment to savour. Rich in antioxidants, chocolate boosts heart health, enhances brain function, supports mood & wellbeing, thanks to essential minerals and natural ingredients.
Owning Tutu Chocolates has been filled with incredible moments. We recently won bronze for our Fennel Pollen, Honey & Ginger Truffle in the Academy of Chocolate, using Oxfordshire Clear Honey from our lovely Watlington beekeeper, for sale at Calnan Bros Butchers.
I love seeing customers return happy again & again! From 5th April I’ll be creating a Tumble Stone Hollow Gigantic Easter Egg you can win at Stonor Park. And up until 18th April (Good Friday) Tutu Chocolates is collaborating with No.4 for an Easter competition to win a chocolate bunny & a soft toy bunny teddy!
Enjoy an Easter adventure with the National Trust from April 5th to 27th. £3.50 per trail which includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and dairy or vegan and Free From chocolate egg. No booking needed. Check out the miniature mansion at Basildon Park and run from pillar to post. Choose colours from the colour wheel and puzzle the mansion floor plan back in order. Make your way along the trail and find activities for the whole family as you explore the beautiful parkland and gardens. It’s showtime at Greys Court! Lady Brunner loved the theatre and the gardens she designed are full of dramatic touches. Step into her world and put on a show with music, games and activities on a performance theme.
Experience the heartwarming adventure of Priscilla Queen of the Desert in this dazzling musical from April 16th-21st at South Hill Park. Join Tick, Bernadette, and Adam on a journey through the Australian outback, filled with outrageous costumes and iconic disco hits like I Will Survive and It’s Raining Men. A spectacular ride of joy and glitter awaits at the party of the year, where everyone’s invited. Book tickets.
Celebrate Easter with the annual Egg Hunt at Dinton Activity Centre, April 7th-21st. Join a fun-filled adventure as you search for hidden eggs along a 2km trail. As you explore the beautiful surroundings of Dinton Pastures Country Park, keep an eye out for clues that will lead you to the ultimate prize – a delicious chocolate treat! Book here.
The Binfield Easter Egg Hunt is back for the ninth year from Monday 14th to Sunday, 20th April. Buy a map for £3 from Binfield Village Stores or Foxes Den Café during the week and enjoy a fun walk around the village. With coffee shops, playgrounds and a fantastic pub on the route, go along & have a great day.
Dive into a Ball Pool Fun Zone for all the family to enjoy at The Lexicon this Easter. Running from 4th to 21st April, the fun zone features 175,000 colourful balls split into two sections – one for children under fives and another for children aged five and older. Adding to the excitement is a Giant Deckchair alongside games like Giant Jenga, Connect 4, and arcade favourites from High Score Arcade. Book to join in the fun.
Enjoy a new musical adventure live on stage on April 11th with The Dinosaur that Pooped a Rock Show at Theatre Royal Windsor. When Danny and Dino’s favourite rock band are playing their last ever concert, they go on a quest to get the last two tickets. But with a villainous band manager lurking, nothing goes to plan. Will the band perform? Will Danny rock out? Or will Dino’s rumbling tummy save the day? Adapted from the number one best-selling books by Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter with new songs by Tom and Dougie. Tickets here.
This Easter, mystery and magic fill the air at Stonor Park and Tumblestone Hollow. Follow the Easter Trail, solving woodland riddles, April 5th-21st. Can you crack the riddles, find the hidden eggs, and complete the adventure? There’s also the chance to win a giant chocolate egg courtesy of local award-winning chocolatier Tutu Delicious! Book tickets.
Over the Easter school holiday, join a trip along the Thames for the Riverboat Easter Egg Trail. Setting off from Caversham Pier, there are six 45-minute trips, April 7th-11th & 14th-18th. Look for hidden eggs, each displaying a letter. Spot them all to spell a special word and earn a certificate to commemorate your adventure. Times and bookings here.
Take the exciting Easter trail around the Royal Mews at Windsor Castle, follow the clues and win a chocolate reward! There will also be sparkling Easter Egg crafts to enjoy for the whole family on April 7th, 10th, 11th & 12th. Details here.
Keep the little ones hopping with excitement this Easter with Squire’s Garden Centre, Create & Grow activities, at Wokingham and the new Hare Hatch centre, April 7th-17th. Plant a colourful spring basket – £6.50, (booking essential), or go on a spring flower hunt – £2.50, follow the clues and uncover the magic word for a choccie treat! No booking required.
Explore William Morris’s ‘heaven on earth’ Kelmscott Manor house the adjoining farm buildings. View the iconic collection of artwork and objects owned and designed by the Father of the Arts & Crafts Movement and discover why the Cotswold home became an inspiration for him and his family. Take a stroll around the enchanting gardens and enjoy homemade food from the licensed tearoom. Kelmscott, Lechlade GL7 3HJ opens from April 3rd to October 25th. Discover more about the inspirational Cotswold retreat.
Join Greenham and Crookham Commons this Easter holiday to stretch your legs and explore their nature reserve at one of its most picturesque times of year. The trail on April 8th will take you on a circular route where you will learn about life on Greenham Common. The trail will take 1-1.5 hours to complete depending on dwelling time at each panel. Then head back to the control tower to make a bird themed craft to take home. Click here and search for Greenham Commons
Join the Highclere Castle Easter Trail through the gardens and woodland. At the end of the Trail, each child will win a chocolate Easter Egg on Saturday, 19th April. Children are invited to take part in the Easter Bonnet parade; please do bring your creations along with you. Hopefully children will be able to enjoy the bouncy slide (this is weather dependent and may be subject to an additional charge) and meeting some of the farm animals. For full details & to book.
There are eggs everywhere at the Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham. Rabbit has heard all about Easter from his friends but he’s a little confused about Easter eggs; where do they come from and what do they look like? Collect your trail sheet from the visitor centre and head around the nature reserve to discover who laid the eggs. Then, head back to the centre to complete their craft and claim your small chocolate prize on April 16th. Book here.
Get creative in an Easter-themed children’s print workshop at The Base, Newbury. You will learn how to make a range of your own prints (cards and decorations) to take home with you. Please come dressed for mess (an old shirt or apron would be perfect). The workshop includes all materials, plus an Easter treat and drink from Honesty cafe. Saturday, 12th April. Book here
Kimyo is a free-to-use, advert-free website that helps children (and adults!) explore and engage with local educational attractions. Users can search by topics of interest and can collect badges by answering questions about the things they have seen. Kimyo also contains a section for educators, with lesson plans that can be used with the items and locations on the website. Find out more
Hampshire
Join a National Trust Easter trail at many of their places for just £3.50. 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. Choose from either a chocolate egg or a vegan and Free From chocolate egg as your reward. Families can enjoy Bunny Hoopla, giant chess, croquet, dominoes and more Regency-themed fun in The Vyne’s gardens in Basingstoke before collecting their trail prize at the end, March 29th – April 21st and at Hinton Ampner and Mottisfont from April 5th – 21st.
