Fun Easter Activities in the North East and Yorkshire for the Whole Family
Have a cracking time with these egg-citing Easter activities for the whole family
DUCK DETECTIVES
1ST–16TH APRIL
WWT Washington
0191 416 5454
wwt.org.uk
If you want to succeed as a Duck Detective and complete WWT Washington’s Easter trail you need to immerse yourself in nature this spring. You’re challenged to investigate underwater mysteries and follow tracks to reveal nature’s hidden secrets, then you can put your new detective skills to the test with activities such as pond dipping and mini-beast hunting.
EASTER EGG HUNT IN THE PLOTTERS’ FOREST
1ST–16TH APRIL
Raby Castle, Staindrop
01833 660202
raby.co.uk
It’s been a whole year since The Plotters’ Forest opened in the Christmas tree plantation on the Raby estate, and there’s plenty of fun to be had there this Easter – including this eggciting new Easter egg hunt trail. You can also get involved in the Easter trail at High Force and the Bunny Hop Trail in the deer park. You can even have a go at making your own hot cross buns in a workshop in the castle on 7th April or indulge in Easter afternoon tea at neighbouring High Force Hotel on 9th April.
EASTER FAMILY ARTS FESTIVAL
4TH–13TH APRIL
Shipley Art Gallery, Gateshead
0191 477 1495
shipleyartgallery.org.uk
There are so many ways to get creative this Easter at Shipley Art Gallery thanks to their arts festival, where you can make something unique in a variety of spring-themed workshops. On 4th April, make a springtime bonnet and a pair of bunny ears inspired by floral paintings and natural landscapes. On 6th April, get involved in the spring flower-themed workshop, and arrange a vase of daffodils and make a flower wand. On 11th April, there’s a spring sketchbook challenge. Lastly, on 13th April, you’ll decorate a ceramic plant pot to plant spring flowers in, as well as a decorative bracelet or wristband.
KIDS EASTER ARRANGEMENT WORKSHOP
6TH APRIL
The Garden Florist, Shincliffe
0191 384 7553
thegardenflorists.co.uk
Join The Garden Florists in the Garden Room within Brambles Coffee Shop for this fun flower arranging workshop. The experts will guide your children to make their very own Easter arrangement. All materials will be provided.
KIDS’ EASTER PARTY & PETER RABBIT FILM EXPERIENCE
6TH & 9TH APRIL
St James’ Park, Newcastle
nufc.co.uk
On 6th April, St. James’ Park is hosting a special Easter party, and you’re invited. There’ll be games, Easter egg painting and a surprise visit from Peter Rabbit. Don’t worry if you miss him, on 9th April, Peter Rabbit will hop out of Mr. McGregor’s garden and back into St. James’ Park. This is your opportunity to get a selfie with him before tucking into an Easter treat and watching his adventures on the big screen.
EASTER FUN DAY
8TH APRIL
Paxton House, Berwick
01289 386291
paxtonhouse.co.uk
Bouncy castles and lots of activities await at Paxton House this Easter. Plus, you’ll find special Easter treats in the tearoom. Their spring trail through the daffodils will also return (until May), where your children can follow the bunnies around the grounds to crack clues. Pick up a trail map in the gift shop.
EASTER FUN DAY
8TH APRIL
Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter
dogandcatshelter.com
At Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter’s Easter Fun Day, there’ll be a whole heap of Easter-themed activities for the whole family, from face painting and Easter egg hunts to arts and crafts. Better still, all proceeds go to the shelter which helps thousands of lost, unwanted, neglected, abused and abandoned animals each year.
RAPUNZEL EASTER PANTO
8TH & 9TH APRIL
Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle
0844 249 1000
tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk
Join panto stars Bobby Davro, Britain’s Got Talent winner Matt Pagan (from Collabro) and popular panto regular Lewis Denny, and with catchy music, dance routines and the slapstick comedy you expect from such a show, don’t miss Rapunzel this Easter.
GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS
8TH & 9TH APRIL
The Forum, Northallerton
01609 776230
forumnorthallerton.org.uk
Pantos aren’t just for Christmas. This retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears features circus acts and three ‘adorable’ bears. Goldilocks is on an adventure to find a new star of the show to save her family circus, but can she convince the three bears to save the day, and will everyone live happily ever after this Easter?
EASTER HORSE CARRIAGE RIDES
9TH APRIL
South Causey Inn, Stanley
01207 235555
southcausey.co.uk
For something totally different, why not celebrate Easter with a two-mile carriage ride with the horses from Northeast Carriages? At South Causey Inn, you’ll be greeted by the Easter bunny who’ll be driving the two horses in a hooded carriage. You’ll enjoy an Easter cupcake, a Creme Egg and a hot chocolate whilst you watch the world go by.
