As spring arrives on our doorsteps gilding the grass with daffodils, Easter comes with it. As usual, there’s plenty to keep the family busy in and around the Cotswolds; here is our pick of Easter events to get you out and about!
Easter Holiday Fun at Shakespeare’s Family Homes, Stratford-upon-Avon
When: April 13-28
Make the most of the start of spring with a range of fun-filled activities and events for all the family at the Shakespeare Family Homes in Stratford-upon-Avon. There’s plenty to do including ‘Dig for you dinner’ at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, a ‘Knights and Nymphs Garden Party’ at Hall’s Croft and ‘Easter egg decorating’ at Mary Arden’s Farm.
Click here to see the full list of events. All events are included in admission. Book tickets here.
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Easter Holidays at Over Farm, Gloucester
When: April 6-22 (from 9am-5pm)
Don your wellies and make your way over to Over Farm Market over the school holidays for plenty of Easter-themed family fun. The Easter trail will take you on a short walk around the farm in search of the Easter Bunny’s giant eggs. They’ll be plenty of friendly farmyard animals to spot along the way too! As well as the Easter trail, the inflatable theme park will return boasting over 15 attractions.
There’s no need to book – pay on the day. The Easter trail costs £5 per participating child (includes animal food and a prize) and an unlimited wristband for the inflatable theme park costs £8.50.
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Easter Eggspress, Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway
When: Monday, April 22
All aboard the Easter Eggspress! On Easter Monday families can catch the train at Cheltenham Race Course, Toddington or Broadway Station for this ‘eggsellent’ event which will be taking place at Winchcombe Station.
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Celebrity Dusty Duck Trail, Slimbridge Wetland Centre
When: March 30-May 6
It’s Easter once again and it’s not just ducklings we’re looking forward to spotting at WWT Slimbridge. A flock of giant Dusty Ducks, designed by a host of celebrities including Joanna Lumley, have landed at the centre and you have the chance to find them all!
Click here to see full list of events. All events are included or admission or free to WWT members. Book tickets here (save 10% ordering online).
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Painswick Playgroup’s Easter Egg Hunt
When: Saturday, April 20, 12-4pm
More than 30 beautifully designed eggs will be hidden all around the town for you and your little ones to find, and every completed trail will be rewarded with a chocolate prize. The annual charity Painswick Easter Egg Hunt will also include attractions such as Teddy Bear parachuting (don’t forget to bring yours), bouncy castles, food and craft stalls, a visit from the Easter Bunny, plus much more.
Maps for the event are on sale from The Falcon Pub, the library or the Playgroup in Painswick, and will be £3 in advance or £4 on the day per child (under 2s are free). Money raised will go to Painswick Playgroup. For more information and updates, visit the Painswick Easter Egg Hunt Facebook page.
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Easter Trail at Painswick Rococo Garden
When: April 6-22
Alongside all the Easter-themed fun of Painswick Playgroup’s Easter Egg Hunt, Painswick Rococo Garden will be hosting an Easter trail throughout the school holidays. Little ones can turn detective in pursuit of the dastardly egg thief; finding clues, identifying the culprit and, once successful, taking home a chocolately prize.
The Easter Trail is free with admission.
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When: April 19-22
The ‘Capability’ Brown Parkland and Pleasure Gardens of Blenheim Palace will be transformed into an Easter wonderland with interactive experiences, family-friendly activities, trails and shows to enjoy. Traditional fairground, archery, bouncy castle, circus skills workshops, plus a whole lot more, awaits you over the Easter Weekend at Blenheim.
Admission is free with a Park and Gardens ticket or a valid Annual Pass. Some activities will incur a small additional charge. Book tickets here.
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Gloucester Races and Country Fair, Maisemore Park
When: Sunday March 31, open from 10am
A fun-filled day out for the family, Gloucester Races and Country Fair at Maisemore Park showcases the best of British amateur racing. As well as seven competitive races, visitors can enjoy pony racing, falconry display, hound parade, ferret racing, plus much more. Alongside racing and demonstrations, there’ll be stalls, local food and drink, a bar, and for the first time, an after party with music from the Shadow Monkeys.