The Shed in Bordon has lots of fabulous free events for families this Easter. Daisy’s Craft Room will be popping up again this Easter for an afternoon of crafty fun on April 9th. Items priced individually from only £2. Punch and Judy, those mischievous puppets, always manage to stir up some chaos and laughs when they come back for Easter on 10th. If you love magic you are in for a real treat, with rabbit and Easter egg tricks throughout the two shows on 11th. Free but booking essential. Join Junk Jodie on 16th to bring recycled materials to life. Click here for more details and to book.
Easter is a great time to visit Gilbert White’s House & Gardens, with spring flowers popping up all over it’s 25 acres of grounds. You can take the family on an Easter Egg hunt with a difference with their Birds in Folklore Egg Hunt, which includes stories and folklore about some of our best loved British birds! Hunt for ten eggs hidden in the garden and match the birds pictured on the eggs with the stories about them. Match all 10 and claim a chocolate egg! The Easter holidays also see the launch of Wild Wednesdays. An hour of hands-on activities for children and their parents to experience local wildlife. Focusing on the joy that experiencing nature brings, with a little bit of learning along the way. More here.
There’s so much more to ‘eggs-plore’ this Easter at Winchester Science Centre with egg hunts, storytime and live shows. Children can hunt for a nest containing models of eggs laid by animals that hatch and then celebrate funding them all with a tasty treat. The science Inspirers will host an Easter storytime bringing to life an original tale exploring what happens when an animal hatches and takes its first steps into the world. Discover all this and more from April 4th -22nd.
Wander into Wonderland this Easter for a free weekend of whimsical games, tea parties, egg hunts, hands-on crafts and more in Princes Gardens, Aldershot (April 12th) and by Farnborough Library (April 13th). Meet Alice, The Queen of Hearts, Hatter and the White Rabbit for an interactive event full of twists and turns. Join Rhubarb Theatre for a wonderland experience as you shrink into the gardens of the Queen of Hearts to find yourself amongst her large lawn games. More details here.
Hop into Sir Harold Hillier Gardens’ gorgeous spring surroundings where the whole family can enjoy the self-guided Easter trail filled with fun games and activities amongst the blossoming flowers from March 29th – April 27th.
Pick up a Marwell Passport and join the adventure trail at Marwell Zoo, April 5th – 21st, going ‘around the zoo in 80 species’. Discover animals from across the continents and collect stamps along the way. On Easter Sunday (20th) meet the Easter Bunny and find the hidden eggs around the zoo to win prizes as part of the Big Easter Egg Hunt.
Pick up a bag and sheet – or bring your Easter basket – and hunt high and low to gather 15 chocolates from different spots in the grounds at Whitchurch Silk Mill on April 16th.
Hop aboard the Watercress Line, April 17th – 21st, and join the East Bunny Train where you’ll enjoy a sing along and jokes with the Easter Bunny’s helpers, a free activity sheet and choccy egg as well as crafts, an Easter egg spotter trail, colouring and themed selfie spots.
Oxfordshire
Enjoy an Easter adventure with the National Trust from April 5th-27th. £3.50 per trail which includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and dairy or vegan and Free From chocolate egg. No booking needed. It’s showtime at Greys Court! Lady Brunner loved the theatre and the gardens she designed are full of dramatic touches. Step into her world and put on a show with music, games and activities on a performance theme.
Hop along to Waterperry Gardens this Easter holiday, March 29th-April 21st, dressed as a bunny (optional) to find the missing carrots the bunny has dropped and take in the beautiful spring gardens. Hop around the gardens and every time you find a carrot mark it on the map provided to show its location. Find the letters on each carrot to reveal a word. Collect your prize from the Garden Shop. Children must be accompanied by an adult (garden entrance fee applies). Gardens open 10am to 5.30pm daily. No need to pre-book, all eager bunnies welcome. More here.
Explore William Morris’s ‘heaven on earth’ Kelmscott Manor house the adjoining farm buildings. View the iconic collection of artwork and objects owned and designed by the Father of the Arts & Crafts Movement and discover why the Cotswold home became an inspiration for him and his family. Take a stroll around the enchanting gardens and enjoy homemade food from the licensed tearoom. Kelmscott, Lechlade GL7 3HJ opens from April 3rd to October 25th. Discover more about the inspirational Cotswold retreat.
Visit Cogges over the spring holidays, April 5th-21st, spot the knitted bunnies around the Manor House, and see the rooms decorated for Easter. Get hands-on with children’s crafty activities (small cost applies), plus an egg hunt in the stable, Easter trail and baking on the range and say hello to the animals. Create your own adventure with 17 acres of open space, adventure play fort, zip wire and trail around the old moat. Find out more.
Enjoy a free heritage bus ride at Oxford Bus Museum at Long Hanborough on Sunday 6th April, 12.15pm & 2.15pm and on Easter Sunday and Monday join the Easter chick hunt too. Click for more.
Join the expert dragon masters and adopt a dragon at Oxford Castle and Museum, April 7th-18th. Decorate a dragon egg, make a fun dragon mask, build a cosy nest for your egg – and take home your very own dragon. Each dragon is house trained and guaranteed not to get any bigger or eat the family pet. Ages 3-7. Book here.
Flutter by and find a rainbow of butterflies – and a chocolate treat – on the Easter trail at Sutton Courtenay Environmental Education Centre on April 9th, 10th, 12th & 15th. Book online here and search for Sutton Courtenay.
Join Little Acorns for a springtime adventure at Earth Trust! Take part in Spring Senses, April 7th & 8th and Eastertime, April 14th & 15th. Explore the natural world on Family Nature Day, 16th and step back in time on an Ancient Adventure, 17th. Don’t miss the Spring Festival at the Earth Trust, May 3rd-5th. Details of all these & more
This Easter, mystery and magic fill the air at Stonor Park and Tumblestone Hollow. Follow the Easter Trail, solving woodland riddles, April 5th-21st. Crack the riddles, find the hidden eggs, and complete the adventure. There’s also the chance to win a giant chocolate egg courtesy of local award-winning chocolatier Tutu Delicious! Book here.
A Golden Egg is hidden within the parks and gardens at Blenheim Palace (5th-17th), and if you find it, big prizes are to be won! It could be in or near the Walled Garden. An egg-citing Easter weekend will fill the Walled Garden with fun from 18th-21st. Hop along for a range of egg-citing activities! For full details about the golden egg hunt & tickets click here.
Oxford Swim School are holding an Easter Intensive Course from Monday 7th to Friday 11th April. The five-day intensive swimming course (lessons are 30 minutes a day) uses the private 25 metre pool at Oxford High School in Summertown. It is for children aged 4-13 years old. Whether it is helping non-swimmers gain confidence and learning the basics of swimming, or assisting more advanced swimmers with stroke refinement. For more call 01865 864537 or click here.
Listen to stories and hunt for history while you explore the galleries at the Ashmolean Museum on a volunteer-led family gallery tour exploring ancient Egypt, Greece and Modern Art galleries. Play games and quizzes, enjoy sounds and stories, try out your design and drawing skills – each activity is different. More here.
