The Christmas period maybe the most delightful time of year but Easter is filled with chocolate, Easter egg hunts and cute animals – that also sounds delightful to us! It’s a time when we can finally shake off those winter chills and head outside again, especially when the Easter school holidays start. To help enjoy this wonderful time of year, here’s our pick of the affordable but best Easter breaks in the UK…
Hawkshead, Lake District
Visiting Hawkshead during the Easter holidays is a lovely escape into the picturesque charm of the Lake District. Nestled amidst rolling hills and tranquil landscapes, this quaint village offers a rememberable rural retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Locals and visitors partake in plenty of Easter festivities, including egg hunts, markets, and a traditional Easter Sunday service at the local church. There are plenty of egg-cellent activities happening round the area too. We recommend joining the Easter Egg Hunt and meeting the animals at The World of Beatrix Potter. Perfect for everyone to enjoy!
Stay at YHA Hawkshead (22 minutes away)
Bristol
From 5th– 27th April, join the fun and fact-filled Easter Eggsplorers trail at Bristol Zoo Project. Discover this amazing zoo and search for the Easter egg boards along the way. Work out the puzzles on your trail activity sheet and discover some egg-cellent animal facts – like how ostrich eggs are the largest in the world! Once you have completed the trail, you claim your free sweet prize – fun for all ages. Adults from £18, children from £14. Under 2s visit free.
Stay at YHA Bristol (24 minutes away)
Malham
A trip to Malham should be on your list of Easter activities. This pretty village in the Yorkshire Dales National Park is surrounded by limestone dry-stone walls and is a popular destination for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts. Malham Cove is a huge, curved cliff formation of limestone rock at 260 feet. It’s also believed to have been the inspiration for Tolkien’s Helm’s Deep in The Lord of the Rings. The limestone pavement on top later hosted Harry and Hermione on a camping trip for the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows film.
Gordale Scar, which is located nearby, is a stunning gorge complete with waterfalls, sculpted by melting glaciers. Other places of interest in the surrounding countryside include Malham Tarn, a peaceful nature reserve, and Janet’s Foss, a magical waterfall. Come and spend your Easter in the Yorkshire Dales and reconnect with nature.
Stay at YHA Malham (less than a mile away)
Eskdale
Come and join in the Easter fun at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. Little ones can take part in the “High Speed Easter Egg Hunt” competition to complete on the train journey from 5th -21st April. The Ravenglass Railway Museum will be hosting plenty of free children’s activities. Ready, set, go!
Stay at YHA Eskdale (20 minutes away)
Chester
Chester Zoo is the most visited zoo in the UK, with over 35,000 animals and 125 acres of zoological gardens to explore. You can meet the endangered Orangutans from the rainforests of southeast Asia and the Lemurs of Madagascar, or the (r)awesome lions of the Savannah Plains.
Stay at YHA Chester Trafford Hall (12 minutes away)
Ilam Park
This Easter, Ilam Park will be hosting a variety of exciting bird themed games and activities for all the family to enjoy throughout the holidays. Make your way along the trail and find 10 bird inspired activities around the beautiful parkland. Along the trail, you will be able to build a giant bird's nest, measure your own wingspan, see how far you can fly compared to a swallow and much more. We hope you have a cracking time!
Stay at YHA Ilam Hall (a stone’s throw away)
Matlock
Spring is in the air and it's such a special time at Matlock Farm Park. Visitors can learn about lambs at the cade lamb sessions, watch them being fed and get involved in gentle petting. Children can also follow the fun-filled Easter Treasure Trail every day of the Easter holidays from 5th-21st April 2025.
And of course, Easter needs a jolly Easter Bunny! From Good Friday to Easter Monday, Easter Bunny makes a morning and afternoon appearance – you may even get a sweet treat! Over the Easter weekend, try and find the Golden Egg in the park. Don’t forget all the usual activities at the farm park such as small animal handling, ferret racing, meerkat feeds and more. A fun-filled day out for all the family.
Stay at YHA Youlgreave (17 minutes away)
Feeling inspired? Book your Easter break today.
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Photo credit: chrisdorney / maytheevoran / Will / JulietPhotography / Paul / New Africa / milanvachal / Uros Petrovic / Anastasija / martin1985 / AbodeStock
