1. Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
The beautiful Chatsworth House in the heart of the Peak District invites little explorers to hunt for decorated eggs in the house, and follow the trail through the pretty gardens to gather hidden golden eggs. Kids can get their faces painted for free and, on Easter weekend a special, long-eared VIP will be hopping around.
When: 28 March–12 April
Price: Free with admission. Adult £22, child £16, family ticket £68
Find out more: chatsworth.org
2. Peter Rabbit Easter egg hunt, Cumbria
Spanning the Lake District countryside, the Great Peter Rabbit Egg Hunt is now in its eighth year. Register online in advance, scan the Google map and search for the 50 limited edition, handcrafted ceramic eggs in top-secret locations across the region! Solve clues and find special eggs to win prizes. Perfect for keen treasure hunters!
When: 1 April, 10am-4pm
Price: Minimum donation to WaterAid of £2
Find out more: hop-skip-jump.com
3. The Roof Gardens, Kensington, London
City-dwellers don’t need to venture into the country to search for eggs. Tucked above London’s Kensington High Street you’ll find 1.5 acres of gorgeous green space. Up there, kids can search for chocolate treats with help from the Easter bunny. One lucky winner will go home with a giant Easter egg made by Choccywoccydoodah – and the best part is, mums and dads can sit back and relax with a cocktail from the Roof Gardens bar.
When: 5 April, 11:45am
Price: Egg hunt is free, but sadly cocktails are not
Find out more: the-roof-gardens/whats-on
4. Traquair House, Innerleithen, Scotland
With over five thousand(!) mini eggs hidden in the Maze at Traquair House, no one will leave empty handed. But that’s not all – little ones can also try their hands at scavenger and treasure hunts in the grounds and woodland, musical instrument making, drumming and singing, egg decorating, Easter bonnet making and even face painting. Extraordinary stilt walker, Michael Angelo, will be on hand to keep the crowds entertained too,
When: 5 April, 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 4pm
Price: Adult £6, Children £4, Under 5 free
Find out more: traquair.co.uk
5. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Yorkshire
Keep your eyes peeled for golden eggs on the grand estate this Easter holiday. The giant eggs can be exchanged for the chocolate ones, and everyone who takes part is entered into a prize draw to win an egg-stra special prize at the end.
When: 28 March–12 April, 10am–4pm
Price: Free (normal admission charges apply)
Find out more: nationaltrust.org.uk
6. Borde Hill Garden, Sussex
Take part in an Easter trail across 200 acres of pretty parkland, woodland and gardens – perfect for any little explorer! Get out your binoculars, solve clues and search for hidden sculptural bunnies to win delicious chocolate treats!
When: 28 March – 12 April, 10am – 6pm
Price: Adult £8, Children £5
Find out more: bordehill.co.uk
7. Highclere Castle, Hampshire
Where better to embark on this year’s egg hunt than the glorious Highclere Castle – the setting for Downton Abbey? Meet Frozen’s Elsa and the Amazing Spiderman, along will other surprise guests. For the adventurous little ones, climb the giant Rock Wall and fly down the Zip Wire! Kids will even have the chance to meet some real-life furry friends.
When: 5 April, 10am–4pm
Price: £5 per person, Under 2 free
Find out more: highclerecastle.co.uk
8. Hever Castle, Kent
Share magical moments with your family as you follow the trail to find out where the Lindt Gold Bunny has been leaving his chocolatey treats. Crack the clues while exploring the award-wining gardens and claim your reward at the end. Let the games begin!
When: 28 March–19 April, 10:30am–5:30pm
Price: Free