Kimyo is a free-to-use, advert-free website that helps children (and adults!) explore and engage with local educational attractions. Users can search by topics of interest and can collect badges by answering questions about the things they have seen. Kimyo also contains a section for educators, with lesson plans that can be used with the items and locations on the website. Find out more.
Surrey
Spring into action with an Easter adventure at a National Trust place near you. Roll-up for nature-inspired games and activities at Hatchlands Park and Hindhead Commons, get crafty at Dapdune Wharf and take part in the ever-popular egg rolling at Box Hill on the Easter weekend. Each trail costs £3.50 which includes a pair of bunny ears, and a chocolate egg or a vegan ‘Free-From’* chocolate egg. (Usual property admission applies).
Hunt down the colourful eggs and collect the clues to solve the mystery and claim your chocolate at RHS Wisley – just make sure you grab a code-breaker pack on arrival for £2.50.
Looking for family friendly fun this Easter? Join three friends on a joyful jungle adventure at the Yvonne Arnaud, in Tall Stories’ magical, adaptation of the much-loved Elmer books by David McKee. The enchanting and colourful world of Elmer is brought to life through songs, storytelling and puppetry from April 9th -13th. There’s also a host of exciting Easter workshops at the Theatre, including their free Easter Family Fun Day, Drama Camp, Video Game Design and more. Book your space before they sell out.
Browse and purchase exceptional handmade pieces from some of the UK’s finest professional designer makers and artists at Craft in Focus at RHS Garden Wisley. The Spring Contemporary Fair, May 1st-5th, showcases a carefully curated selection of fine art, furniture, interior accessories, textiles, fashion, jewellery, ceramics, glassware, sculpture, and garden art. Beyond shopping, visitors can enjoy live demonstrations by some of the talented exhibitors, offering an insight into their creative processes. The event also features food stands and live music, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere. For more & to book.
Hop into spring at Painshill in Cobham this Easter! Join the Giant Easter Bunnies Trail, where you’ll explore the beautiful, historic gardens while hunting for giant bunny characters hidden throughout the landscape. Fun for all ages and perfect for a memorable day out surrounded by nature. Tickets are cheaper ifbooked online here.
Learn how to write ghost stories at Sensing Spirits on April 4th at West Horsley Place, the setting for BBC comedy Ghosts and on 8th there’s the chance to explore ‘Button House’ with fun activities for families. Enjoy a day of guided walks and talks across the beautiful estate. Explore hidden bluebell woodlands, hear from West Surrey Badger Club, and take a spring birdwatching tour on 13th. Get creative as you explore the Manor House with a different workshop in every room on 15th and join in tots tales on 23rd with sensory play sessions. Join Lord Hopton’s Regiment and the English Civil War Society as they put on an all-day living history display to transport visitors back to the 17th Century in an open day on April 27th. More details.
The Shed in Bordon has lots of fabulous free events for families this Easter. Daisy’s Craft Room will be popping up again this Easter for an afternoon of crafty fun on April 9th. Items priced individually from only £2. Punch and Judy, those mischievous puppets, always manage to stir up some chaos and laughs when they come back for Easter on 10th. If you love magic you are in for a real treat, with rabbit and Easter egg tricks throughout the two shows on11th. Free but booking essential. Join Junk Jodie on 16th to bring recycled materials to life. For more details and to book.
Easter is a great time to visit Gilbert White’s House & Gardens, with spring flowers popping up all over it’s 25 acres of grounds. You can take the family on an Easter Egg hunt with a difference with their Birds in Folklore Egg Hunt, which includes stories and folklore about some of our best loved British birds! Hunt for ten eggs hidden in the garden and match the birds pictured on the eggs with the stories about them. Match all 10 and claim a chocolate egg! The Easter holidays also see the launch of Wild Wednesdays. An hour of hands-on activities for children and their parents to experience local wildlife. Focusing on the joy that experiencing nature brings, with a little bit of learning along the way. More here.
Celebrate spring with cute fluffy themed activities at the Museum of Farnham, meet some lambs and get hands on with all sorts of woolly activities – handling, carding, spinning and weaving. Take part in the egg-cellent scavenger hunt and get messy with Easter themed crafts on April 19th.
There’s an Easter classic gathering at Brooklands on April 19th with hundreds of classic vehicles, supercars, live music, food stalls and a BBQ to enjoy alongside the planes, buses, cars, simulators and all other Brooklands Museum exhibits.
Be like the Easter bunny and hop aboard the Denbies Easter Bunny Train Ride around the vineyard in search of the golden eggs ticking them off on your Easter Train Passport. Find all three golden eggs to win a prize, April 7th-18th.
Look for the Easter themed clues in the displays at Guildford Museum. Will the Easter bunny be hiding there and what about the eggs? Join the fun trail April 5th-19th.
Celebrate spring with cute fluffy themed activities at the Museum of Farnham, meet some lambs and get hands on with all sorts of woolly activities – handling, carding, spinning and weaving. Take part in the egg-cellent scavenger hunt and get messy with Easter themed crafts on April 19th.
Discover the magic of Cicely Mary Barker and her magical world of the Flower Fairies with Family Days at Watts Gallery. Try your hand at ceramics with Clay Club and make sure to play across the whole site, April 5th-21st.
Wander into Wonderland this Easter for a free weekend of whimsical games, tea parties, egg hunts, hands-on crafts and more in Princes Gardens, Aldershot (April 12th) and by Farnborough Library (April 13th). Meet Alice, The Queen of Hearts, Hatter and the White Rabbit for an interactive event full of twists and turns. Join Rhubarb Theatre for a wonderland experience as you shrink into the gardens of the Queen of Hearts to find yourself amongst her large lawn games. More details at rushmoor.gov.uk/easter
Live action, puppetry and animation all feature in A Big Egg at Camberley Theatre on April 12th. Siblings Jack and Molly want to dive into their chocolate eggs but their mum insists they eat something healthy for breakfast first. Can they find an egg big enough and what creature might have laid it? Tickets here.
Join Egham Orbit on 19th April from 11am for their Easter Fun Fest! A day of Easter egg hunts, sports activities and games, food markets from local businesses and much more! They’ll also have special offers, prizes to be won and a visit from Rocky the Rabbit! Click here.
Wiltshire
Enjoy an Easter adventure with the National Trust from April 5th to 27th. Prices are £3.50 per trail which includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and dairy or vegan and Free From* chocolate egg. *Suitable for people with milk, egg, gluten, peanut and tree nut allergies. No booking needed. Join an Easter adventure at Avebury between March 29th and April 21st. Make your way along the trail while taking part in 10 fun, creative, and playful activities for the whole family. Explore the garden and take part in lots of Easter games and challenges to claim your chocolate egg. Check out the miniature mansion at Basildon Park and run from pillar to post. Choose colours from the colour wheel and puzzle the mansion floor plan back in order. Make your way along the trail and find activities for the whole family as you explore the beautiful parkland and gardens.
