In the blink of an eye, it’s the end of March again…and Easter is one of the best times to take a short holiday. People celebrate by going to church, giving chocolate eggs, decorating the Easter Bunny and eating hot cross buns. Come along and see what the best places to visit in the UK for Easter are!
With the dreary and rainy winter behind us and the countryside flooded with beautiful spring colours, there are plenty of places to explore and visit.
Edinburgh
Spring is one of the best seasons to visit Edinburgh. Visit the Easter Eggs at Conifox Adventure Park and have a fun-filled time! Best of all, the Almond Valley Heritage Centre is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Crafts and Spring Tours this year, so be sure to stop by and see what’s new!
If you’ve got the time, head to the Royal Botanic Garden, which has over 350 years of existing collections, or to the National Museum of Scotland to learn more about Scotland’s history.
There’s also the annual Edinburgh Castle Puppet Theatre to see the enchanting Alba puppets. The National Portrait Gallery of Scotland and the Edinburgh Gallery of Modern Art are also not to be missed.
Brighton
Brighton is a beautiful seaside town just a few hours south of London and well worth a visit. There are several Easter-themed egg hunts to be found in here. For an Easter egg masterclass, book a place at Bolney Wine Estate and join them in decorating a luxury Easter egg.
Alternatively, head to Boulder Hill Gardens and explore the gardens on the Easter Trail for signs of spring. In this year’s Easter Island adventure, follow Bertram the Bunny and Jumping Jack, who have returned from the high seas, in search of the riches he left behind on the island. If you complete all the challenges, you’ll be rewarded with an assortment of chocolates.
Dorset
Dorset in the south of England is a rare year-round holiday destination. Durdle Door, the most famous attraction here is a huge limestone archway set against a beautiful bay. Easter is a unique festival in Dorset with plenty of activities for the whole family.
Dorset is part of the Jurassic Coast and watching the Dinosaur Adventure live show at Weymouth Pavilion could be a once in a lifetime experience. It’s also possible to enjoy the wonderful Wizard of Oz Easter Pantomime, which brings the popular fairy tale to life with lots of audience participation.
And of course, you shouldn’t skip Lyme Regis. You’ll marvel at the ornate designs as parade participants show off their stuff in the Easter Bonnet Parade.
Bodmin
The Cornish coast is a very popular seaside resort. On the other hand, the inland village of Bodmin offers plenty of fascinating possibilities for your Easter trip.
The scenery of Bodmin Moor is spectacular and you can explore ancient stone circles and interesting landscapes. It is recommended that you take a stroll around the Lanhydrock Estate, home to the National Trust on the outskirts of the town.
The ominous Bodmin Jail was built in the 18th century and hides a gruesome history. This year, Bodmin Jail will be hosting a chilling Easter egg hunt featuring folklore, historical executions and more.
Wales, Cardiff
Cardiff – the capital of Wales is a lively place to be during Easter with a wide variety of Easter-themed events taking place.
Take a tour of Cardiff Castle and take part in egg decorating. Afterwards, take a walk through Bute Park behind the castle, and Cardiff Bay, including the Millennium Centre, Senedd House and Norwegian Chapel is a must-see attraction.
You can also learn about Wales’ past by visiting the St Fagan’s National History Museum.
Castleton and Peak District
Britain’s oldest and most visited national park, the Peak District comes alive in spring, making it an ideal Easter holiday destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Castleton can be used as a base for exploring the area’s underground exhibition caves, which include Speedwell Cave, Devil’s Arse Cave and Treak Cliff Cave.
Hike to some of the area’s most famous sights, including Mentor, Loss Hill and Winnats Pass. Or, for panoramic views, take the cable car to the Abraham Heights in Matlock Bath. While exploring the hilltop safari park, you may encounter lemurs, wallabies or penguins.
Manchester
Located in the north-west of England, Manchester is considered to be the birthplace of Europe’s Industrial Revolution, and the Easter holidays are the perfect time to explore the city.
You could also go on an Easter egg hunt at Red Valley Farm. Exploring the Whitworth Art Gallery or the Museum of Science and Industry are two other interesting possibilities.
