10 November 2019 10:21
14 activities for you and the family to do this Easter, hand-picked by Absolute Escapes.
Finally, after what felt like a never ending winter, spring is here! The days are stretching out, temperatures are rising, and flowers are blooming all over.
And Easter is just around the corner.
What better time to gather your loved ones and head for the country's favourite national park? The improving weather means it's the perfect opportunity to bag some fells (here's 5 Lake District fells we recommended earlier).But if that's not your scene, or you fancy giving something else a go, there's a plethora of events and activities to keep you occupied in the Lakes this Easter.
You can soak up some culture, learn a new skill or give the kids a truly special experience.
We've handpicked some of the most exciting events and activities you can enjoy in the Lakes over the Easter holidays.
Thinking of coming, but still need somewhere to stay? Have a look at Absolute Escapes Lake District holiday cottages, or Eden Valley cottages.
Until Tues 28th April 2020 - open 10.00 - 16.00
Grizedale Forest is an enchanting place to visit at any time, with its sculpture trail nestled among the trees, but there’s something extra special at the moment as it is one of only four locations in the country to host the Earth Photo Exhibition. The exhibition features incredible photographs, centred around the themes of People, Nature, Place and Changing Forests. These carefully-selected pieces can be viewed in the visitor centre, and entry is free.
While you’re at Grizedale Forest, there are loads of other activities perfect for adults and kids - including Go Ape - you can see the full range here.
Until Sun 26th April 2020 - open 10.00 - 16.00
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery’s Treasures of China Exhibition lets you take in items from almost to 3,000 years of Chinese culture. You can discover the meaning and symbolism behind a range decorative of objects including luxurious silk, jade, porcelain, embroidery and more.
The museum’s normal admission charge gains you entry to the exhibition, as well as everything else on display at Tullie House.
Until Sun 31st May 2020 - open 10.00 - 16.30 Tues - Sat 11.00 - 16.00 Sun
The rugged Cumbrian coast to the west of the Lake District is less popular as a tourist destination but is still a remarkable part of the country with plenty to do. Whitehaven’s Beacon Museum is running Breaking the Waves, an exhibition detailing Whitehaven’s maritime history. The museum is ideally situated, right on the harbourside, for an immersive look at the town’s history. There’s a range of activities and challenges to entertain kids, too. Entry to the exhibition is included in museum admission.
In the south-east of the county, the town of Sedbergh is actually located within the boundary of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Since 2001 it has been England’s book town with books available from a number of cafes as well as dedicated bookstores.
The town is also home to Fairfield Mill, a former mill with a focus on preserving the area’s textile heritage while also presenting a range of contemporary arts. And, because it’s in England’s book town, it also sells books.
Over the Easter holidays, there are a number of fascinating artists exhibitions to take in at Fairfield Mill.
The mill is open daily from 10.30 - 17.00 from 1st April
Until Sun 3rd May 2020
A presentation of the beauty that surrounds us on recycled materials. Andrew has a background in producing scenic backgrounds for the BBC and theatre productions, before becoming an artist in his own right producing work based on his passion for the environment.
Until Thu 7th May 2020
Inspired by the landscapes of northern England and Scotland, her paintings seek to embody “Where what is seen outside and felt inside merge in a painting”.
Until Sun 17th May 2020
Timothy Forster is a painter, fell runner and ultra-runner. In this exhibition, he explores the relationship between inhabiting and observing a particular landscape, and how his outdoor pursuits interact with his art.
Until Sat 18th April 2020
Based on the popular novels by Enid Blyton, Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake is host to Emma Rice’s theatrical production before it goes to the West End. This coming of age story is a delight for children and adults alike, even without prior knowledge of the books.
Throughout April 2020
Fancy a bit of adventure this Easter? With West Lakes Adventure near Eskdale, you can ghyll scramble - which is literally climbing up a waterfall!
Children over 8 years old and 135cm in height can take part in this exhilarating activity. Have a look at the West Lakes Adventure website to book your slot.
Until Sat 18th April 2020
A combination of music and theatre featuring songs and stories from around Britain’s coastline. This production comes as a collaboration between Theatre by the Lake and Pentabus Theatre with various coastal communities around Britain in an effort to tell their stories.
Mon and Wed from 1 April 2020
Every Monday and Wednesday night from April through to October, you can get a look in at the wonderful nocturnal world of badgers near Haweswater reservoir. An experienced badger guide will be on hand to impart interesting facts. A complimentary drink is included in the entry fee so you can stay focused on your badger stakeout.
