Hop to it with the two giant rabbits of Groombridge Place, who help the children with the clues on their way to win a sweet treat. Punch and Judy are playing at 11am and 2pm over the weekends of 9-10 and 16-17 April. Older children may particularly enjoy the UK Owl and Raptor Centre’s birds of prey demonstrations at 12noon and 3.30pm*.
Bateman’s Easter Egg Trail has a list of ten challenges around the gardens, with a chocolate egg prize (or allergen-free alternative) at the end. Open 10am-4pm. Trail £3 per child, in addition to any entrance fee.
Hever‘s carrot challenge begins
Hever Castle turns the treasure seekers themselves into the bunnies, laying a trail of colourful carrots on the hunt for the ‘Golden Carrot’. Meanwhile, Easter Egg Hunters must write down all the answers hidden around the eggs to collect a chocolate treat (or dairy-free alternative) at the end. Also on: Free craft workshop (activities included in entrance price). Open daily from 11am-5pm.
Penshurst Place’s trail is a historical one, marked out by large Victorian eggs, each hiding a secret… Meanwhile, on Easter Monday (April 18), Aardvark Productions presents ‘The Hunt for Easter Island’, featuring the voyage of a valiant ship’s crew to the fateful Pacific island to solve a riddle and collect the eggs. Four performances: 11.15am, 12.15pm, 2.15pm and 3.15pm.
If you’re on the hunt for fun at The Hop Farm Family Park over the school holidays from 10am-4.30pm, beware the roaming dinosaurs on April 6, 9 and 13. Phew – at least the venue’s Easter Bank Holiday weekend Easter trail will be dino-free…
By Victoria Roberts
*For the story of how the UK Owl and Raptor Centre helped with a wildlife rescue, see: Tunbridge Wells’ Kes issues warning to motoring litterbugs
Hever Castle Photos: © Kate York/The Happy Picture Company