Warwickshire
If you want to see one of the most beautiful castles in England, Warwickshire is the place to go. Lovely national parks, awe-inspiring forests and stunning rolling hills make up its countryside and landscape.
From 9 to 24 April, the British Motor Museum is hosting an Easter event. If you have time, visit Stratford-upon-Avon and see Shakespeare’s home town.
London
London is full of interesting and unique attractions! If you enjoy visiting museums, the Victoria and Albert Museum boasts gorgeous Easter eggs embellished with Carl Fabergé’s jewels.
At the Royal Albert Hall, classical music fans can enjoy a traditional Good Friday performance of Handel’s Messiah. The moving Hallelujah Chorus will bring tears to your eyes.
If you’ve booked your tickets in advance, after all the festivities, you can also attend the London Easter Festival in Regent’s Park on 18 April to burn those Easter eggs!
Glasgow, Scotland
Considered to be the cultural centre of Scotland, Glasgow has a lot to offer people of all ages. If you want to go on a traditional Easter egg hunt, then Easter at Forge Market between the 2nd and 17th of April will do the trick!
Alternatively, you can enjoy an Easter egg hunt in Pollok Park, which is located within the Pollok National Park. There, walk along the Glasgow Mural Trail and you’ll be amazed at the vibrant street art.
Isle of Wight
Located on the south coast of England, the Isle of Wight is another great option for an Easter holiday. Visit Osborne House – the former royal residence of Queen Victoria. Although you can visit all year round, the gardens are particularly beautiful during Easter.
Carisbrooke Castle, which was once an artillery fort but is now a historical attraction with shows, dungeon tours and a friendly donkey as the main resident.
Glencoe, Scotland
Spring is the best time to visit the Scottish Highlands, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy an idyllic break. Enjoy Easter in the beautiful valley of Glencoe, which was the setting for the James Bond film 007: Skyfall.
Glencoe has breathtaking landscapes, book a self-catering Scottish cottage for an authentic Scottish experience.
You can also try sea kayaking or go fishing at Loch Leven. While you’re there, visit Glencoe and the North Lorne Folk Museum.
Loch Windermere
Windermere is a lovely tourist town about a mile from Lake Windermere, the largest lake in England. It is one of the best places to rejuvenate your spirit in nature during Easter. Windermere has a poetic charm as it has deep connections with literary luminaries such as Beatrix Potter, creator of the Peter Rabbit children’s series.
Or you can take a trip along the lake on the historic Haverthwaite train and enjoy the stunning countryside.
Harrogate and Yorkshire Dales National Park
Harrogate is a thriving and trendy spa town in North Yorkshire that attracts a large number of visitors due to its proximity to the Yorkshire Dales National Park. At Stockade Park located between Harrogate and Wetherby, you’ll find plenty of Easter-themed activities including the Enchanted Forest, Magical Maze and more!
In addition, the Stray, a 200+ acre green park in the centre of Harrogate, changes wonderfully over Easter. Carpets of snowdrops, colourful crocuses and daffodils draw you in as they gently move in the breeze.
Bourton on the Water and the Cotswolds
The Cotswolds are designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and you’ll love the chocolate-box holiday cottages, which are made up of honey-coloured stone and thatched roofs. At Westonbirt Arboretum, you can expect a colourful Easter break with a range of fun activities such as the spectacular ‘the Light Between the Trees’.
In addition, Gloucester Cathedral offers services such as Palm Sunday Eucharist, Festive Vespers, and an Easter Procession, in addition to a performance of the Crucifixion on Good Friday by the Gloucester Cathedral Choir and Corelli Ensemble. On Easter Sunday, there are also egg-coloured Easter events to enjoy.
If you happen to be travelling to the UK at this time of year, aren’t you keen to get out and embrace the spring scenery after a long winter? Of course, there must be many more beautiful places to visit, and wherever you choose to visit, I wishes everyone a happy Easter!
If you have any Easter attractions in the UK that you think are great, feel free to leave a comment and share them with me!