Collect your trail sheet from the Easter Gazebo in the Courtyard at Lacock to help you discover 10 playful, creative and nature inspired activities dotted around the grounds. Find your bunny ears and get hopping around the beautiful gardens of Lacock in spring bloom from April 5th-21st.
Explore William Morris’s ‘heaven on earth’ Kelmscott Manor house the adjoining farm buildings. View the iconic collection of artwork and objects owned and designed by the Father of the Arts & Crafts Movement and discover why the Cotswold home became an inspiration for him and his family. Take a stroll around the enchanting gardens and enjoy homemade food from the licensed tearoom. Kelmscott, Lechlade GL7 3HJ opens from April 3rd to October 25th. Discover more about the inspirational Cotswold retreat.
Join the Crofton Beam Engines Great Easter Steam Up on April 20th & 21st. See the world’s oldest fully operational pumping station in steam, the 1812 Boulton & Watt and 1846 Harvey Beam Engines will be doing their original job back pumping the Kennet & Avon Canal. Take part in the Easter Egg Trail, Duck Race and make your own or bring an Easter Bonnet. Prizes for completing the trail, the fastest and slowest duck in the race and best bonnet for both children and adults. Details & booking here.
Easter comes early this year, March 29th – April 1st, which gives us an opportunity to enjoy the glories of spring as well of course, as eating chocolate!
There’s so much more to Easter than just choccy eggs, for many it has the deepest religious significance, for others it affords a long weekend of spending time with your loved ones hopefully with some bright cheery spring sunshine then and beyond.
This Easter pop along to a National Trust property near you for a family trail. Jam-packed with outdoor activities, games, riddles and crafts, every Easter celebration is different and ends with a chocolate egg.
Spring has sprung at Widmer Farm Park in Princes Risborough, with lots of cute babies due to be born in March and April, including lambs and kids.
“It’s definitely the season we all look forward to after a cold winter,” says Alice Paterson. “At Easter our focus is on new beginnings. We support rare breeds and are very proud to be contributing towards the conservation of Bagot goats, Golden Guernseys and Cotswold Sheep with our breeding programme.”
The farm opened more than 30 years ago and in 2022 the family business decided to reopen the farm park which sits alongside the pet and equine shop and horse riding school, making it a haven for all animal-lovers. A café is being built with an indoor soft play area in the pipeline. Right now there’s an Easter Trail included in ticket prices; all participants will receive a treat. Visit widmerfarmpark.co.uk
The Gruffalo is celebrating his 25th birthday at Wendover Woods and to celebrate, everyone is invited to take part in a brand new forest adventure. The family trail features all sorts of party-themed activities and games, along with fun facts to teach you about life in the forest for the Gruffalo and other creatures. Follow the trail to help find the missing party items to give the Gruffalo a birthday to remember.
Thomas the Tank Engine – a real steam locomotive – is offering rides at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre in Quainton. Plus, meet Sir Topham Hatt, Rusty & Dusty, Percy and Trevor the traction engine! (If you’re away at Easter, don’t worry; Thomas will be back in Quainton in May, July and October!).
Hughenden, near Wycombe, will welcome your little bunnies for an Easter trail, 10am-4pm from 23rd March to 7th April. Encounter life-size mythical creatures, solve riddles, discover hidden treasures and conquer Medusa’s snakes and ladders or engage in a playful game of Cyclops Eye Spy on the parterre (normal entry plus £3 per trail, including a chocolate egg). With its natural playground for climbing, balancing and make believe, picnic tables in the orchard, walled garden and exhibition about Hughenden’s secret WWII map-making history, a trip to Hughenden is always a great day out.
And there are more National Trust treasures worth visiting in Bucks, of course. Cliveden’s Easter trail will run 29th March to 16th April, 9.30am-5pm (and the Storybook Play Den is always a hit). Claydon near Winslow (former home of Florence Nightingale) will offer the Easter trail 29th March to 1st April and wonderful Waddesdon (whose popular Woodland Playground has just been refurbished) offers eggstra (sorry) fun, games and creative activities as well as the choccy trail, 27th March to 7th April. For more info please visit nationaltrust.org.uk
Peterley Manor Farm in Great Missenden, HP16 0HH, is a cherished local treasure and a great place to buy spring produce. Highlights this month include candlemaking & a Mother’s Day market. Visit peterleymanorfarm.co.uk
We love Kew Little Pigs in Old Amersham where you might be so smitten with the little porkers that you look into homing a micropig yourself! You can book a pigkeeper day for children aged between seven and 16 years on 1st, 2nd, 8th and 9th April.
Awesome Odds Farm at Wooburn Common, HP10 0LX, wins rave reviews for good reason with its super slides and indoor zone as well as livestock including goats, sheep, cows, ponies, donkeys and bunnies to meet.
Tot-friendly beauty Bekonscot model village & railway, HP9 2PL, the world’s oldest original model village, has reopened to visitors after the winter. Visit bekonscot.co.uk for more info.
Bucks Goat Centre in Stoke Mandeville, HP22 5XJ, is a bucolic animal paradise with a cafe and the Bunny Brunch on Saturdays at 10.30am offering a chance to feed and cuddle the smaller animals. Also, Fox Cubs is a popular group for SEND children up to 15 years every Thursday. Visit thebucksgoatcentre.website
Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park in Claydon, MK18 3LA, is a wonderful space to recharge with animal and farmer encounters and a cafe. Find out more at hogshawfarm.co.uk
Families can explore some of the wonderful details of Amersham old town with a town trail created by the team at Amersham Museum. This has been beautifully illustrated by artist Livi Gosling, with the support of the Rothschild Foundation, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Chilterns AONB. For this & more highlights, visit amershammuseum.org
How about getting some fresh air with a Go Ape treetop adventure in Black Park or Wendover Woods offering a bird’s eye view of the forest. Ropes, zip lines, nets and walkways will take you on a magical journey through the tree canopies. Visit goape.co.uk for more.
The One World Animals team offer hands-on encounters with exotic animals including insects, arachnids and reptiles. Enjoy a workshop at Bourne End Community Centre, SL8 5SX, on 5th April; oneworldanimals.com
Easter comes early this year, March 29th – April 1st, which gives us an opportunity to enjoy the glories of spring as well of course, as eating chocolate!
There’s so much more to Easter than just choccy eggs, for many it has the deepest religious significance, for others it affords a long weekend of spending time with your loved ones hopefully with some bright cheery spring sunshine then and beyond.
This Easter pop along to a National Trust property near you for a family trail. Jam-packed with outdoor activities, games, riddles and crafts, every Easter celebration is different and ends with a chocolate egg.
Basildon Park is going to the movies, March 23rd-April 14th, as children and families become director of their own Easter movie in the parkland. Basildon Park is often seen on screen as a location in films and the 10 action stations of the Easter trail will help families create their own movie. There’ll be plenty of walking, fun games and photo opportunities to be had along the way. There are also two pre-bookable Easter wreath-making workshops on March 19th and 21st.
