It’s happening! As lockdown measures ease and the rule of six comes back into play on 29 March, Easter egg hunts are popping up across Essex. At the moment, events are few and far between, but we’ll bring you news of further egg hunts as we hear about them…
1. Marks Hall Easter Family Trail, Coggeshall
27 March-11 April
Marks Hall Estate reopened on 18 March 2021 and plans are already afoot to welcome families back with an Easter Trail. Can you find all 50 wooden Easter egg clues in the Arboretum? Complete the family trail, enjoy the Estate in full spring bloom, and collect a delicious treat at the end. Suitable for ages 3-10. Tickets £2 per child (normal admission charges apply). First come, first served. Once the car park is full, Marks Hall will not be able to accept any further visitors. 10am-5pm.
Marks Hall Estate, Marks Hall Road, Coggeshall CO6 1TG; markshall.org.uk
2. English Heritage Easter Adventure Quests, Audley End
29 March-18 April
English Heritage sites are slowly reopening, and of their 60 sites nationwide, 24 are hosting outdoor Easter Adventure Quests - but visitors are being asked to keep it local. In Essex, Audley End House and Gardens in Saffron Walden has confirmed it will host the Covid-secure Easter hunts. The outdoor trails will have clues to help children search for dragon eggs in order to win a chocolate reward. £1.50 per child plus the normal admission price.
Off London Road, Saffron Walden, CB11 4JF; english-heritage.org.uk
MORE OUTDOOR FAMILY FUN
- 24 things to do in Essex this Easter
- Coastal walks in Essex: 9 of the best
- Adventure Cinema announces Essex locations for alfresco summer screenings
- Wild Essex: 5 hotspots for nature lovers
- A doggy day out in… Mersea Island
- How lockdown makes you appreciate what’s on your Essex doorstep
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3. Explore Essex's Virtual Easter Egg Hunt
Easter weekend
Explore Essex, unable to host its Chocolate Festival this year, however, has created a Virtual Easter Egg Hunt. Hop over to the EE website for a colouring and design template to create your own egg and then pop it in your window ready to be spotted by families during their daily exercise outing. Alternatively, use chalks to draw an Easter egg on your driveway, or get creative with seasonal installations in your window or front garden. Take a photo and upload it to @exploressex on Facebook to be part of the conversation.
explore-essex.com
4. Wild Forest's Easter Obstacle Run, Brentwood
From 29 March
For those looking to burn off their Easter eggs rather than eat any more, check out Wild Forest's Easter Obstacle Run. You can run, jog or walk the 2K route and climb 20 obstacles at the award-winning Nuclear Races Obstacle Course, as fast or slow as you like. The event starts from 29 March 2021 and costs £22pp. Plus, each bubble will be allocated a firepit to enjoy hot chocolate and toast marshmallows (supply your own) at the end of the course. There's also an easier version for kids aged 6+ priced £16.
wild-forest.co.uk
5. Woodland Easter hunt at Hedingham Castle
3-5 April
This Easter, Hedingham Castle is doing all that it can to make sure you and your children have fun, but remain safe too. Enjoy an exciting, Covid-secure woodland Easter hunt with a delicious prize of a chocolate egg at the end. The café will be open for light refreshments and Easter-themed cakes/bakes. 11am to 4pm. Admission: Prices vary with timed-entry tickets, available every 30 mins. Free on-site parking and dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead.
Hedingham Castle, Castle Hedingham, Halstead CO9 3DJ; hedinghamcastle.co.uk
6. Braintree Easter Themed Scarecrow Trail
3-11 April
This Easter holiday get your trail map and follow the Scarecrow Trail around Kings Park and Marks Farm Estate, with an exciting prize at the end. While having fun it is a great opportunity to raise funds for the Helen Rollason Cancer Charity. Times vary. Admission: Donations welcome .
pta-events.co.uk/lyonshall
7. Audley End Miniature Railway Easter Trail
12-25 April
Looking for something fun for the Easter Holidays? Audley End Miniature Railway is hosting an array of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Your day will begin on the train, venturing deep into the woods to visit the Easter Bunny and his other furry friends. Once you return from your adventure, grab your activity booklet and wander into the magical Easter Trail to try and spot all of the animals, eggs and nests. Admission: Pre-booking is required.
Audley End Miniature Railway, Saffron Walden CB11 4JB; audley-end-railway.co.uk
8. Late Easter Festival at Old MacDonald's Farm & Fun Park
12-18 & 24-25 April
Nothing will stop the team at the Farm and Fun Park making sure all its visitors have as much Easter fun as possible this year. What can you expect? There will be an Easter egg hunt, magic and puppet shows, baby animal encounters, circus workshops, and much more. Plus, check out what days you can see the amazing meet and greets, including the chance to say hello to Peter Rabbit. Admission: Early booking discounts and booking is essential before the visit.
Weald Road, Brentwood CM14 5AY; omdfarm.co.uk
9. Virtual Easter Egg Hunt Competition
Until 4 April
Award-winning Essex and London-based Vie Aesthetics has organised an exciting virtual Easter Egg Hunt with 12 luxurious prizes to be won. The exclusive prizes include pampering facials, memberships, Vie Aesthetics vouchers and the ultimate Easter Hamper worth £200. To take part, visit Vie Aesthetics virtual garden (website) and find the 12 eggs the Easter Bunny has placed. Winners will be announced on Easter Monday. Admission: Free.
vie-aesthetics.com
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