Save £2.50 per person by booking in advance here.
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When: April 6-28
A whole host of Easter egg-citement is coming to Sudeley Castle and Gardens during the half-term holidays. Chicks will be hiding in the rooms of the castle – will you be able to find them all? And hunt for all the Giant Easter Eggs in the gardens (April 13-22) for a chocolatey reward.
The Easter egg trail is included within admission to the castle and gardens. Save 10% when you book tickets online.
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Gloucester Quays Orchard Street Food & Craft Market
When: April 6 & 7 (the markets will run the first weekend of every month following)
Promising to be bigger and better than ever, Orchard Street Food & Craft Market at Gloucester Quays will bring together the finest food, drink, art, design, vintage and modern craft selected from Gloucester artisans and businesses local to the South West. The event will take place in Orchard Square this year – offering more space for visitors to enjoy food and drink and soak up the atmosphere.
On the Spring Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday, May 25-Monday, May 27), the Gloucester Tall Ships & Adventure Festival will take place at Gloucester Docks. If the past year’s event is anything to go by, expect a fun-filled, activity packed weekend with something for everyone to enjoy.
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Easter Eggstravaganza at Cotswold Farm Park
When: Saturday, April 6-Sunday, April 28
Skip and jump into the spirit of spring with a special egg hunt taking place around the grounds of Cotswold Farm Park. Every child taking part will get to take a prize home too. There’ll also be craft activities, a puppet show to entertain the little ones, as well as all of the usual fun expected at the Farm Park. Don’t miss a visit to the Animal Barn – with new arrivals due every day.
Activities are included in the cost of admission. Book tickets here.
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Easter Holiday Activities at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon
When: April 6-28
Explore the world’s largest collection of historic British cars – from the very first Land Rover to Lady Penelope’s FAB1. Experience the sights, sounds and stories of the British motor industry brought to life with costumed explainers, free guided tours and interactive activities.
There’s lots to enjoy over the Easter Weekend including a Easter Egg hunt and Easter-themed crafts. All activities are included in admission. Click here to book tickets.
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Eggs-perience a Cracking Easter at Birdland Park & Gardens, Bourton-on-the-Water
When: April 6-April 28
As well as Easter trails, quizzes and daily egg-themed talks and shows, Birdland Park & Gardens are also expecting some exciting arrivals in the hatchery over the Easter half-term holidays. Dozens of eggs in special incubators are due to hatch and visitors will have a rare opportunity to see the newborn chicks make their way into the world.
Pay for admission in advance to save 10%. Click here to book tickets.
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Easter Eggstravaganza at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice
When: Sunday April 14, 11am-2pm
Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice will be opening its doors for an Easter-themed fun day, with all money raised going to the hospice. There’s plenty of entertainment planned including a treasure hunt, face painting, glitter tattoos, hook a duck and live entertainment. Refreshments will be available, including pizzas from The Old Dough Hook and hog roast rolls from the Woozy Pig.
Entrance is £2.50 on the gate with children under 12 go free. Each entry includes one free entry to the Treasure Hunt.
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Family fun at Cheltenham Racecourse
When: April 17 & 18
The fun doesn’t stop with the end of the Cheltenham Festival at the racecourse. Complimentary entertainment will be aplenty for young racegoers during the April meeting with Showtime Shane making an appearance, as well as face painting, colouring in and walking pet balloons. The first 1,000 children through the gate will also receive a free Easter egg.
For more information, visit thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham and call 0344 579 3003 to book tickets.
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When: April 6-22
Were blackbirds really baked in a pie? Find out about the legends from nature in the 17th century on an Easter trail around Dyrham Park, with a chance to collect a chocolate egg on completion.
The Easter Trail costs £2.50 plus admission.