You may bump into some grazing sheep and early lambs on your springtime adventure across the country estate at Greys Court near Henley (March 23rd-April 14th) as you follow the Easter trail with 10 activity stations, showcasing the cheery signs of spring. Take part in an Easter wreath making workshop on March 20th and 22nd. Booking necessary.
Get ready for an egg-citing adventure at Stonor and Tumblestone Hollow this Easter when the popular Easter Trail returns to the gardens and adventure playground between March 29th and April 14th. Discover the nature walk, craft activities and storytelling sessions, all within the picturesque backdrop of the gardens and woodland adventure playground. Children are free to weave their way throughout the gardens, walkways, playground and woodland, solving riddles, spotting signs of spring, listening to stories and getting creative.
Wellington Country Park has fun activities for all ages including the very young (up to four) with the Mini Easter Eggstravaganza on March 26th to 28th. Enjoy Junk Jodie Easter crafts, interactive story time with Woolly the Rainbow sheep and Bo Peep and song and dance time with the Blossom Buddies, bubbles in the big top and the Welly Tots Showcase with six exciting new role play zones. From March 29th to April 7th, there are activities for children up to 8 with Easter crafts, singing and dancing with Canary Mary and friends, story time and Circus Wellingtonia.
Thames Vale Vultures are back on their motorbikes for the popular Berkshire Egg Run on Friday, 29th March in support of disadvantaged children/adults/families in Berkshire. Meet at 11.30am, Stadium Way Industrial Estate, Tilehurst (Scours Lane end), for 12.30pm ride to the Abbey Rugby Club, Emmer Green and presentation. Please bring an egg or two to donate.
Be an Easter Egg-splorer at Windsor Castle, March 30th to April 14th. Get crafting in the Castle’s Learning Centre, enjoy Easter themed-activities and while touring the State Apartments become an egg-splorer and follow the family trail to find some tiny objects in the Castle. Many activities are related to the 100th anniversary of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. Book here.
Join BBOWT at Windsor Great Park this Easter holiday and eggsplore the wild woodland and muddy meadow in search of egg-laying creatures! Around the trail you can learn all about the exciting eggs you can find in nature, and crack the egg mystery to win yourself a tasty chocolate egg. There will be activities, games and take-home crafts along the way, April 2nd to 4th. Visit here to book.
Create and grow at Squire’s Garden Centre, Wokingham and keep the little ones entertained. Plant three colourful plants in a wicker basket, decorated with a raffia bow, to create a lovely gift or place in your garden. Advanced booking essential. Follow the clues around the centre to help find the magic word and receive a sweet treat in the Spring Flower Hunt. No booking necessary. Activities April 2nd to 5th and 8th to 12th.
Have fun at the Museum of English Rural Life in Reading and enjoy trails and activities in the galleries and garden, April 2nd to 14th. Have a go at a themed trail in the garden, free, discover the Spring Family Activity Packs, take part in a variety of gallery and garden trails including the woodland brass rubbing trail, ride on the fabulous wooden play-on tractor and wagon and bring a picnic or enjoy an Easter treat in the cafe.
Whether you’re in the mood for a thrilling night of drama, uplifting musical theatre, live music, or even standup comedy, Theatre Royal Windsor has a packed season, with something for everyone! Right in the heart of Windsor, they often host major shows before their national tours or West End transfers. Visit theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk for details of all their upcoming shows.
Easter comes early this year, March 29th – April 1st, which gives us an opportunity to enjoy the glories of spring as well of course, as eating chocolate!
There’s so much more to Easter than just choccy eggs, for many it has the deepest religious significance, for others it affords a long weekend of spending time with your loved ones hopefully with some bright cheery spring sunshine then and beyond.
This Easter pop along to a National Trust property near you for a family trail. Jam-packed with outdoor activities, games, riddles and crafts, every Easter celebration is different and ends with a chocolate egg.
Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family at The Vyne, Basingstoke between March 23rd and April 14th. Limbering up this Easter, families can get active in The Vyne’s gardens as they complete this athletics-themed trail. At 10 outdoor activity stations, enjoy fun challenges such as long jump, egg and spoon race and bean bag shot put before heading to the trail finish to collect your prize.
Go wild for the Easter Trail at Hinton Ampner as you don your bunny ears and take on the challenges the Easter bunny has left behind. A chocolate prize awaits for the best hopping, bouncing bunnies, March 29th-April 14th.
Discover the myths and legends of the Punch Bowl and look out for the Exmoor ponies at Hindhead Commons with activities and challenges for all the family on the Easter Trail, March 29th-April 14.
Thousands of daffodils (more than 40 varieties) are spread across the Pleasure Garden at Petworth and pack nearly 100 plant containers. A colourful free map and trail booklet will take families on a spring adventure that weaves through the gardens. Stop off at six wildlife-willow sculptures on the way – from slugs and frogs to bees and butterflies – for fun games and activities including daffodil hoopla target and butterfly noughts and crosses. March 29th-April 14th. Also shop at an artisan makers market. Full details and all event dates for Petworth Spring Festival, for more information visit the website.
Join the search in the grounds of Whitchurch Silk Mill on Wednesday, 10th April and see how many eggs you can find! Collect a bag on arrival or bring your own basket and hunt high and low around the Mill grounds to find the chocolate eggs left behind by the Easter bunny. Each child will be given a bag and sheet to collect 15 chocolates from different locations around the Mill grounds. £4.50 per child, charges apply to all children wishing to participate in the hunt. No booking is required for accompanying adults. Details here.
Bun & Ted are embarking on another Eggscellent Adventure at Milestones Museum, Basingstoke, in their spring challenge and they need you to help them save Easter. March 29th to April 14th.
A weekend celebrating the onset of spring is bringing together the very best of Surrey’s food, drink, art and crafts at the Rural Life Living Museum, Tilford. Visitors to the Spring Fair can experience a wide range of fun and exciting activities that celebrate spring and showcase the richness of the culture, heritage and natural beauty of the Surrey Hills. Traditional country crafts, live music, art demonstrations, local food vendors, and outdoor woodland activities can all be enjoyed on April 6th & 7th.
The Eggs-travaganza Easter hunt is back at Winchester Science Centre, March 16th to April 15th, but don’t expect to be on the hunt for brightly coloured eggs! In European folklore the Easter bunny was traditionally an Easter hare. Join the hunt around the Centre to find the rabbits and hares that are visiting. Explore the differences between our furry friends and solve the puzzles along the way in order to grab yourself a delicious chocolate treat. Spring also heralds a new season of exciting science fun at Boom & Bloom!
Follow the trail through Highclere Castle’s gardens and woodland, finding clues en route to win a chocolate Easter Egg at the end on Saturday, 6th April. Show off your creations in the Easter bonnet parade, meet some of the farm animals and take to the bouncy slide in a day of family fun for all ages. Please pre-book adult tickets and confirm how many children are coming with you so Highclere can ensure every child receives an Easter egg once they have completed the trail. Donations to the chosen charity on the day (suggested donation £5) are invited when collecting a map for the Easter Trail on arrival.