RUN NATION’S EASTER RACES
10TH APRIL
Dalton Park, Murton
0191 526 6500
dalton-park.co.uk
Run Nation is returning to Dalton Park this Easter, with challenges for all abilities (10K, 5K and – for the juniors – 2K runs) on trail tracks and tarmac paths. Whether you’re competitive or taking part for a bit of fun, you’ll need to have a spring in your step for this one.
EASTER MONDAY FAMILY DAY
10TH APRIL
Redcar Racecourse
01642 484068
redcarracing.co.uk
There’s a whole day of family entertainment planned at Redcar Racecourse on Easter Monday, as well as exciting horse racing. You’ll be greeted by stilt walkers who’ll be giving out mini eggs, and in the Course Enclosure there’ll be bouncy castles, a playground, balloon modelling and face painting. The Easter bunny and friends will entertain guests with traditional games before an Easter bonnet parade.
EASTER WREATH WORKSHOP
30TH MARCH
Thorp Perrow, Bedale
thorpperrow.com
In this workshop you’ll create a nature-inspired wreath for your door this Easter. Led by curator Faith Douglas in the Summer House, all equipment is provided but you need to bring your own gardening gloves, and you’ll be able to refuel on a light lunch.
SPRING WREATH WORKSHOP
1st, 2nd & 8th April
The Yorkshire Flower Patch, Todmorden
theyorkshireflowerpatch.co.uk
This morning workshop will include making your willow wreath base and then decorating it using a mix of living spring plants, spring bulbs and flowers in moss, along with eggs, feathers and ribbon to finish off.
WILD ABOUT LOTHERTON
1ST–16TH APRIL
Lotherton, Aberford
museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk
Lotherton are encouraging your children to go wild this Easter as they follow the little explorer trail around the museum, Wildlife World, gardens and grounds, as well as taking part in crafts at the activity stations (exploring their senses, helping wildlife and making dens for example). Make the most of your visit and head inside to see the exhibitions including Homes of the Gascoignes and Cotton Connections.
GIANT EASTER EGGS
1ST–16TH APRIL
Stockeld Park, Wetherby
stockeldpark.co.uk
Giant Easter eggs are hidden around the Enchanted Forest at Stockeld Park. Each one is painted as a colourful character – can you spot them all? While you’re there, you’ll get the chance to meet the Easter bunny and have fun in not one but four playgrounds. That should keep the kids busy for a while!
EASTER BUNNY TRAIL
1ST–16TH APRIL
Scampston Hall & Walled Garden, Malton
01944 759111
scampston.co.uk
Follow the trail around the walled garden and parkland and solve the clues, and you’ll find a special Easter prize (but only if you complete the names of all the bunnies). This interactive activity trail is suitable for all the family.
EASTER AT BURTON AGNES HALL
1ST–16TH APRIL
Burton Agnes Hall, Driffield
burtonagnes.com
Your children are invited to take part in this Easter egg hunt, where 25 large, hand-carved wooden eggs have been hidden. While solving clues and exploring the gardens, they’ll learn lots about the history of Easter, and be able to tuck into some chocolate eggs.
THE GIANT EASTER EGG HUNT
1ST–17TH APRIL
RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Harrogate
rhs.org.uk
Throughout the Easter holidays RHS Garden Harlow Carr will have giant painted eggs dotted around the garden – it’s a great photo opportunity. Once they’ve completed the trail, children will be rewarded with an organic, vegan, chocolate treat from PLAYin CHOC.
EASTER WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP
2ND APRIL
Three Hagges Woodmeadow, Escrick
woodmeadowtrust.org.uk
Join Jemma from Riverbend Flowers for this spring wreath workshop to make your own Easter wreath using seasonal flowers. Hang it on your door or use it as a centrepiece for your table this Easter. Whatever you choose to do with yours, all materials will be supplied and you can refuel with a hot cross bun or carrot cake and tea or coffee.
EASTER MASTERCLASS
3RD–9TH APRIL
York’s Chocolate Story
yorkschocolatestory.com
Join master chocolatiers at York’s Chocolate Story who’ll teach you the art of chocolate making and decorating the perfect Easter egg. You’ll make delicious chocolate truffles, decorate eggs, and create and take home your own handmade treats for Easter. Of course you can sample some while you’re there too.
EASTER EGG MAKING
5TH & 6TH APRIL
Swinton Cookery School
swintonestate.com
Swinton Cookery School is offering Easter egg making courses for both adults and children. Have a go at tempering chocolate, glazing and decorating Easter eggs and creating treats to fill your eggs with (think truffles, fudge and mini chocolates). Plus, you’ll get an easter egg mould to take home with you.
EASTER ESCAPADES AT WHITBY ABBEY
7TH–10TH APRIL
Whitby Abbey
english-heritage.org.uk
Performers and re-enactors are putting on four days of fun at Whitby Abbey this Easter. The whole family will have the opportunity to get involved in traditional games, activities and races, and storytelling sessions will take place throughout the day. Plus, don’t miss the special Easter Adventure Quest, and a tasty chocolate treat if you’re able to complete it.
