Easter adventures await across Berkshire and beyond

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From egg hunts in blooming gardens to toe-tapping theatre shows and wildlife trails, this Easter holiday is bursting with family-friendly fun across Berkshire and the surrounding countryside.

As the countryside bursts into life, it’s the perfect time to step outdoors and embrace the joys of spring. Whether you’re following bunny trails through historic parkland, enjoying a musical adventure on stage, or discovering wildlife with little explorers, there’s an egg-citing line-up of events to keep the whole family entertained this Easter.

Here’s our pick of the best family-friendly activities this season.

Easter trails with the National Trust

As the countryside bursts into life, it’s a wonderful time to explore the great outdoors on an Easter egg hunt with the National Trust. Follow trails at Basildon Park and Greys Court from March 21st to April 12th. £3.50 per trail to include an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and dairy or vegan and Free From chocolate egg to tuck into.

Riverside Easter Fun at Caversham Court Gardens

Follow the Easter Trail in Caversham Court Gardens on Easter Saturday, 4th April, 2-4pm. The Friends of Caversham Court Gardens will be hosting an Easter Quiz on a nature theme in the lovely riverside gardens. Win an Easter Egg prize or a non-dairy treat. Entry is free, but donations to the Friends of Caversham Court Gardens appreciated.

For more information, visit home.fccg.org.uk.

Village Traditions at the Binfield Easter Egg Hunt

Hop to it & join the great Binfield Easter Egg Hunt (dates TBC). This will be the 10th year for the egg-cellent adventure around the village. Buy a map from Binfield Village stores or Foxes Den Café during the week and follow the fundraising trail with coffee shops, playgrounds and a fantastic pub en route, start hunting & have a great day out.

Visit binfieldevents.com/easteregghunt for dates.

Creative Planting at Squire’s Garden Centres

Easter bunnies can get creative planting a colourful basket at Squire’s Garden Centres in Wokingham and Hare Hatch on selected dates over the Easter hols. Join the Spring hunt as you Create & Grow from March 30th-April 10th.

Advanced booking essential, details at squiresgardencentres.co.uk.

Fairground Fun at Dinton Pastures Country Park

Join the fun of the fair at Dinton Pastures this Easter holiday, March 28th-April 12th, with rides and attractions galore on the Events Field behind the Café.

Outdoor Adventures at Wokingham Countryside Service

Ready for a school holiday packed with adventure? Take part in the Easter Wilds Days Childrens Club, March 30th-April 10th, full and half days available for 8-14 year olds.

Try an exciting new challenge every day on land and water, set against the beautiful backdrop of Black Swan Lake.

Book at wokinghamcountryside.co.uk/events/easter-wild-days-childrens-club.

Musical Mayhem at South Hill Park Arts Centre

Riotous musical comedy The Wind in the Willows follows Mole, Rat, Badger, and the impulsive Mr Toad, whose insatiable need for speed lands him in serious trouble. Toad must attempt a daring escape leading to a series of misadventures and a heroic battle to recapture Toad Hall from Chief Weasel and his gang at South Hill Park, April 7th-12th.

For more information, visit southhillpark.org.uk/shp-events/willows.

Dream Big at Theatre Royal Windsor

Following the success of previous holiday school productions, the Theatre Royal Windsor invites you to follow Joseph on his extraordinary journey as he dares to dream big complete with his coat of many colours. Packed with unforgettable songs, vibrant storytelling, and high-energy dance numbers, this is a joyful, uplifting show. April 8th-11th.

Book at theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/joseph-26.

Dino Delights at Corn Exchange Newbury

This Easter holiday, the Corn Exchange Newbury welcomes families to a riotous musical adventure with The Dinosaur That Pooped: A Rock Show (Saturday, 28th March, 1.30pm & 4pm).

Adapted from Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter’s bestselling book, this high-energy production blends catchy new songs, slapstick comedy and heartwarming fun. With mischievous villains, rocking dreams, and plenty of poo-powered surprises, it’s a joyfully silly treat for all ages.

Book at cornexchangenew.com/events/the-dinosaur-that-pooped.

