Hot-cross buns poised, flowering egg sculpture in progress, dragon eggs counted out, Easter egg-hunt plotted, extensive programme of Dragons & Chocolate-themed workshops in place – Lowther Castle is preparing itself for a dragontastic, fire-breathing, chocolicious Easter holidays with fun for all the family in store.
First and foremost, the Lowther Castle Easter Egg-Hunt. The hunt is open from March 30th – April 28th. Hunters young and old will be taken on a meandering scamper round the gardens to search for clues and eggs and work out the code-breaking sentence. Code broken, dragonistas take themselves to the Lowther Shop, recite code, claim small but delicious prize. Free with admission. The Lowther egg-hunt has gained something of a following over the years and makes a journey round the amazing gardens particularly enticing for young visitors.
From April 1st until the Easter weekend itself, the dragony theme is picked up through a host of holiday workshops. Sword & Mallet-Making (1st April) guided by the Eden valley wood-carving genius Dave Corrie – on the basis that you can never be too careful where large green monsters are concerned; Easter Mini-Wreath Making (2nd April) with Greenhouse Floristry – a more gentle workshop for the florally minded, a chance for parents and children to work together and make something delightful, seasonal and flowery; the science of Eggs, (Egg-splosive – 4th April) brought to workshoppers by the Science Booth, and including an opportunity to make (and take home) your very own eggy Easter catapult.
During the second week of the holidays, Lily Horseman (herself a forest school mentor and trainer) will guide outdoor types in the finer art of Campfire Cooking. Dragon Sneezes is the name for a flint fire-lighting device and campers will be shown how to light a campfire using flint, then cook their very own pancakes. (10th April). The following day, Lily will reveal all about Pewter-Casting and help young crafters to make amazing objects using natural forms and pewter (11th April).
On 12th April, spell-binding storyteller Ian Douglas returns. He will be telling Dragon Tales; while on Sunday 14th, dragon-slayers of all ages can practise their Archery skills with archery supremos Distant Horizons in the Countess Garden.
And for the Easter weekend itself, there will be street food, face-painting, bug-hunting and above all, the opportunity to learn how to make and take home your very own dragon egg.
All of these activities and frolics will be overseen by the incredible Lowther Growing Egg sculpture. As shown in the photograph, this is already in production – a stunning tribute to spring, flowers and gardens encapsulated in one giant beautiful Easter egg.
Full details of all workshops on www.lowthercastle.org
