Things to do in UK for Easter 2026

Easter in the UK is a magical time. Spring is in full bloom, the days are longer, and schools are on holiday — making it the perfect opportunity to plan memorable outings. If you’re looking for things to do this Easter, the UK offers a wonderful mix of nature, animals, history, and family-friendly adventures. Whether you're searching for things to do with animals, things to do with children, or simply planning a relaxing Easter break, here are some fantastic ideas to add to your Easter itinerary.

One of the best things to do this Easter is to take a spring road trip across the UK. The countryside is filled with blooming flowers, baby lambs, and picturesque villages.

Where to Go

• The Cotswolds – charming honey-stone villages and rolling hills

• Lake District – stunning lakes and spring walks

• Scottish Highlands – dramatic landscapes and wildlife

• Cornwall coast – seaside views and coastal walks

What Makes it Great for Children

Road trips give children the chance to explore nature and stretch their legs at different stops. Many villages host Easter egg hunts, spring fairs, and local markets during the Easter holidays.

Suggested Timing

Most attractions and countryside parks open between 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, though national parks remain open all day. Bring picnic blankets, Easter treats, and enjoy spontaneous countryside stops.

If your family enjoys castles and stories from the past, a history trek is one of the most educational things to do with children during Easter. The UK is filled with castles, ruins, and ancient walking routes perfect for a day trip.

Best Historic Places to Visit

• York – medieval streets and Viking history

• Bath – Roman baths and Georgian architecture

• Edinburgh Castle – iconic fortress overlooking the city

• Hadrian’s Wall – Roman frontier perfect for scenic walks

Activities for Kids

Many heritage sites organise special Easter activities such as:

• Easter egg treasure hunts

• Interactive storytelling tours

• Knight and castle themed workshops

• Costume dress-up experiences

Most historic sites run holiday hours from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, with additional children’s activities during school holidays.

The "Castle Ready" Gear

• Sturdy, Waterproof Footwear: Castles often involve cobblestones, spiral stone staircases, and muddy ramparts. Leave the heels at home and opt for walking boots or reliable sneakers with good grip.

• The "British Layering" System: Stone keeps are notoriously cold even in summer. Bring a lightweight fleece or jumper that you can strip off when you’re climbing the battlements and put back on when you’re in the dungeons.

• A Compact Raincoat: An umbrella can be tricky to manage on windy castle walls, so a waterproof jacket with a hood is usually the better bet.

Tech & Practicalities

• A Portable Power Bank: Between taking photos of the architecture and using GPS to find the site, your phone battery will drain faster than you expect.

• Cash (Small Change): While most major sites take cards, smaller heritage ruins or local gift shops sometimes have a minimum spend or require coins for lockers.

• selfie stick/tripod: If you are a photography enthusiast, you'll likely take more shots than usual. Its always better to carry your own equipment to capture cute memories with your family. 

Comfort & Sustenance

• Refillable Water Bottle: Many castles have fountains or cafes where you can top up, saving you from buying plastic bottles on-site.

• Portable Snacks: Castle cafes can be pricey and crowded. Having a granola bar or some fruit keeps you going if there's a long queue for the tea room.

• A Picnic Blanket: If the weather is nice, many UK castles have beautiful lawns (like those at Warwick or Kenilworth) where you can sit and soak in the view.

If you’re looking for slightly bigger adventures this Easter, a short European getaway can be one of the most exciting things to do this Easter. Flights from the UK to many European cities take just 1–2 hours.

Popular Easter Weekend Destinations

• Paris – chocolate shops and springtime walks

• Amsterdam – tulip season and canal cruises

• Prague – colourful Easter markets

• Barcelona – sunshine, beaches and food

Why Kids Love It

Children enjoy the novelty of travel — trains, planes, new foods and exciting attractions. Many European cities also host Easter markets and spring festivals filled with sweets, crafts and performances.

• Check-in Time: Unlike standard UK trains, you need to go through security and passport control. Aim to arrive at St Pancras 75–90 minutes before your departure.

• Easter Availability: Because it's a bank holiday weekend, these trains will book up fast. If you see a fare that works for you, it's best to grab it sooner rather than later.

• Onward Travel: If you want to go further (like to Cologne or Lyon), you can easily catch a connecting high-speed train from the Brussels or Paris stations mentioned above.

For families searching for things to do with animals, farms and aquariums are perfect Easter outings. Spring is when many farms welcome newborn animals, making it a magical experience for children.

Farms to Visit

• Cotswold Farm Park – famous for lamb feeding

• Hobbledown Farm Park (Surrey) – animal encounters and adventure playgrounds

• Odds Farm Park (Buckinghamshire) – Easter lambing events

Children can enjoy:

• Feeding goats and sheep

• Holding chicks and rabbits

• Tractor rides

• Outdoor play areas

Most farm parks open 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM during spring.

Aquariums for Animal Lovers

Aquariums are also great things to do with children, especially on rainy spring days. A popular choice is SEA LIFE London Aquarium, located near the London Eye.

What Children Can See

• Sharks and stingrays

• Penguins and jellyfish

• Interactive rock pools

• Ocean tunnel walk-throughs

Typical opening hours are 10–11 AM until 5–7 PM, with last entry usually one hour before closing. (visitsealife.com) Many aquariums also run Easter themed trails and animal talks during school holidays.

Spring gardens are among the most peaceful things to do this Easter. Flowers such as tulips, daffodils, and cherry blossoms are at their peak during April.

Best Gardens to Explore

• Kew Gardens (London) – world-famous botanical gardens

• Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – stunning spring displays

• Bodnant Garden (Wales) – colourful terraces and waterfalls

• Sissinghurst Castle Garden (Kent) – romantic English garden design

Activities for Kids

Many gardens organise:

• Easter egg trails

• Nature scavenger hunts

• Butterfly or bug spotting activities

• Picnic areas for families

Gardens usually open 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM during spring.

One of the more unusual things to do this Easter is attending a silent disco inside a cathedral. Across the UK, historic cathedrals host unique music events where participants wear wireless headphones and dance beneath centuries-old architecture. For example, Chelmsford Cathedral has hosted silent disco events with DJs and lighting effects inside the cathedral nave. (chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk)

What to Expect

• LED headphones with multiple music channels

• DJs playing pop, rock or retro hits

• Stunning lighting inside historic buildings

• Refreshments and social spaces

Typical event sessions run from 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM or 9:30 PM – midnight. (chelmsfordcathedral.org.uk) Some cathedrals also organise family-friendly silent discos earlier in the evening where children can join the fun with kid-friendly music. (Blackburn Cathedral)

Easter is one of the best seasons to explore the UK. From countryside road trips to historic treks and animal encounters, there are countless things to do this Easter for families. Whether you’re looking for things to do with animals, things to do with children, or unique experiences like cathedral discos, the UK offers a mix of adventure, learning, and springtime magic.

So pack your picnic basket, grab your Easter eggs, and start planning a holiday full of memorable moments.