Adult entry is £15 (£12 for RSPB members) and £10 for under-18s.
Mon 6th April - Mon 13th April 2020
As well as the usual pony grooming, giant sandpit, pedal go-karts and more at Walby Farm Park, there are exciting Easter activities to keep your kids entertained, including:
Tickets for the park can be purchased here.
Fri 11th April and Sat 12th April 2020
Hop on the La’al Ratty for a ride along the 15in gauge heritage railway with an added Easter surprise.
Ride from Ravenglass to Dalegarth with Peter Rabbit activities on the way - Peter himself will be making appearances too so keep an eye out. Tickets can be bought on the website, including tickets to combine travel on the railway and visits to nearby Muncaster Castle.
Mon 6th April and Tues 7th April 2020
Professional instructors will lead your kids on a range of exciting outdoor activities, ensuring they get outdoors, make friends and have fun this Easter. Kids 8-14 are welcome to participate in a choice of at least three of the following archery, canoeing, kayaking, orienteering, raft building, the treasure chest challenge, and woodland skills.
Tickets are £38 per child and can be booked via the link.
Delicious Cadbury Easter eggs are waiting to be found at a number of National Trust properties across the Easter period. There are Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts in the following Cumbrian locations:
Mon 13th April 2020, 11.00 - 14.30, £2.50
10th, 11th, 12th, 13th April 2020, 10.00 - 16.00, £2.50
Fri 10th April 2020, 11.00 - 14.30, £2.50
10th, 11th, 12th, 13th April 2020, 10.00 - 15.30, £2.50
10th, 11th, 12th, 13th April 2020, 11.00 - 16.00, £2.00 plus admission fees
Sun 12th April 2020, 11.00 - 15.00, £2.50
10th, 11th, 12th, 13th April 2020, 10.30 - 15.30, £2.00 plus admission fees
10th, 11th, 12th, 13th April 2020, 13.00 - 16.00, £2.00 plus admission fees
10th, 11th, 12th, 13th April 2020, 10.00 - 16.30, £2.00
Sat 11th April 2020, 11.00 - 14.30, £2.50
10th, 11th, 12th, 13th April 2020, 11.00 - 16.00, £2.50 plus admission fees
10th, 11th, 12th, 13th April 2020, 10.00 - 14.30, £2.50
Even if you won’t be in Cumbria or the Lakes during the holidays, you can find the hunt nearest you via the Cadbury site.
Sat 4th - Sun 19th April 2020, 10.00 - 17.00
In the north-east of Cumbria, in Hadrian’s Wall country, kids can join the quest to find elusive dragon eggs at Birdoswald, the site of former Roman fort, Banna. There’s plenty more to do at Birdoswald, it’s one of the most well-preserved Roman forts along Hadrian’s Wall with a cafe and historic displays
As well as enjoying all these activities, Easter also gives you the opportunity to enjoy something a little less structured: the hunt for a perfect bluebell picture.
Spring and Easter time mean there'll be bluebells in abundance in Cumbria. Like a brilliantly blue natural carpet, bluebells cover the ground in the spring months. And make for some truly remarkable photos.
April and May give you your best chance to find them. Three Cumbrian places notable for their bluebells are Rannerdale Knotts near Buttermere, Low Wood by Wastwater and Rusdale Valley near Newby Bridge. Have a look in these locations and you're almost guaranteed to be greeted by a floor full of the blue flowers. Or why not try and find your own little patch? Bluebells are common in woodland areas, think of the adventure you could go on to get the perfect photo?
Already got some beautiful bluebell photos? Why not send them to us and we can feature them on the Absolute Escapes Facebook page.
Got anymore exciting things to do in the Lakes at Easter? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter and we'll see if we can improve our list. Not long left til Easter now, but if you're still looking for somewhere to stay, why not have a look at Absolute Escapes last minute Lake District holiday cottage deals?
Shirley Thomson is the owner and director of Absolute Escapes Lettings and has been for over ten years. Her passion is for the Lake District, so she established Absolute Escapes to offer a personal service to those wanting to stay in the Lakes. She deals with every part of the business herself from finding cottages and managing bookings. If you're looking for a Lake District cottage or an Eden Valley cottage, Shirley's the woman for you.
