April is a busy month, with plenty of fun activities for all the family. Here’s our round-up of things to do and places to go
Top image by National Trust / James Dobson
Springtime in Cambridge bursts into life at Easter from 18 to 20 April, with the city’s historic streets and green spaces offering a perfect setting for seasonal celebrations. From family-friendly egg hunts in the Botanic Garden to traditional services in the colleges’ grand chapels, there’s something for everyone. Independent cafes and bakeries serve indulgent hot cross buns and Easter treats, while riverside pubs invite visitors to relax with a Sunday roast. Punting along the Cam surrounded by blossoms is a must, and local markets brim with artisan chocolates and spring flowers. Whether you’re seeking cultural events, foodie delights or outdoor adventures, Easter in Cambridge is special.
Hunt chocolate eggs
Easter eggs are notoriously good at hiding and, fortunately, many Cambridge venues provide an opportunity to find them. The origins of the Easter egg hunt are said to date back to the late 16th century, when the Protestant reformer Martin Luther organised egg hunts for his congregation. Men would hide the eggs for the women and children to find. Rumour has it this was done as a nod to the story of the resurrection, in which the empty tomb was discovered by women.
The National Trust features Easter trails at Wimpole Estate, Anglesey Abbey and Wicken Fen this month (1 to 25 April). Each trail can be accessed via a £3.50 pack comprising an activity sheet, bunny ears and a choice of dairy or vegan Easter eggs, made using Rainforest Alliance-certified cocoa. At Wimpole Estate, activities include hop like a bunny, wibble wobble like a lamb and carrot corn throwing, plus the option to visit pigs, sheep and Shire horses at Home Farm.
Spot the colourful Shaun the Sheep sculptures at Anglesey Abbey. Image by National Trust / Mike Selby
Anglesey Abbey’s trail includes sheep-themed activities, throwing the farmer’s welly boot and carrying your sheep through the mini obstacle course. There are 12 colourful Shaun the Sheep sculptures to find around the grounds too. At Wicken Fen, the trail has nature-inspired activities much in keeping with the fenland environment, accessed by boardwalk.
Cambridge University Botanic Garden has an Easter trail (from 3 to 21 April) that focuses on disappearing nature language called Fox’s Forgotten Words. Pick up a free trail map from the kiosk on entry and solve the clues to win a special prize.
Other egg hunts around the city and surrounding villages include one on Easter Sunday (20 April) at Burwell Museum and Windmill – as well as windmill tours and hot cross buns in the tea room; a wildlife-themed trail at Shepreth Wildlife Park (18-21 April); and a scavenger hunt at Burwash Larder (7-19 April).
Punt while you hunt
For something a little different, try an Easter Punt and Hunt with Traditional Punting Company. Book a private or shared chauffeured punt tour along the college Backs, and add on its Easter-themed scavenger hunt and activity booklet (£2.50 per child). The Easter scavenger hunt itself has two parts. The first part of the booklet is an Easter-themed activity section designed to be completed during the punting tour along the Cam, including dot-to-dot and Easter egg mazes. The next part is around the city – following clues, searching for seasonal answers, as well as looking for Easter eggs as you go!
Once the scavenger hunt is successfully completed, there will be a sweet treat waiting for your little ones at Hardys Sweetshop to take home.
Easter feasts
Try afternoon tea at Parker’s Tavern
Cambridge Cookery School is conducting a hands-on Easter cookery class (8 April), where you can learn to bake traditional treats with fresh yeast, such as hot cross buns and yellow saffron plaits. “Within an hour, we prepare so-called ‘enriched’ doughs and shape all the ingredients of a classic hot cross bun into delicious little snails – that is, rolled like a Swiss roll, then sliced,” explains director Tine Roche. “They’re much easier for young bakers and more delicious, as there is more gooeyness here! The plaits are great fun to shape and result in an impressive-looking large golden bread ready for sharing.”
Musical interlude
Join the National Youth and Children’s Concert Bands for their Spring Concert at Saffron Hall (12 April), showcasing the incredible talent of young wind, brass and percussion musicians from across the UK at the end of their inspiring Easter residential week. In this exciting concert, NYCB will perform the world premiere of La Chasse-Galerie by Bill Connor, with the exceptional Lisa Nelsen joining the band on flute as guest soloist. Experience the dedication and passion of these young artists as they bring this powerful new musical work to life.
Ely Cathedral, meanwhile, will feature a packed programme of classical music, including Music from the Movies by Candlelight (5 April). Enjoy the acoustic majesty of scores from The Mission, James Bond, Out of Africa, Jurassic Park, The Godfather and Superman – plus many more. Tickets start from £22.38.
Arts and crafts
The Flower Project on Mill Road is offering a Spring Flower Workshop (6 April) where the tutor will teach you how to make your very own hand-tied bouquet and simple vase arrangement. It’s perfect for all abilities and a lovely way to spend time with friends or on your own. Priced at £78, no experience is needed.
The Flower Project’s workshop is fun for all
There’s a family-friendly drop-in at the Fitzwilliam Museum (2 April, 10am to 12 noon), where parents are invited to bring their young ones to create and play, inspired by picture books, drawing materials, sensory play resources, as well
as tips and ideas to help you enjoy your visit. No need to book.
At Willow Grange studio in Chittering, there’s a range of guided craft workshops to take part in this month – fabric wreaths, calligraphy, candle making, macramé and flower arranging among them. On 17 April, take part in a workshop to make an Easter Bunny piñata, ready to fill with treats at home (£16.96).
Wandlebury Country Park is the venue for an Easter basket-weaving workshop (5 April), where you can create a small, round basket using a variety of willow and traditional techniques. All tools and materials are provided, along with refreshments. Designed for adults and older children, aged 12+. No experience needed, but places are limited (£48).
Eddington is set to host its fifth Eddington Arts event on 24 April from 11am to 5pm at Storey’s Field Centre. This promises to be a fun and vibrant day, featuring 25 local artists and designers presenting jewellery, ceramics, painting, cards, metalwork, glassware, textiles and woodwork. Visitors can meet the makers and purchase work directly from them, enjoy refreshments and live music or sign up for one of the artist-led workshops.
A Sumi-ink brush painting class will be running in the morning, and a session on batik in the afternoon.
So, whatever your plans for the long weekend, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy yourself!
