Now that the kids are back in school and with a short half term, its time to start thinking about what to do over the Easter holidays to keep the whole family entertained and busy.
Easter is early this year but there are already signs of Spring in the air, the days are getting longer and brighter and our thoughts turn to chicks, bunnies and spring flowers. At Best Years, we love spring as you may have guessed by our wide range of bunny toys, chicks and lambs. Have you seen our range of bunny nursery items? As such big fans of spring and all things Easter, we have come up with some suggestions for top Easter days out and if your are lucky, you may come across a Best Years bunny or lamb on your travels.
1. Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
Nobody can fail to be impressed by the grandeur of Chatsworth House and it is one of those places that everyone should visit at least once. The great thing is that there is so much to do and see and something to keep everyone entertained - both the grandparents and youngest grandchildren will find something to delight at Chatsworth. Not only is there the grand stately home, but there are 1000 acres of park land to run off some energy, formal gardens and a wonderful farmyard and adventure playground. A full day out for the whole family. There are plenty of activities planned for Easter - Easter Egg hunts in the farmyard, visits from the Easter bunny, an Easter Eggspress trailer.
2. Hatton Country World, Warwickshire
Hatton Country World is centrally located just off the M40 near Warwick. A great day out for all the family, make sure you visit the new arrivals tent - depending on when you visit you could see tiny piglets, little lambs, chicks and bunnies and if you time your visit right, you may be lucky enough to see a baby donkey. There are plenty of opportunities to pet and handle the animals and there are all sorts of attractions - from JCB tractors to ride to indoor slides and ball pits. There are plenty of lovely spots for a picnic if the weather is nice, though there is a cafe if its too cold for a picnic. And its not all for the kids - there is a shopping village with a garden centre, jewellery, gift and antique shops and even an old fashion sweet shop! Definitely something for the whole family at Hatton.
3. Edinburgh International Science Festival, Scotland
The Edinburgh International Science Festival runs from 26th March - 10th April and there are events planned for the whole family. Being mad about dinosaur toys, we are particularly excited to see that there is a Dino Day planned for 26th March - you can make dino-feet, compete in an exciting egg hunt and discover dino fossils. On the same day there is a Dinostar workshop - where you will be be able to study dinosaur fossils at close quarters. The workshop will feature dinosaur bones, claws, teeth and eggs - all from the Dinostar museum in Hull. There are loads more events - too many to list here. It sounds like a fantastic festival and one I would love to visit.
4. The Big Sheep, Devon
If you are going to be in the South West this Easter, why not have a day out at the Big Sheep? With plenty to do for the whole family, both inside and out, this is a great venue whatever the weather. The Easter Bunny is going to be hiding 30,000 eggs this year so the Egg Hunt should be good! The indoor animal farm is anticipating plenty of new arrivals including chicks, bunnies, lambs and pups and with indoor playgrounds, a train ride, farm safari and tractor school, there is plenty to keep the kids entertained for the whole day.
5. Easter Weekend Small Films Marathon, London
The V&A Museum of Childhood is another favourite of ours, as we are all mad about toys. Over the Easter weekend, parents will be able to reminisce and prove to their children that kids TV was better in the 'old days' with a marathon session of programmes from the production company 'Smallfilms' - classics such as Bagpuss, Ivor the Engine and The Clangers! There is also an exhibition with the original puppets, sets and filming equipment. If you have not visited the museum before, its collection includes everything from dolls houses to Lego and from an 18th Century baby walker to a Star Wars figure. I don't think that Best Years dinosaurs have made it to the museum yet - but who knows what the future holds!
We hope that this has given you some inspiration for some Easter fun. If you have any good suggestions, we would love to hear from you.
