Bring the whole family together for a spring adventure with the National Trust this Easter. Set in Hampshire's most beautiful gardens, you’ll find acres of space in which to enjoy activity-filled Easter egg hunts. There are ten fun challenges on each trail, from classic egg and spoon racing at The Vyne, and running like a rabbit at Hinton Ampner, to bug bingo at Uppark and spring-themed crafts at Mottisfont.
It’s a great opportunity to get kids immersed in nature too, as spring bursts into life around them. Look out for blossom and bees in Mottisfont’s cherry orchard, and ducklings, goslings and cygnets on The Vyne’s lake. Hinton’s parkland is full of nesting birds and fledglings.
And of course, each National Trust Easter trail ends with a chocolate egg, or vegan and free from egg, made here in the UK using cocoa that’s responsibly sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. National Trust Easter egg trails cost £3 per child, plus normal National Trust admission. Free entry for National Trust members. There are over 190 Easter adventure trails to choose from across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Find them at: nationaltrust.org.uk/easter.
Here’s what’s happening over Easter at our places in and around Hampshire:
Mottisfont, Romsey
Easter Egg Hunt, 1 - 16 April, £3 per trail
With all the feel of a classic village fete, Mottisfont’s Easter Egg Hunt is packed with traditional springtime activities, set in these glorious stream-fed gardens. Look out for egg rolling, bean bag throwing and other energetic outdoor games, plus spring-themed crafts including daffodil pinwheel-making. The trail weaves through the walled kitchen garden, across grassy paddocks and by a sparkling chalk stream where bridges provide the perfect spot for a game of Pooh Sticks. You’ll find a spring ‘art gallery’ too, where kids can display their drawings for everyone to enjoy. There’s plenty of space and seating for spring picnics, plus delicious ice cream varieties from local makers Jude’s.
Normal admission plus £3 per trail (except on Bank Holiday 7 and 10 April when peak admission applies). Includes a chocolate or vegan and free from Rainforest Alliance Easter egg.
The Vyne, near Basingstoke
Easter Egg Hunt, 1 – 16 April, £3 per trail
These landscaped gardens, with spacious areas of grass and wide even paths, make them ideal for running and roaming in, as families set off on an Easter adventure. They’ll be exploring every inch of the grounds, as they find ten enjoyable games and challenges to complete. Tackle the quirky obstacle course maze by the north lawn and host a family egg and spoon race close by. There are wellies to hunt for in the orchard, and in the walled garden’s weather station area kids can create their own weather sounds. Easels are set up, with coloured chalks for springtime pictures. Look out for games of hopscotch, bingo and noughts and crosses too.
Normal admission plus £3 per trail, includes a chocolate or vegan and free from Rainforest Alliance Easter egg. If coming by car, pre-booking of car parking space is essential:
Hinton Ampner, nr Alresford
Easter Egg Hunt, 1 – 16 April, £3 per trail
Hinton Ampner’s quirky topiary, hedges, and network of paths make for an exciting Easter egg trail, taking families through a series of outdoor ‘rooms’ brimming with spring colour. Every activity on this egg hunt celebrates the arrival of spring. Who’s best at strutting like a chicken or prancing like a lamb? Seek out the giant carrots on the south lawn for some rabbit-style racing, and practice springtime twirling with gymnastic ribbons. In the walled kitchen garden, Hinton’s friendly scarecrow and his little dog are waiting to greet you, among the jewel-coloured tulips and fruit blossom. And just beyond the gardens lies acres of parkland – full of wildlife to discover, and pretty spots for picnicking.
Normal admission plus £3 per trail, includes a chocolate or vegan and free from Rainforest Alliance Easter egg
Uppark House and Garden, nr Petersfield
Easter Egg Hunt, 1 - 16 April, £3 per trail
You’ll be exploring through woods, gardens and meadows at this beautiful place high up on the South Downs. Uppark’s Easter trail is jam-packed with activities for fun family challenges, with colourful cut-outs for kids to find at each activity station. Can you jump as far as a deer on the lawn, or hula hoop for thirty seconds in the scented garden? Who’s best at racing just like a rabbit, or playing Bug Bingo in the woods? Complete ten enjoyable challenges in return for an Easter reward.
Normal admission plus £3 per trail, includes a chocolate or vegan and free from Rainforest Alliance Easter egg.
Photo credit: Mottisfont, John Millar
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