Arts & Crafts Escape at Kelmscott Manor

Explore William Morris’s ‘heaven on earth’ at Kelmscott Manor as the house and farm buildings loved by Morris as a work of true craftmanship, totally unspoilt and unaltered, and in harmony with the surrounding countryside reopen for the season on April 2nd.

iew the iconic collection of artwork and objects he owned and designed and discover why the Cotswold home became an inspiration for him and his family. Take a stroll around the enchanting gardens and treat yourself to homemade fare from the licensed tearoom.

For more information, visit kelmscottmanor.org.uk.

Music in Bloom at Newbury Spring Festival

Newbury Spring Festival brings two weeks of world-class music to Newbury and its surrounding villages, with more than 45 events across 20 venues, spanning many different genres including jazz, musical theatre, cabaret, world music, folk music, choral music, ballet, chamber music, solo recitals, brass bands and gospel choirs.

Find out what’s on at newburyspringfestival.org.uk.

Tropical Escape at The Living Rainforest

For a tropical twist on spring days out, head to The Living Rainforest in Hampstead Norreys. This award-winning ecological and education centre is home to 850+ species of plants and animals from rare bromeliads to colourful birds, frogs and reptiles.

Don’t miss Penelope and Isabella, the Goeldi’s monkeys settling into their rainforest home.

For more information, visit livingrainforest.org.

Wildlife Trails at Nature Discovery Centre

Join the Nature Discovery Centre in Thatcham for fresh air and wildlife discoveries as you help mother fox find her missing cubs and discover the other baby animals hiding in the woods, ponds and meadows.

Plus, there’s a fun family trail for Easter with a small chocolate prize at the end. April 7th-9th.

For more information, visit bbowt.org.uk/events.

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Spring into Easter: Family days out across Buckinghamshire

Zoe Gater

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The school holidays are the perfect excuse to step outside and explore. Whether your little ones love baby animals, creative crafts, historic houses or miniature railways, Buckinghamshire is bursting with family-friendly events and gentle outdoor adventures to fill the Easter break.

Spring arrives softly but surely… the blossom-frothed branches, lighter mornings and the unmistakable sight of baby animals finding their feet. As winter finally fades, this beautiful corner of the world invites us outside again.

Now is the perfect moment to explore at a slower pace, whether that means egg hunts, steam trains or hands-on animal encounters. Here’s our pick of the best family-friendly activities this season.

Little Farmers Returns to Peterley Manor Farm

Loved by little ones, raved about by parents, Little Farmers returns to wonderful Peterley Manor Farm this Easter. Running from 26th March to 12th April, children can enjoy natural messy play, planting and crafts designed to spark imagination and creativity on a working farm that’s also a joyful wellbeing haven and foodie hub in Prestwood.

For tickets and more info, visit peterleymanorfarm.co.uk.

Easter Eggstravaganza at Kew Little Pigs

For tiny trotters, twitchy snouts and a whole lot of “aww”, head to Kew Little Pigs in Old Amersham. Their Easter Eggstravaganza runs from Saturday 28th March to Sunday 12th April, inviting families to follow a fun Easter trail around the farm, hunt down hidden clues and collect tasty treats at the end.

Along the way, little ones can meet the farm’s famously adorable pigs and friendly goats, get creative with a colouring competition (with a silver adoption up for grabs), and browse the gift shop for piggy-themed souvenirs. A delight for animal lovers of all ages.

Find out more at kewlittlepigs.com.

Spring Discoveries at Amersham Museum

Just up the road, Amersham Museum is always a lovely pit stop for curious minds and little hands. During the school holidays, families can enjoy an Easter trail, creative craft workshops, botanical activities for children and a relaxed quiet morning for SEND families, plus a beautiful garden and the Destination Amersham exhibition to explore.

For more information, visit amershammuseum.org.

Easter Trails at Cliveden

A firm favourite every year is the National Trust Easter Trail, and Bucks boasts some of the very best! At Cliveden, families can follow an Easter trail through one of the country’s most iconic landscapes between 28th March & 12th April.

