Make the most of the Easter break by exploring what Somerset has to offer for all ages
When: Saturday March 24 – Sunday April 8
The Easter bunny has dropped the contents of his basket around the gardens. Can you find everything that has fallen out on an Easter Trail at Hestercombe Gardens near Taunton? If you can, you’ll be able to collect a chocolate treat at the end. There will also be chance to get crafty at an Easter card marking workshop on Tuesday March 27 and Easter printing workshop on Tuesday April 3.
Important info: Normal admission applies. Trail is £1.50 per child.
When: Saturday March 24 – Saturday April 14
Discover lions, tigers, elephants and many more animals at this hands-on zoo set in 100 acres of countryside in Wraxall. As well as a wide variety of large animals, there are farmyard animals to meet, play areas to enjoy and a lot of learning to be done. This year Noah’s Ark promises to host an Easter Egg Hunt like no other. In the morning children can paint an egg and in the afternoon eggs will be hidden around the zoo for children to find. Children can also paint a wooden egg for the meerkats to find!
Important info: Normal admission applies. Easter events are free with a small charge for egg painting.
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Easter fun at East Somerset Railway
When: Friday March 30 – Monday April 2
A weekend of fun takes place at East Somerset Railway in Cranmore, near Shepton Mallet, with activities including a visit to the Engine Shed and Workshop and the chance to become a Driver for a Tenner, plus all children who bring their teddy along get to travel the railway for free, with an accompanying fare paying adult.
Important info: Save money on booking tickets in advance – click here to book.
When: Friday March 30 - Saturday March 31
There will be a weekend of activities on offer at Secret World Wildlife Rescue in East Huntspill. As well as getting to meet some of the animals who live there, activities throughout over the two days will include a woodland themed Easter egg hunt, magic potion brewing, painting pixie doors and learning about creep crawlies during Nick Wadham’s famous Bugfest.
Important info: Entry is free. Donates are gratefully received.
Easter in the Land of Oz, Forde Abbey
When: Friday March 30 – Monday April 2
Follow the yellow brick road for Easter in the Land of Oz at Forde Abbey. The stunning South West property is hosting a fun-filled day for the whole family, with an interactive trail aground the gardens. They’ll be plenty of opportunities to earn chocolatey treats on your way round – just make sure to stay away from the Wicked Witch of the West!
Important info: Normal admission rates apply.
Peter Rabbit Meet and Greet Day, West Somerset Railway
When: Saturday March 31
West Somerset Railway, which runs between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard, welcomes The Gruffalo to Minehead Railway Station as part of a day of Easter fun. As well as enjoying a 20-mile steam train ride, activities include woodland themed Easter egg hunt, free vintage bus trips along Minehead sea front, face painting, crafts, and, of course, the chance to meet Peter Rabbit!
Important info: Save money on booking tickets in advance – click here to book.
When: Monday April 2
Easter Monday sees hundreds flock to the village of Mells transformed for a fun and exciting day out for all the family in aid of community groups in village. There will be great food and drink, exciting street stalls, live music and entertainment, and fun activities for the whole family. This year’s festival will be opened by Carlos Acosta, world-renowned dancer and choreographer.
Important info: Tickets £3 adults, £1 children (tickets can be booked in advance here).
Easter Trail, Bishop’s Palace in Wells
When: Saturday March 24 - Sunday April 8
Easter fun begins on Saturday March 24 at Bishop’s Palace, Wells with an Easter Egg trail. Little ones have the chance to collect coloured eggs from around the gardens and can claim a chocolately prize once they’ve found them all. There will also be “Make-it Monday” sessions and “Nature Ninja” sessions where children can get involved in gardening.
Important info: Click here to see the full list of Easter events. Activities are included in the standard admission.
Glow in the Dark Egg Hunt, Cheddar Caves
When: Saturday March 24 – Sunday April 8
From Saturday March 24 – Sunday April 8, a number of glow in the dark eggs will appear in all the nooks and crannies of Gough Cave. Children can pick a trail sheet from the cave’s entrance before embarking on a quest to crack the mystery code left by the Easter Bunny. Chocolate prizes are waiting to be won! The Museum of Prehistory will also be hosting a craft session for little ones to take their own Easter decoration home.
Important info: The Glow in the Dark Egg Hunt and crafting activity are included with a valid Explorer Day ticket. Save money on booking tickets in advance – click here to book.
Easter at the Montacute TV Radio Toy Museum
When: Saturday March 24 to Sunday April 8
The Montacute TV Radio Toy Museum will be open for the Easter School Holidays! From Saturday March 24 to Sunday April 8, peruse through an impressive collection of memorabilia from 1920s television and radio right up until the present day.
Important info: Save money by taking advantage of the family discount offer (two adults and two children for £24.99).
Easter Egg-Stravaganza at Wookey Hole
When: Saturday March 24 – Sunday April 15
Keep youngsters entertained during the Easter School Holidays (March 24 – April 15) at the Wookey Hole Caves for, alongside the usual attractions, they’ll be even more fun, games, competitions and adventure to enjoy. There’s also a free Easter gift for each child that visits.
Important info: Save money on booking tickets in advance – click here to book.
When: Saturday April 7
On Saturday April 7, the eat:festival will take place in the Italian Gardens in Weston-Super-Mare. Expect to find farmers’ markets favourites such as cheeses, bakers, pasture fed beef and lamb and craft beer as well a fantastic range of street food, vegan, dairy free and gluten free foods.
Important info: The event is free to visit.
For more Easter events to enjoy in Somerset, pick up the April issue of Somerset Life. Buy here or find the magazine in stores throughout the county.
