For events to keep those of all ages entertained, here are our springtime solutions
Easter egg hunt at the Botanic Gardens
An Easter tradition with a twist: join forces to scavenge for information about the multitude of birds in the gardens, with a chance to claim a special prize. All you need is a trail booklet, collected at the ticket office. Entry is free for children, with the usual admission fee for adults – the search is on, 31 March to 18 April.
Johnsons of Old Hurst
This century-old farm shop, butchery, restaurant and zoo has all you could want from a day out and about with your loved ones. Cosy up in the ‘Eccentric Englishman’ tea rooms, while the kids are transfixed by the site’s crocodiles and other outlandish creatures. It may be wise to leave your pooch at home, though – pups are only allowed in outdoor areas.
Oliver Cromwell’s House
The former home of the great divider of the nation, Oliver Cromwell, now also houses an Escape Room, complete with a heritage-linked plot line. A session is priced at £95. If escape rooms aren’t your thing, check out the exhibition, try on period costumes or traverse the augmented reality trail – group visits are £3.
Easter adventures in nature, Anglesey Abbey
Immerse yourself in the natural world in the gardens and Hoe Fen Wildlife Discovery Area of this National Trust property. A trail pack will give you the low-down on ten wildlife-inspired activities, with a Rainforest Alliance chocolate egg (or gluten-free alternative) waiting on the other side. Advance booking is essential.
Rutland Cycling
It is well-known that Cambridge is best enjoyed by bike. If your family are twiddling their thumbs this Easter, why not head out on wheels? With stores near the station, Grand Arcade and in Peterborough, hiring a bike is easy – giving wonderful access to the Fens and Gog Magog Hills. Check availability on the website.
Rumble Live
For an action-packed day, try this laser tag experience. Participants are provided with first-rate equipment, before choosing from three different zones where the adventures will unfold. On the banks of Grafham Water, an hour is priced at a very reasonable £15 per person.
Easter eggstravaganza at Sacrewell
Animal-lovers looking for the perfect Easter activity will get the best of both at this Peterborough-based farm, where there are plenty of baby animals to visit. Down the Easter trail from 2 to 18 April you’ll find Egbert the Easter Bunny, festive crafts, games and competitions.
Shepreth Wildlife Park
Centring around a quiz card, those taking part in this egg hunt will forage around the zoo for questions (doubling as a way to spot some wildlife) – when all are answered, a chocolate egg reward is your prize.
Easter egg hunt Burwell Museum and Windmill
A short trip north of Cambridge, venture out to this village museum on the edge of the Fens for beautifully intact historical buildings. The site stretches across the centuries, showcasing everything from a Victorian schoolroom to a Roman kiln. The annual Easter egg hunt will go ahead on 17 and 18 April, coinciding with the site’s reopening after a winter break. Entry into the hunt costs just £1.
Easter adventures in nature at Wimple Estate
With its expansive gardens, parkland and Wimpole Hall (open for guided walks on weekends from 12pm to 3pm), this National Trust property should be high on your list for a visit. Their Easter event from 2 to 18 April is the ideal reason to rock up altogether, with an enticing egg trail on the cards.
