The Spring season is upon us and the Easter holidays are fast approaching. The Lake District is a wonderful place to explore during the school break and regardless of the weather conditions, there is a great range of options to enjoy the scenery, historic buildings, tourist attractions and additional ways to keep families happily occupied.
We have an exciting array of perfectly timed Easter activities in our vicinity so come rain or shine, you know the little ones (and big ones) will have thoroughly enjoyed their break and will head back to school with fabulous tales to tell.
Walby Farm Park, just outside Carlisle, has an exciting and interactive Easter Eggstravaganza planned from 1st– 12thApril where visitors can experience new lambs being born in the animal barn, meet and bottle feed baby lambs, look high and low on the Daily Easter Egg Hunt and decorate their own chocolate treat in the Chocolatiers Kitchen. New for this year is also the ‘Wilbur Walby & The Chocolate Ears’ show. All of this Springtime fun is in addition to the year-round activities they offer including cuddle the rabbits and guinea pigs, pony grooming, giant sand pit, pedal go-karts, tractor tower and trampolines.
The Lake District Wildlife Park is a great day out and from 29thMarch until 26thApril they have got Easter Fun & Cuddles planned alongside the wonderful park wildlife. Fancy cuddling a cute bunny or guinea pig? Followed by an Easter egg treasure hunt? Visitors can also participate in craft activities and of course, enjoy Easter treats in the café.
The Gincase celebrates Spring with the arrival of baby goat kids and baby lambs, who would very much like to be bottle fed by you and your family. Have you ever groomed a Shetland pony? Now is your chance, along with cuddles from their rabbits and guinea pigs. The farm park is a great day out with a wide variety of friendly animals to see in their paddocks, play area, indoor play barn (very useful in case of bad weather), craft barn and tea room serving delicious lunches, afternoon teas and Sunday roasts. Do remember to bring your wellies if the weather has been wet!
If something a little less calorific is your preference, head to Eycott Hill Nature Reserve on Wednesday 10thApril from 1pm – 3.30pm. Their expedition will take you on an adventure on this Cumbria Wildlife Trust upland site to encounter various wildlife and mini-beasts whilst learning amazing facts and enjoying games with your family and fellow explorers. Booking is recommended. This free activity is suitable for 6-12 year olds, who must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A donation of £5 per child is recommended – and appreciated by the trust.
A little further afield but worth the effort, is Muncaster Castle near Ravenglass. During the Easter weekend (Friday 19th– Monday 22ndApril) there is teddy bear themed fun for all. Bring along your own bear as children who bring their teddy get free entry for these 4 days. Open from 10.30am – 5pm it’s a fun filled day with trails around the grounds and displays inside the prestigious castle. On Easter Sunday and Monday, join in the Muncaster Giant Easter Egg Hunt. Simply register at the Carriage House by 12.15pm on the day and the hunt starts at 12.30pm. There is a fee for this egg hunt but there is a prize for everyone!
Lowther Castle is hosting an exciting Easter Egg Hunt from Saturday 30thMarch until Sunday 28thApril. The theme for 2019 is Dragons and Chocolate Buttons – intriguing! Visit this stunning venue and sprawling grounds to search for mythical beasts and tasty treats. Be sure to visit The Lost Castle – the giant outdoor fortress for children to play on. The café serves a wide range of light meals and drinks, whilst plentiful picnic areas – should the weather permit – will make for a picturesque snack stop. The Easter Egg Hunt is included in the general admission, adults are £9, children aged 3-15 are £7 and under-3s are free.
In case the weather isn’t conducive to outdoor adventures, it’s good to know that the Kong Adventure Centre can entertain – and tire out – the big and little kids in your group. Based in Keswick, this play centre offers climbing, caving and a hard play area which will be overrun with dragons during the entirety of April. Entry at this time will cover the hard play area, a map for the dragon hunt and a prize. Parents can enjoy the café with a selection of drinks, snacks and lunch options whilst they watch their offspring have a wonderful time. Open 7 days a week, the hunt takes place between 10am – 4pm.
Fill your Easter holidays with eggs, chocolate treats, new-born baby animals and days of family fun. Make amazing memories at this exciting time of year whilst appreciating the splendour of the Lake District and the seasonal surroundings.