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Easter Adventures at Chedworth Roman Villa
When: April 6-22
Enjoy a Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt Chedworth Roman Villa, plus children’s craft activities every day. There’s also chance to discover more about the Romans by dressing up in traditional costume and playing with authentic toys.
The Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt costs £2.50 per child plus admission.
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Easter Eggstravaganza at Greystones in Bourton-on-the-Water
When: April 9 & 16, 10am-3pm
The Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust managed Greystones Nature Reserve will be hosting two days of Easter-themed, family-friendly activities and crafts.
There may be a small charge for some of the activities. No need to book in advance, visitors can turn up on the day.
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Secret Garden Easter Egg Hunt at Museum in the Park in Stroud
When: April 19-28
Join Museum in the Park’s Secret Garden Easter Egg Hunt – Children’s ‘I Spy’ trail and spot all the hidden Easter eggs. The trail is a great way to explore the grounds and look for signs of spring along the way.
Admission is free to the Museum in the Park with donations welcome.
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The Big Batsford Bunny Hunt at Batsford Arboretum
When: April 6-22
The Easter Bunny’s helpers have escaped and they’re hopping around the stunning collection of trees, shrubs and bamboo that can be found at Batsford Arboretum. Find them all and win a prize!
The Bunny Hunt costs £2.50 per child plus admission. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No booking required for the Bunny Hunt but you can book tickets to Batsford Arboretum here.
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Easter at the Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury
When: Various dates throughout the Easter half-term holidays
Tewkesbury’s much-loved Roses Theatre has plenty to keep the whole family entertained during the school holidays including: Tim Burton’s live action reboot of Disney’s classic Dumbo from April 12-24, a free, pop-up Family Dance Festival on April 15, an Easter Panto Spectacular of Beauty and the Beast on April 16 starring Kerry Katona and Basil Brush and the laugh-out-loud Sooty Show on April 20.
For a full list of what’s on at the Roses Theatre visit the website here.
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Hidden Cheltenham Easter Family Trail
When: April 8-22
Cheltenham BID has announced a special Hidden Cheltenham family trail for Easter, with extra activities and prizes. More details to be come.
The Hidden Cheltenham Trail brings attention to the stories of people, places and communities of Cheltenham that have been overlooked, forgotten or, in some cases, written out of history. Add to the stories via the Hidden Cheltenham Facebook page and enjoy the trail with a free map from The Wilson.
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The Great Easter Egg Trail at Sandford Park, Cheltenham
When: Sunday, March 31
Local charities Cobalt and Maggie’s have teamed up to bring families in Cheltenham a fun-filled Easter Egg Trail with a clue-cracking eggstravaganza. Collect clues, solve the puzzle and win a chocolately prize at the end.
Entry is £2.50 per child with proceeds going to Cobalt and Maggie’s. Pick up your quiz sheet from the starting point: Lido Café at Sandford Park.
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Runwood Homes Community Easter Egg Competition 2019
When: April 8-21
A selection of crafty residents at Low Furlong residential care homes have been busy during their creative activity sessions, decorating a handful of rocks in bright, colourful designs in preparation for a community involvement Easter Hunt competition, Easter Rocks.
Children and their families are invited to find these special rocks, hidden low and high, in nooks and crannies, in Shipston-on-Stour town centre. Delicious chocolately prizes are waiting to be won!
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Also...
De Vere Cotswold Water Park Easter Package
When: Up until Monday, April 22
Awaken your senses, stretch your legs and enjoy some well-earned family time this Easter holiday, complete with treats such as an egg hunt around the grounds of the De Vere Cotswold Water Park on Easter Sunday, and cookies and milk for children at bedtime.
Suitable for a family of four, the self-catering apartments at are equipped with everything you might need during your stay, with the Pantry – found at Reception – full to the brim with essentials and goodies.
The package includes a one-night stay for four in an apartment, with breakfast included. For more information, or to book your stay, click here.
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Have we missed an Easter event you’ll be heading along to? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter!