Visit Gilbert White’s House & Gardens this Easter, join family and friends for a walk through the beautiful spring gardens and try the ‘record-breaking birds egg hunt’ – there are some brilliant birds in the world and on this year’s egg hunt you will find out all about them – and finish the day with a lovely lunch or afternoon treat in White’s cafe. More here.
Easter comes early this year, March 29th – April 1st, which gives us an opportunity to enjoy the glories of spring as well of course, as eating chocolate!
There’s so much more to Easter than just choccy eggs, for many it has the deepest religious significance, for others it affords a long weekend of spending time with your loved ones hopefully with some bright cheery spring sunshine then and beyond.
This Easter pop along to a National Trust property near you for a family trail. Jam-packed with outdoor activities, games, riddles and crafts, every Easter celebration is different and ends with a chocolate egg.
Make your way along the trail at Avebury while taking part in 10 fun, creative, and playful activities inspired by our native wildlife for the whole family. The trail takes place between March 23rd and April 14th, so go along and explore the beautiful gardens of Avebury.
Basildon Park is going to the movies, March 23rd-April 14th, as children and families become director of their own Easter movie in the parkland. Basildon Park is often seen on screen as a location in films and the 10 action stations of the Easter trail will help families create their own movie. There’ll be plenty of walking, fun games and photo opportunities to be had along the way. There are also two pre-bookable Easter wreath-making workshops on March 19th and 21st.
Follow the trail through Highclere Castle’s gardens and woodland, finding clues en route to win a chocolate Easter egg at the end on Saturday, 6th April. Show off your creations in the Easter bonnet parade, meet some of the farm animals and take to the bouncy slide in a day of family fun for all ages. Please pre-book adult tickets and confirm how many children are coming with you so Highclere can ensure every child receives an Easter egg once they have completed the trail. Donations to the chosen charity on the day (suggested donation £5) are invited when collecting a map for the Easter Trail on arrival.
Explore Shaw House and follow the clues to find all the bunnies hidden around the historic rooms on Saturday, 13th April, 11am-1pm. Themed crafts will also be available in the Activity Room. Suitable for ages 4 – 8 years old, but younger and older visitors are welcome. Suggested donation £1.
Buscot Park house and gardens reopen for the summer season on Good Friday, 29th March, and will be open 2-6pm daily over the Easter bank holiday weekend. New for 2024 is a free sculpture trail around the gardens, featuring stunning glass sculptures by Gloucestershire artists Sally Fawkes and Richard Jackson. More here.
Hop into spring with a joyful Easter egg trail scavenger hunt at Town Gardens in Swindon on Saturday, 30th March. Children will crack the code, claim delicious treats, and create lasting memories. The trail starts at the bandstand by 10am.
Celebrate new life at Roves Farm near Swindon this spring with the birth of lambs and baby goats. Boer goat nannies will be kidding from 12th March and the kids will be included in the bottle feeding sessions once old enough from around early April, perfect timing for the Easter holidays! The second lambing takes place at the farm from April 6th to 23rd. Spend some time on the viewing walkway looking out over the barn as the day’s action unfolds. You may be lucky enough to see a lamb or two being born. And of course, there will be all the usual fun on the farm with daily activities, indoor and outdoor play, tractor rides, Rugrats & Rascals sessions, meet & feed the animals & lots more.
Crofton Beam Engines will be letting off steam on March 31st and April 1st when you can enjoy a look behind the scenes over the Easter weekend.
Easter fun awaits at Bowood House & Gardens from March 29th to April 14th where the Bowood Easter Bunny has hidden 10 large eggs through the Arboretum. Find the eggs, unscramble the letters and guess the word to win a prize. On Easter weekend, March 29th to April 1st, four golden eggs will be hidden within the grounds, along with one rainbow egg each day, (Friday – Monday inclusive). Those that find a golden egg will win a chocolate Easter Egg and the rainbow egg winner will win a Season Ticket. Book here.
Meet rare breed ponies, pigs, sheep, rabbits, ducks, geese, goats, and more at Cholderton Charlie’s Rare Breeds Farm near Salisbury. Offering a range of events and activities during the Easter holidays, this is a fantastic place to take the children during Easter. Adults will also want to stop by the Farm Shop to browse gifts and locally produced food and drink and gifts before heading home. Visit choldertonrarebreedsfarm.com
Instead of Easter bunnies how about Easter horses? Huntersfield Equestrian Centre near Faringdon hosts regular pony camps, days and rallies during holidays and mid-term breaks. Open to children between the ages of four and 16 years, no prior experience is needed, just a positive and eager attitude to learn more about horses and their care. And of course there’s loads of fun to the activities too. Find out more and book at huntersfieldec.com
Easter comes early this year, March 29th – April 1st, which gives us an opportunity to enjoy the glories of spring as well of course, as eating chocolate!
There’s so much more to Easter than just choccy eggs, for many it has the deepest religious significance, for others it affords a long weekend of spending time with your loved ones hopefully with some bright cheery spring sunshine then and beyond.
This Easter pop along to a National Trust property near you for a family trail. Jam-packed with outdoor activities, games, riddles and crafts, every Easter celebration is different and ends with a chocolate egg.
You may bump into some grazing sheep and early lambs on your springtime adventure across the country estate at Greys Court near Henley (March 23rd-April 14th) as you follow the Easter trail with 10 activity stations, showcasing the cheery signs of spring. Take part in an Easter wreath making workshop on March 20th and 22nd. Booking necessary.
Embark on an Easter adventure in a neolithic landscape. Walk in the footsteps of dragons, warrior tribes and kings on this easter trail and explore the secrets of the White Horse near Uffington on March 29th to April 1st.
Explore the Wilderness Walk at Chastleton near Moreton-in-Marsh, March 29th-April 1st, and find out more about all the creatures and critters that call it home before heading to the house to spot the 10 Easter bunnies hiding there to claim your prize.
An egg-citing Easter weekend will fill the Walled Garden at Blenheim Palace with fun from March 29th – April 1st. Hop along to enjoy a whole host of egg-citing activities including circus skills, balloon modelling, bubble performances, bungee trampolines and a travelling vintage variety show, and look out for the Easter Bunny throughout the weekend too. Keep little ones busy with the Easter egg hunt around the grounds and why not visit the Walled Garden Pizzeria to refuel with a delicious wood-fired pizza afterwards.
Join the Big Easter Bunny Hunt around the ornamental Waterperry Gardens, April 1st-14th. £3.50 per child with a prize – children must be accompanied by an adult for whom the garden entrance fee applies. The gardens are open from 10am and close at 5.30pm daily, including over the Easter period, no need to pre-book, look forward to seeing you!