Children receive bunny ears, tackle fun along the route and finish with a well-earned chocolate egg.

Springtime Fun at Hughenden

Hughenden in West Wycombe offers a similarly joyful experience from 21st March to 13th April, with inclusive treats and space for picnics and play among the spring flowers.

For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk.

Rainy-Day Adventures at Discover Bucks Museum

Discover Bucks Museum in Aylesbury is great for rainy days! The Easter programme is packed with hands-on fun, egg trails, crafts, puppet shows, science and biscuit decorating.

For more information, visit discoverbucksmuseum.org.

Meet the Goats at Bucks Goat Centre

Enjoy animal encounters galore at Bucks Goat Centre as well as egg hunts, crafts and take the kids to meet the goats with their Minecrafty eyes!

For more information, visit bucksgoatcentre.co.uk.

Traditional Farm Fun at Widmer Farm Park

Widmer Farm Park in Princes Risborough is another cracker, offering a traditional farm experience with animals, outdoor play and fun for toddlers right through to grandparents.

For more information, visit widmerfarmpark.co.uk.

Springtime Adventures at Odds Farm Park

Odds Farm Park in Wooburn Green is also home to adorable baby animals, with outdoor adventure play, tractor rides, spring fun & farm café.

For more information, visit oddsfarm.co.uk.

Easter Steaming Days at Buckinghamshire Railway Centre

Quainton’s quirky and cute Buckinghamshire Railway Centre is a great place to slow down with Easter Steaming Days, themed activities and more.

For more information, visit buckinghamshirailwaycentre.org.

Miniature Magic at Bekonscot Model Village

Little ones with big imaginations will love timeless Bekonscot Model Village in Beaconsfield. Wander its miniature streets, watch tiny trains chug past and spot new details around every corner.

For more information, visit bekonscot.co.uk.

Storytelling Spring at Roald Dahl Museum

Spring into stories at the Roald Dahl Museum in Great Missenden where families can explore interactive galleries, enjoy holiday workshops and let imaginations run wild, inspired by much-loved characters.

For more information, visit roalddahlmuseum.org.

Step Back in Time at Chiltern Open Air Museum

History comes alive at Chiltern Open Air Museum in Chalfont, where ye olde worlde buildings are set within acres of open countryside. Spring events, trails and demonstrations make it a relaxed but fascinating day out.

For more information, visit visitcoam.org.uk.

Blossom Walks at Waddesdon Manor

Waddesdon Manor bursts into life this spring. Join free volunteer-led winter walking tours to spot daffodils, blossom and the Elephant Family, explore snowdrops and flowering shrubs on Eythrope Parkland, perhaps ending with lavish cream tea.

For more information, visit waddesdon.org.uk.

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Discover practical parenting strategies at a free event in Oxford

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A free evening event for parents seeking connection and conscious discipline is coming to Oxford this March 2026.

Conscious Parenting for a Visionary Childhood takes place at Oxford Quakers on Wednesday 4th March 2026, introducing parents to upcoming workshops, classes, and retreats.

Running from 7pm to 8.30pm, the evening offers insight into child development stages and what they really mean, supports calmness in both body and emotion, and explores a fresh approach to discipline rooted in reconnection and love. The event will also look at how to balance nurture and challenge in parenting.

Free to attend, the evening aims to help you fill your child’s life with spirit, connection, and harmony — creating a foundation for natural joy, wonder, and artful living.

For more information, please call 01865 200 805.

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Big Feastival reveals 2026 line-up

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Celebrating its 15th year in Oxfordshire, Big Feastival returns this August Bank Holiday with a diverse mix of music, food and family entertainment. From indie-rock favourites to award-winning chefs, find out what’s on the line-up in 2026.

Big Feastival is back in Oxfordshire in 2026, bringing celebrated musicians, Insta-worthy food and an abundance of family fun when it takes over Blur bassist, Alex James’ Farm from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 August 2026 – making for another cracking Bank Holiday weekend.

Who’s performing at Big Feastival 2026?

