Easter breaks for families in the UK
Easter is a great opportunity to enjoy a family holiday. With the schools closed for two weeks, it’s easier to get away for the long Easter weekend or even a week. There are special Easter events held in towns, villages and visitor attractions across the UK, and the milder weather opens up the possibility of outdoor adventures.
Make the most of the Easter holidays for some time away with the family. Here are a few of our favourite places in the UK for a family-friendly Easter holiday.
Dorset
Combining a beautiful coast with lush green countryside, Dorset is one of the prettiest places in England. The Dorset springtime is mild (around 15 degrees C in April), and the coast paths and country lanes burst into colourful bloom. While it’s not beach weather (for most of us anyway), you can certainly enjoy a seaside stroll with an ice cream.
Look out for family-friendly Easter activities such as chocolate egg hunts. Try the Easter egg trails at Monkey World or Swanage Railway for something a bit different.
See our holiday cottages in Dorset.
Kent
It just feels natural to head for the “Garden of England” in springtime. There are plenty of Easter activities laid on across Kent, including at Hever Castle, Leeds Castle and Walmer Castle, and there’s a fabulous-sounding LEGO event at Dover Castle.
We’re drawn to the free food and drink festival at Broadstairs over the Easter weekend, which will feature around 100 stalls from Kent’s food producers. Kent is always a good place for a family holiday, from the shops and eateries of Canterbury to the splendid seaside entertainments at Margate.
See our holiday cottages in Kent.
The new forest
The woods are the best place to spot the signs of spring. Bright bulbs bloom beneath the trees, which are coming back into leaf in a rush of fresh green. There are pathways and trails all around this lovely National Park, with routes for all ages and abilities.
Families can learn more about the Forest and its flora and fauna at the New Forest Heritage Centre in Lyndhurst. This is one of several lovely old towns in the area, and there’s also Southampton if you need a day of museums and larger shops.
See our holiday cottages in Hampshire.
the peak district
There is so much on for families over the Easter holidays in the Peak District. There are Easter events and activities at Hardwick Hall, Kedleston Hall and Chatsworth to name just three, and there’s always lots going on at Alton Towers, Gulliver’s Kingdom and Drayton Manor.
If you and the family love exploring, hiking and climbing, the Peak District is the perfect holiday destination for you. It’s especially lovely at this time of year, with new spring grass, birdsong and those impossibly cute newborn lambs.
See our holiday cottages in The Peak District
north wales
North Wales has been a popular spot for families for generations. We love its varied coast, ranging from near-deserted beaches on Anglesey to traditional resorts like Llandudno with its Victorian prom and pier. If you leave the coast, you’re just minutes away from the mountains and lakes of majestic Eryri.
This area has a wealth of National Trust properties (including Bodnant Gardens, Penrhyn Castle and Plas Newydd), so you’re never far from a chocolate egg hunt! Look for signs of spring at RSPB Conwy and spend a sunny afternoon wandering around the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay.
See our holiday cottages in North Wales.
The highlands
Easter is an excellent time to visit Scotland. There may be snow in the higher ground, but April is often pretty dry and you should get to enjoy plenty of spring sunshine. Although the towns and visitor attractions are busier during the Easter holidays, it’s still quieter than it is in the summer.
There are so many wonderful places to visit in this part of Scotland, from Loch Ness to Skye, and if you love castles, you’ve come to the right country. The Cairngorms National Park is the ideal holiday destination for families that enjoy fresh air and exercise, with a choice of outdoor activity centres as well as exceptionally good walking.
See our holiday cottages in the Highlands.
Family-Friendly Easter Holidays with Handpicked Cottages
Take a look at our collection of luxury holiday cottages for families, which have plenty of room for everyone and often feature family-friendly touches like enclosed gardens and access to play equipment. Our family-friendly cottages make the perfect base for your springtime adventures and Easter egg hunts!
