Easter egg hunts 2023: the best trails at castles, gardens and farms
The best Easter egg hunts in the UK take place at castles, gardens and farm parks, where children follow a trail through blossom and lambs and finish with a chocolate treat. Easter Sunday fell on 9 April 2023, but most trails run through the whole school Easter holidays, so there is still plenty of time. Here is where to go, what suits which age, and how to make the day easy with a pram and a picnic.
What's on: Easter egg hunts in the Easter holidays
Heritage charities and big attractions run family Easter trails right through the school holidays, usually with a small extra charge on top of entry. The National Trust runs Easter trails at many of its houses and gardens, English Heritage holds family quests at castles and abbeys, and in Wales Cadw sites often host spring activities.
Check opening hours, trail dates and prices on the official website before you go, because many trails end when the schools go back.
| Place | Type | Area | Best ages | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Trust houses and gardens | gardens and estates | UK-wide | 2–10 | ££ |
| English Heritage castles | castles and abbeys | England | 4–11 | ££ |
| Cadw castles | castles | Wales | 4–11 | £ |
| Warwick Castle | castle attraction | Warwickshire | 4–12 | £££ |
| Leeds Castle | castle and grounds | Kent | 2–11 | £££ |
| Hever Castle | castle, gardens, mazes | Kent | 3–11 | ££ |
| RHS Garden Wisley | garden | Surrey | 2–10 | ££ |
| Cotswold Farm Park | farm park | Gloucestershire | 1–8 | ££ |
| Odds Farm Park | farm park | Buckinghamshire | 1–8 | ££ |
Price per person: £ = under about £10, ££ = about £10–£25, £££ = over £25. Rough guide only, prices change.
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What's in it for kids by age
Toddlers love a simple picture trail and some animals; school-age children want clues, castles and a bit of adventure.
- Ages one to three: farm parks are ideal, with lambs, tractors and short trails on flat paths.
- Ages four to seven: garden trails with puzzle clues and a prize at the end hit the sweet spot.
- Ages eight and up: castles with battlements, mazes and family quests keep older kids busy all day.
Top Easter egg hunt venues: castles, gardens and farms
For a big day out, pair a well-known castle or garden with its Easter trail, and add a picnic on the lawn.
Warwick Castle is a full day of towers, ramparts and shows. In Kent, Leeds Castle has a moat, a maze and a large adventure playground, and nearby Hever Castle adds a water maze that children love on a dry day.
Garden lovers can head to RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey, where spring blossom and wide paths make a gentle trail. For the youngest, farm parks such as Cotswold Farm Park and Odds Farm Park mix Easter activities with lambs, bottle feeding and tractor rides.
Practical tips: parking, prams and baby change
Big estates have large car parks and baby change, but grass, gravel and steep castle steps can be hard work with a pushchair.
- Pushchairs: an all-terrain buggy or a baby carrier makes gardens and castle grounds much easier.
- Parking: arrive early in the Easter holidays, when car parks fill by late morning.
- Baby change: all the larger venues have it near the entrance or café.
- Weather: pack wellies and waterproofs, as April showers are almost guaranteed.
Where to eat nearby
Most castles, gardens and farm parks have a café, but a picnic is the classic Easter egg hunt lunch. Bring a blanket, hot drinks and a few snacks to trade for that chocolate prize. Cafés get busy around noon, so eat early or late.
For pubs and cafés with high chairs and play corners near your trail, check the Kid.ooo map. For family days out and toddler tips, take a look at @mummataralouise on Instagram.
Alternatives if it's busy
If a trail is sold out or the car park is full, a local park, woodland or library trail can be just as much fun. Many town parks, garden centres and churches run free or low-cost Easter trails, and you can always set up your own hunt with picture clues.
On rainy days, swap the trail for a story-themed outing from our literary days out for kids, or an indoor morning from our list of the best soft play centres in the UK.
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Frequently asked questions
Are Easter egg hunts still on after Easter Sunday?
Yes, many castles, gardens and farms run their Easter trails across the whole school Easter holidays, not only on the bank holiday weekend. Check the end date on the venue's website before you go.
What age are Easter egg hunts for?
Most trails suit children from about two to ten. Toddlers enjoy spotting pictures and collecting stickers, while older children like puzzle clues and quests.
Do you need to book an Easter egg hunt?
Some big attractions sell timed tickets in the Easter holidays, while National Trust and English Heritage trails are usually a small extra on top of entry. Members get free entry to the property but usually still pay the trail fee, and at busy places it is worth booking ahead.
Where can I find free Easter activities for kids?
Local parks, libraries and churches often run free Easter trails and crafts. You can also make your own hunt at home or in the garden with a simple picture clue sheet.
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