Bringing the energy, this year’s headliners include electronic music duo Basement Jaxx; The Streets, performing A Grand Don’t Come For Free in full for the first time; as well as indie pop band Bastille.

On the main stage, see drum and bass legends, RUDIM3NTAL; former Little Mix star PERRIE; alternative band, Doves, known for their soaring melodies; the powerful, piano-led pop of Freya Ridings; psychedelic rock and melodic pop outfit The Coral; as well as Ms Dynamite; comedy music trio, The Cuban Brothers; indie-rock favourites White Lies; The Ordinary Boys – and plenty more.

And it wouldn’t be Big Feastival without Barrioke, with EastEnders legend Shaun Williamson promising his trademark warmth and teasing banter.

Which chefs are at Big Feastival 2026?

And music’s not the only thing on the menu.

Award-winning chef, restaurateur and TV presenter Anna Haugh will headline the Big Kitchen stage. Chef patron of Myrtle Restaurant and The Wee Sister in London, Anna is a regular guest on Saturday Kitchen and Sunday Brunch – in 2026, Anna is due to join MasterChef as a judge, alongside acclaimed food critic Grace Dent.  

Plus, culinary talent will be leading demonstrations and workshops, including Rachel Allen of Ireland’s world-renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School and social media sensation Poppy Cooks, whose no-nonsense potato recipes have earned her a huge online following.

Throughout the weekend, Sally Abé, Emily English, Amber Francis, Tom Barnes, Matblak, Meera Sodha, Nokx Majozi, Jon Watts – and more – will also be sharing their brilliant recipes and advice.

Festival goers can also roll up their sleeves at The Big Feastival cookery schools and masterclasses, then sit back and watch expert chefs tame the flames in the festival’s very own BBQ area, The Smokery.

What family-friendly events are on at Big Feastival 2026?

Big Feastival’s child and family-friendly entertainment promises to delight younger festivalgoers throughout the weekend, too.

Children’s entertainer MC Hammer and Nick Cope provide high-energy, music-filled storytelling; little ones can see Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse, show off dance moves at the K-Pop Demon Hunters Disco, enjoy circus-antics of The Flying Seagull Project, and get creative outside in nature with Lizzie’s Way Woodland Play.

Plenty more announcements are still to come.

Tickets for 2026 are on sale now.

For more information or to book, visit Big Feastival’s website.

Images © Matt Higgs

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Faringdon Twinning offers you bienvenue!

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David Crawley, chairman of Faringdon Twinning, invites everybody to a Welcome to Twinning evening on Friday 6th March 2026, and enjoy another year of amitié.

Faringdon Twinning celebrated its 35th anniversary last year, but 2026 is already shaping up to be another joyful year of friendship, culture and connection with Le Mêle-sur-Sarthe in Normandy.

On Friday 13th February 2026, there’s the ever-popular French film night; tickets are available in advance at Faringdon Information Centre (£4pp, £3 u18s, family ticket £10), or pay just £1 more on the night.

Everyone is invited to the informal Welcome to Twinning evening, from 7pm until 9pm on Friday 6th March 2026, in the Barbour Rooms.

Enjoy a free glass of wine and nibbles, and find out more about what Twinning is all about.

May brings a much-anticipated visit from French friends, who will stay in Faringdon Thursday 7th to Sunday 10th May, with plenty of socialising, good food and shared celebrations planned.

In July, the much-loved Youth Exchange returns, offering local children aged 12–16 the chance to experience French family life, make new friends and enjoy a packed programme of activities – all for just £125, including travel, food and trips.

The highlight of the year is the visit to Le Mêle-sur-Sarthe, Thursday 27th to Sunday 30th August, when members travel by coach and ferry to stay with welcoming host families. It’s a weekend filled with laughter, shared meals and genuine friendship, with costs at about £170 per adult.

Find Faringdon Twinning on Faceboook or visit faringdontwinning.org.uk to keep updated.

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Experience Rio’s Magic on the Road at Fleet Carnival

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Fleet becomes Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, 5th July when carnival comes to town bringing with it a touch of South America 

Celebrate Rio at Fleet Carnival

Get ready to take a colourful trip to Brazil this year at the 68th Fleet & District Carnival, themed around Rio de Janeiro! This annual celebration promises samba, vibrant costumes, and nonstop entertainment.

