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, the 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 (30th & 31st March) and meeting the animals (1st April) at The World of Beatrix Potter. Perfect for everyone to enjoy!
Stay at YHA Hawkshead, 22 minutes away.
Bristol
If you are visiting Bristol this easter, why not go to the Easter Sculpture Festival at the Botanic Garden? The festival showcases sculptures, interactive workshops and family-friendly activities. Join the tours to learn more about the wonders of spring and wander through the garden and see the sculptures made from stone, ceramics, wood, metal, and wire by local artists. There are plenty of arts and craft activities to get stuck into too!
Stay at YHA Bristol, 15 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. From the 29th March 2024 to the 14th April 2024, the little ones can take part “High Speed Easter Egg Hunt” competition to complete on the train journey. 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.
This Easter, its your time to discover five GIANT eggs on the trail in the Zoo. You might even spot the new snow leopard arrivals, so keep your eye out! The tickets are free with zoo entry. A fun-filled easter break for the whole family to enjoy.
Stay at YHA Chester Trafford Hall, 12 minutes away.
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Photo credit: chrisdorney / maytheevoran / Will / JulietPhotography / Paul / New Africa / milanvachal / Uros Petrovic / Abode Stock