The National Trust invites you to explore nature across Cumbria and the Lake District this Easter.
There’s plenty to see and do for all ages as spring starts to bloom in historic gardens and beautiful outdoor spaces.
Families can join an Easter egg hunt this holiday at one of five locations: Acorn Bank near Penrith, Allan Bank in Grasmere, Sizergh near Kendal, Wordsworth House & Garden in Cockermouth and Wray near Ambleside.
Each place offers a different trail, with various challenges to complete along the way, plus nature-inspired activities and games and gardens, lakeshores and parkland to explore.
A pair of bunny ears, a trail sheet and a chocolate egg are included in the price of £3.
Admission may also apply to non-National Trust members at some venues, please check website for details: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/family-friendly
Acorn Bank
28 March – 14 April, 10.30am-3.30pm
More info Easter Egg hunt at Acorn Bank | National Trust
Allan Bank, Grasmere
26 March – 07 April, 10am-3.30pm
More info Easter trail at Allan Bank | National Trust
Sizergh
29 March – 1 April, 10am-4pm, last entry 3.30pm
More info Easter Egg hunt at Sizergh | National Trust
Wordsworth House & Gardens, Cockermouth
29 March-10 April, 10am-3pm
More info Easter Egg Hunt at Wordsworth House and Garden | National Trust
Wray, west shore of Windermere
25 March – 07 April, 10am-3.30pm, last entry at 3pm.
More info Easter Adventures at Wray 2024 | National Trust
Other family-friendly ideas this Easter
Enjoy the sights and sounds of spring on an easy outdoor walk with mountain views at Tarn Hows, Derwent Water, Fell Foot and Aira Force.
For a day of adventure why not head to the Langdale valley, where you can choose a to cycle the Langdale trail, do a short easy walk, or go on a fell-top expedition.
There are Kendal Mountain Festival adventure film screenings for families on 16 March and 13 April, 3-6.30pm at Lanty Slee’s (Sticklebarn) as well as evening sessions with dinner for adults.
For more ways to get closer to nature take part in the Spring Bird Challenge trail at Sizergh, which follows the pram and wheelchair friendly Holeslack route, or pick up a Springo sheet to tick off the sights and sounds you see and hear while exploring the grounds at Wray.
To see daffodils in their full glory take a stroll through Dora’s Field in Rydal or stroll along Ullswater lakeshore to see the crop of daffodils which inspired Wordsworth’s most famous poem.
Stagshaw Garden is a hidden gem, just a short walk from Waterhead, which is filled with colourful displays of daffodils, azaleas and rhododendrons.
New displays bring to life the collections and stories of the people who have lived at Allan Bank, Hill Top and Townend (reopens on 26 March).
At Allan Bank there are also free art activities and board games for families to enjoy.
Fell Foot near Newby Bridge is the ideal spot to take your dog for a walk with lakeshore views of Windermere.
The Boathouse café is dog-friendly and there are picnic benches outside too. There is plenty of space for children to burn off energy, skim stones or paddle in wellies at the water’s edge or in the toddler playground.