🎭 Join the Parade

The procession remains carnival’s highlight. This year, expect dazzling costumes inspired by Rio’s carnival spirit. Moreover, you can take part—or cheer on school groups, walking entries, and mobile floats as they compete for prizes!

🎶 Live Music and Performances

We’ll fill the day with fantastic music and performances:

  • First, enjoy Get Plucky—a ukulele ensemble with bass, cajon, and vocalists—perfect for singalongs.
  • Next, the Fleet Rock Orchestra delivers a grand, rock-orchestral big band sound.
  • Additionally, Congakeyz, The Funky Funks, and The Filthy Llamas bring the party atmosphere.
  • Meanwhile, in the arena, enjoy performances by Hart Gymnastics, Starburst Theatre Academy, and Frogmore Dance School.

🐾 Fun for Families (and Pets!)

Explore stalls, games, and more. Don’t miss the Carnival Dog Show—with classes for all dogs, just £2 per entry. You’re sure to leave with wagging tails and smiles all around!

🎗️ Supporting a Special Charity

Carnival’s Charity of the Year is Stepping Stones DS, which supports children and young people with Down syndrome, along with their families and carers. They offer many educational, social, and physical programs to help participants thrive.

🤝 A Community Tradition

For almost 70 years, Fleet & District Carnival, entirely volunteer-run, has united our community. As a result, the event delivers joy, laughter, and charitable fundraising year after year.

Come along for a dazzling celebration of music, costumes, and community—and create memories inspired by Rio’s magic.

More about the carnival and its history here

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High flying fun at Blackbushe

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Blackbushe Open Day and Fly-In is celebrating all things aviation on Saturday, 15th June with static displays and experience flights among the fun for the whole family

Aviation enthusiasts will be on cloud nine at the annual Blackbushe Air Day with fun and games for all the family, a static aircraft display, live entertainment, a history hub and stalls.

The static display features a wide variety of aircraft, many vintage including those dating from the 1930s as well as fly-in appearances from a variety of aircraft.

There will be limited availability to take part in some flying action, with experience flights on Scillonia Airway’s Dragon Rapide (tickets on the day) and Adventure 001’s Jet Ranger Helicopter when you can enjoy a six-mile flight.

In 2023 more than 84 aircraft attended and over 120 classic cars, including historical aircraft from Blackbushe’s past with some more than 100 years old. A Sherman Tank was among the vehicles on display. More than 150 classic vehicles are scheduled to appear this year, a 25 percent increase on last year with big names such as the Jaguar E-Type, the MGB, and the Ford Mustang, American police vehicles, a bus, along with many others.

New for 2024 will see Aerobility bring their experience in running the Armchair Airshow to a new attraction – Aerobility Live! Watch on a big screen showing some fantastic air displays, with real pilots on stage commentating on the fantastic feats, providing an insight into the skills required.

Another highlight for the day that’ll have you looking upwards, will be the Battle of Britain memorial flight making a flypast complete with a Spitfire and Hurricane.

There’s family excitement with fun and games for all ages to be found around the site. Features include bouncy castles and slides, miniature ‘ride on’ model planes, static displays, live entertainment, the history hub and food stalls.

In addition to the mix of aviation themed stalls and merchandise, shop at the maker’s market for handmade jewellery, art, chocolate and candles among others and when it’s time to stop for food and drink you’re spoiled for choice with fish and chips, pulled pork, burgers, crepes and pizza with wine, gin and beer as well as soft drinks available.

Tickets £18 adults, £8 children, £45 family (2&2). Please book at Tickets — Blackbushe Air Day

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Spring into Easter

Round & About

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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.

Image: National Trust/Paul Harris

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Spring into Easter

Round & About

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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.

Image: National Trust/Paul Harris

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Spring into Easter

Liz Nicholls

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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

Happy Easter, and have a cracking time! LN

Image: National Trust/Paul Harris

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