Get ready for an egg-citing adventure at Stonor and Tumblestone Hollow, Henley, this Easter when the popular Easter Trail returns to the gardens and adventure playground between March 29th and April 14th. Discover the nature walk, craft activities and storytelling sessions, all within the picturesque backdrop of the gardens and woodland adventure playground. Children are free to weave their way throughout the gardens, walkways, playground and woodland, solving riddles, spotting signs of spring, listening to stories and getting creative.
Experience the magic of spring at Cotswold Farm Park whose annual lambing event is back and better than ever, with over 900 lambs and kids expected to be born on the farm. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves animals and the wonder of new life with a team of experts on-hand to share their knowledge with daily lambing talks to help you learn all about the new arrivals.
Millets Farm spring event is open daily from April 1st to 14th at the Millets Maze Courtyard… all the puzzling fun without the maize! Spring into the great outdoors to help Farmer Carter play our great quiz trails and activities within the three woodlands, courtyards and castle. Enjoy the go-karts, pedal tractors, sand pits, family games and much more!
Buscot Park house and gardens reopen for the summer season on Good Friday, 29th March, and will be open 2-6pm daily over the Easter bank holiday weekend. New for 2024 is a free sculpture trail around the gardens, featuring stunning glass sculptures by Gloucestershire artists Sally Fawkes and Richard Jackson. More here.
Instead of Easter bunnies how about Easter horses? Huntersfield Equestrian Centre near Faringdon hosts regular pony camps, days and rallies during holidays and mid-term breaks. Open to children between the ages of four and 16 years, no prior experience is needed, just a positive and eager attitude to learn more about horses and their care. And of course there’s loads of fun to the activities too. Find out more and book here.
If you’re looking for some entertainment over the Easter holidays how about a trip to a local theatre. The Cornerstone, Didcot invites you to visit The Museum of Marvellous Things on Sunday, 7th April, and watch the impossible happen with giant puppets, magical effects, interactive storytelling, live original music and a chance to make your own special puppet, all from the magic of your imagination. Book here.
All the fun of the circus comes to The Beacon, Wantage on Thursday, 11th April when the laughter-packed stage show Cartoon Circus Live combines the comedy of pantomime with the thrill of the circus. Expect clowns, traditional slapstick comedy, illusions, the amazing girl in the spinning bottle, magic, a huge giant dancing bear, cartoon characters, an acrobatic human slinky, puppets, prizes and surprises and a performing piranha! Book here.
Easter comes early this year, March 29th – April 1st, which gives us an opportunity to enjoy the glories of spring as well of course, as eating chocolate!
There’s so much more to Easter than just choccy eggs, for many it has the deepest religious significance, for others it affords a long weekend of spending time with your loved ones hopefully with some bright cheery spring sunshine then and beyond.
This Easter pop along to a National Trust property near you for a family trail. Jam-packed with outdoor activities, games, riddles and crafts, every Easter celebration is different and ends with a chocolate egg. Plus, don’t forget the free traditional egg-rolling from the View Point at Box Hill over the Bank Holiday weekend!
Make your way along the trail and find bunny-inspired activities to test your family’s agility, your wits and creativity at Claremont Landscape Garden, March 23rd-April 14th.
Hop to Winkworth Arboretum in Godalming to help Basil the Bunny start his first day as the Easter Bunny’s assistant. Become Basil’s alarm clock, race him to work, and meet his Easter friends. March 23rd-April 7th.
One of Polesden Lacey’s statues has sprung to life in the Easter trail. Grizwald the Griffin needs some help to cook up an Easter feast. Follow the interactive trail around the grounds, where there will be plenty of fun activities for all the family. March 23rd-April 21st.
Hop into spring with Easter Adventures trail at Dapdune Wharf. Bounce through the rabbit racecourse, test your archery skills, plant a seed, add your pledge to nature and discover what’s in the mystery wellies and more, March 29th to April 1st.
Discover the myths and legends of the Punch Bowl and look out for the Exmoor ponies at Hindhead Commons with activities and challenges for all on the Easter Trail, March 29th-April 14.
Enjoy a spring showers themed trail at Runnymede this Easter, March 29th-April 1st. Wander through the meadows at Runnymede and find activity stations as you go, including Welly Wanging, Wheelbarrow Racing, and Smelly Wellies.
Thousands of daffodils (over 40 varieties) are spread across the Pleasure Garden at Petworth. A free map and trail booklet will take families on a spring adventure that weaves through the gardens. Stop off at six wildlife-willow sculptures on the way for fun games and activities, March 29th-April 14th. Also shop at an artisan makers market. Full details of Petworth Spring Festival here.
Join West Horsley Place for family craft activities and a fun Easter trail on April 3rd, 4th, 5th and 10th, 11th and 12th. Explore the ancient manor house with more than 1,000 years of history, enjoy make-and-take seasonal crafts and then head outside to discover the formal garden, spring flowers and trail. Tickets can be booked at West Horsley Place Trust.
Join Painshill this Easter for an egg-cellent BIG statue trail, March 16th-April 14th, and see if you can find all the colourful characters. Giant eggs are waiting to be found in the beautiful landscape and an Easter map will help you follow this magical egg hunt to find all 20 eggs. There is also an activity Easter sheet on the back of the map to take this home and enjoy! Book here to join the quest of a fun filled hunt! Free anytime for members. Included in general admission for those with day tickets.
The Barn Emporium in Petersfield is the perfect place to visit this spring for a Mother’s Day gift, refresh your wardrobe or spruce up your home décor. It hosts over 50 independent traders selling handcrafted and vintage items. With free customer parking why not also visit Durleighmarsh Farmshop and the Tea Barn. Discover more here.
Visit Gilbert White’s House & Gardens this Easter, join family and friends for a walk through the beautiful spring gardens and try the ‘record-breaking birds egg hunt’ – there are some brilliant birds in the world and on this year’s egg hunt you will find out all about them – and finish the day with a lovely lunch or afternoon treat in White’s cafe. More here.
To get you in the mood for the Easter weekend there’s a pop up market and loyalty market at The Otter Nursery, Murray Road, Ottershaw on Saturday, 23rd March. Shop at more than 20 artisan market stalls, meet the Easter bunny, face painting and other activities, a free gift for children as well as food and drink to savour and discounts on trees and plants.
There’s plenty of family fun coming up at Camberley Theatre this spring from modelling with clay to interacting with dinosaurs, from cheering your favourite Milkshake characters, to swashbuckling adventures! From singalong favourites to a tap dancing horse and a host of adventures along the way! They look forward to welcoming you soon… Details and to book, camberleytheatre.co.uk Fired Frog Pottery Cafe are a family-friendly ceramics cafe based in St Johns in Woking. They are open throughout the Easter holidays for two-hour pottery painting sessions, as well as running their regular adult only Prosecco and Pottery nights and workshops and classes. Just book online to go and visit!
Discover some fantastic new wines for Easter. Round & About’s wine columnist Giles Luckett recommends a clutch of new wines for Easter.
