A new season is upon us, meaning the cold nights and short days of winter are finally coming to an end. Celebrate the first days of spring with some seasonal fun and games, which needn’t cost the earth. Here are our top picks of things to do over the Easter break.
Get creative
Join in on a family arts and crafts session at the William Morris Society in Hammersmith, West London. Inspired by Morris’s design, Trellis, the ‘birds and butterflies’ workshop takes place on 12 April, suitable for children aged 6 – 12. Alternatively, try Easter egg dyeing, an easy and cost-effective craft that is just as fun for grown-ups. And if you’d like to keep your eggs once the decorating is over, use ceramic or wooden eggs instead of real ones.
Enjoy a feast
Easter is a great time to get together with friends and family, but without the stress that Christmas Day hosting often brings. Whether it’s a brunch or late lunch, take the pressure off and get your guests to bring their favourite spring dishes – or even better, get your loved ones baking together and turn your to-do list into a fun Easter activity for the adults.
Then, all that’s left to do is set the perfect seasonal table using chic tableware and pastel linens and adorn it with a beautiful floral centrepiece.
Go outdoors
Spring is truly here when plants begin to grow, new seedlings sprout out of the ground and hibernating animals wake. The season of new life wouldn’t be complete without the stunning displays of Japanese cherry blossoms. Visit Kew Gardens and take a stroll through Cherry Walk behind the famous Palm House – before continuing through to Asano Avenue to view many varieties including the delicate pink blossoms of Prunus ‘Hokusai’.
Fun for the youngsters
If you’ve got children home for the holidays, Visit England has a fab guide to family-friendly Easter events taking place throughout the country. For instance, head over to Hampton Court Palace and hunt around the gardens of King Henry VIII’s childhood home to find the Lindt Gold Bunny statues (1 – 16 April). Follow the clues hidden around the palace and gardens, and discover stories of the fascinating people who have lived and worked there in the past.
See an exhibition
Make the most of the long weekend and immerse yourself in arts and culture. Visit the Tate Modern for a rare chance to experience Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms. One of the artist’s largest installations yet, Infinity Mirrored Room – Filled with the Brilliance of Life is shown alongside Chandelier of Grief, a room which creates the illusion of a boundless universe of rotating crystal chandeliers. Booking until 30 September.
Visit a farm
What’s better than petting fluffy newborn animals and taking in some fresh, rural air?
With an Easter-packed programme (until 14 April), Willows Activity Farm has so many things to keep the kids busy, they won’t know where to start! Crack on with an egg hunt, have a peek inside the Easter Grotto, meet Peter Rabbit and Friends at one of their shows, or have a cuddle with the rabbits and guinea pigs. Alternatively, visit Days Out on the Farm to find one near you.
Credit: Willows Activity Farm
For budding chocolatiers
Lastly, it wouldn’t be Easter without indulging in a mountain of chocolate and where better than at the five-day York Chocolate Festival (5 – 9 April)? Showcasing a variety of chocolatiers, confectioners, and everything in between, some of the events include chocolate lollipop making, hands-on cookery workshops, drinks at the chocolate bar with speciality tipples such as cocoa gin and chocolate stout, and a walking trail around the city of York sampling from some of the best delis and restaurants.
So, whether you’re looking to get out and about, or simply have some R&R with good food and great company, these are just a few ideas to get you started. Happy Easter!