Hello! With Easter in the offing and the prospect of some downtime over the extended weekend, I thought I’d look out for some wines to suit the season and the celebration. I’ve always loved Easter. As a good Catholic boy, it meant a deluge of chocolate (scoffed between seemingly endless trips to Mass), and later in life, it marked the end of Lent and a return to wine. Now, while I can’t claim to have forsworn wine for the forty days – the attempt would have been sworn at – I have made the acquittance of some wines that I’m sure will brighten your Easter break. So, in the spirit of helping my fellow man, here are six of the Easter best:
First up, one of the prettiest rosés I’ve seen in a long time, the Provence Rosé from Adnams (£11.99). While many rosés seem to focus on creating looks so exotic they would put a Versace perfume bottle to shame. Adnams seem to have focused their efforts on the contents – I know, a fresh form of madness or what? It has paid off, however, as the wine is so attractive. Made from Grenache, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, the nose offers enticing tones of flowers, red berries, and citrus. On the palate, there’s a seem or pure red berry (raspberry, strawberry, and bitter cranberry) that’s deliciously offset by citrus and minerals. If the sun decides to shine this Easter, this will make a superb garden sipper.
“If the sun decides to shine this Easter, this will make a superb garden sipper.”
My next recommendation is an Albarino. Albarino is a grape whose class is undeniable, whose wines can be astonishingly good, and is regarded as a national treasure in its native Spain. Think liquid Stephen Fry without the passion for Norwich City, and you won’t be far off. While there are many great ones out there, the Pazo San Mauro (Palmers Wine Store £17.42) is a real treat. Freshness is the keyword here. From the explosive grapefruit, green apple, and herb-tinted nose to the ripe yet tangy pear, peach, melon and lemon palate, this is as clean as a whistle. Look closer, and you’ll find depth and complexity. Nectarine, minerals, a shot of honey. This is made for seafood – literally in Spain – but would be glorious with green salads, chicken, smoked fish, or Good Friday’s fish supper.
Sticking with Spain but moving to the other end of the tasting spectrum, we have the Contino Blanco 2019 (Noble Grape £23.99) – confession time; I’m obsessed with Contino’s Riojas. There’s something magical about this producer. Maybe it’s how they meld tradition with innovation or how they can create so many extraordinary styles from a single estate. Or simply as the wines are often breath-taking.
Breath-taking is the word I’d use for the Contino Blanco. I’ve only had this wine once, so perhaps I’m still in the first flush of infatuation, but it seemed to be love at first sip. Mid-gold, the bouquet is complex, displaying honey, almonds, pears, lemons, and wax. In the mouth, it’s mellow but clean, with layer-upon-layer of orchard fruits, warm spices, honey, lime, and butter. A real show stopper, give this a couple of hours open and pair it with white meats or fish.
Easter Sunday will see us hosting half the western world – pop in if you’re at a loose end; one more won’t make any odds. With recovery Monday the following day and with roast beef a must, a goodly supply of a great value red is a necessity. This year I’ve got some of the Antakari Carmenere Reserve (Laithwaites £8.99). Carmenere is Chile’s signature grape, and this iteration is packed with soft blackberry and blueberry fruit, with underlying notes of chocolate. Easy drinking; it’s a great wine that offers great value.
Back to Spain, we have another Rioja, this time the Vina Real Crianza 2019 (Waitrose £12.40). This is Rioja in exuberant form. Made from Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Mazuelo, it’s red berry-driven, but beneath the surface are richer tones of plum, creamy oak, spices, and orange zest. This is one of those wines that cries out for a food partner, and dishes as varied as cheesy pasta, tapas, roasted red meats, or, weather-permitting, barbecued fare would be ideal.
My penultimate wine is something of a myth-buster. To many, the name Beaujolais conjures up visions of hoorays charging to France in November to bring back Nouveau (why they bothered, I’ll never know) or pretty but forgettable flower-adorned bottles from Dubouef. Real Beaujolais is made from sterner stuff and is Burgundy’s best-kept secret. had the Louis Jadot Beaujolias Villages 2021 (Tesco £12.50) last week, and it was fantastic. My expectations were high as 2021 was a lovely year for Burgundy, and I wasn’t disappointed. With its bouquet of cherries, bubblegum, blackberries, and wildflowers, it’s as pretty as a picture of, well, something nice. In the mouth, there are the same fruit tones, but there are minerals, strawberry conserve, mint and almonds, all presented in a soft, edgeless body.
And finally, fizz. Oh, come on, you didn’t think I’d do a column without mentioning it? Might as well expect the rain not to be wet. Easter is a time for celebration, so here are two gems for you. The first is the Bouvet Ladubay Saumur Rosé (Majestic £10.49). Saumur in France’s Loire Valley was making sparkling wines when the likes of Dom Perignon were getting to grips with their Ladybird Book Of The Catechism. With its marginal climate, free-draining limestone soils, and long growing season, Saumur is a great place to create quality sparkling wines. The pale pink fizz bristles with notes of black cherry, green peppers, apples, peach stones and creamy yeast.
My second is Champagne Taittinger’s Nocturne (Tesco £39). Nocturne is a ‘sec’ Champagne, which means it’s not as dry as a brut. This wine demands time, one to sip after a meal or into the evening. The classic, elegant Taittinger style is there, but the extra residual sugar extenuates the peaches in syrup tone to give a champagne that, while far from an off-dry demi-sec, has a certain richness and silky, tropical edge to it. It’s a marvellous accompaniment to good conversation and gives a fresh view of this historic wine.
Well, that’s it for now. Next time, I’ll look at some wines from that bastion of brilliance, the Rhône, but until then, have a great Easter.
Give back as you gift at Christmas and through to Easter next year with Bourne-End accessories business
QueenMee Accessories, the boutique hair accessories and brooch company, is partnering with Oxford Health Charity to give a wellbeing boost to nurses and care workers.
For the whole of December and through to Easter 2023, for every £100 spent on QueenMee.com a hair clip or headband from QueenMee’s collection will be donated to a nurse or care worker at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust.
Julie Pink, Head of Charity and Involvement at the Trust says the team that have received QueenMee Accessories in the past ‘loved the sparkle, especially when things felt so dark at times.’
QueenMee founder, Amanda Waterstone Carthy says: “QueenMee is about celebrating kindness – being kind to yourself, celebrating your own personal style, and giving back as you shop for yourself or others.
“We know that hospitals will be under huge pressure this winter, and that nurses and care workers will be under personal strain themselves. I’m very grateful for the kindness NHS nurses have shown me in the past, as I know so many of us are.
“I’m so pleased to be able to give back to nurses and care workers, through partnering with Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, and to offer our customers a way to ‘give back as they gift’ too.
“I hope the colour and sparkle of the donated hair accessories will be uplifting for the nurses and their patients at this difficult time.”
QueenMee Accessories’ collection includes brooches, hair clips, headband, silk scrunchies, and earrings, all of which make gorgeous gifts – with the bonus of giving back as you shop.
Beautiful, eco-friendly gift wrap is free of charge with every order.
