Cracking Easter antics for all ages to enjoy!

From creative capers to eggs-citing explorations, 1066 Country has a cracking line up of Easter activities sure to keep little bunnies and bigger chicks smiling all holiday long.

GET CRAFTY THIS EASTER

Looking for a creative way to spend the holidays? These hands-on workshops and craft-based events will encourage budding artists of all ages to roll up their sleeves and learn a fun new skill.

• FLOWER POWER: The Crown Hastings is offering two chances to perfect your bloom craft, from learning how to make an embroidered organdie brooch or hair accessory (26 March / 12 April. Info here) to creating an embossed spring-inspired tin wall hanging (28 March / 29 March / 4 April / 11 April. Info here). 

• THE GOLDEN TOUCH: Master the medieval art of illumination at Herstmonceux Castle (Hailsham) as you learn how to apply gold leaf to paper or vellum using traditional techniques. (28 March / 29 March. Info here). 

FOLLOW THE EASTER TRAIL

Set off on a seasonal quest through historic castles and daffodil-packed gardens, unscrambling secret codes and enjoying chocolatey rewards along the way.   

• EGG HUNTS & HIDDEN TREASURES: Step into the past this Easter and enjoy the range of rewarding egg hunts against the backdrop of castles, abbeys and historic homes. From animal-inspired trails at Bateman’s (21 March – 12 April. Info here) to duck-themed entertainment at Bodiam Castle (21 March – 12 April. Info here) and clue-filled quests at Battle Abbey (28 March – 19 April. Info here), these heritage adventures promise plenty of fun in the fresh air.

• CRACK THE EASTER CODE: Little explorers are invited to follow the clues along the Priory Meadow Bunny Hop Trail. Collect branded rabbit ears from The Works and locate the cute Easter creatures, each guarding their own special letter. Piece them together at the end to solve the mystery word and unlock an Easter egg reward! Don’t forget to snap a selfie with the giant bunny along the way. (28 March – 6 April. Info here). 

• DUCKS & DETECTIVES: With thousands of yellow ducks hidden across 42-acres of woodland, orchards, grassland and Christmas tree plantations at Tibbs Farm (Rye), you’d be quackers to miss their legendary Easter Duck Hunt. Catch three to win a chocolate reward, with extra special prizes for determined hunters who track down a rarer coloured bird or an ever-elusive Celebrity Duck. (23 March – 12 April. Info here).

FAMILY ADVENTURES TO BRIGHTEN THE HOLIDAYS

If animal encounters, water slides and railway rides sound like your family’s idea of fun, these lively activities promise a basketful of Easter cheer. 

• BEASTLY ANTICS: Expect a full day of family fun at Knockhatch Adventure Park (Hailsham) this Easter, where circus shows and special appearances from the Sussex Police and Fire teams combine with plenty of action-packed attractions. Brave the water slides, meet the newest arrivals at the zoo feeds, and explore the park’s mix of play zones and family-friendly rides. (28 March – 12 April. Info here). 

• WALK ON THE WILD SIDE: Drusillas Zoo Park is primed to embrace the holiday spirit, with all the ingredients for a memorable day out. Download its interactive app map to find hidden eggs as you get up-close to their furry residents. But be sure to leave plenty of time to walk through its Jurassic jungle, enjoy unlimited family rides, battle it out in the retro gaming arcade and jump around their weather-defying range of playgrounds. Parents can also take advantage of a special £1 kids’ entry offer (advance booking essential). (28 March – 12 April. Info here). 

• COSMIC CHALLENGE: Help a lost spaceship find its way safely home on this escape-room style mission from The Observatory Science Centre (Herstmonceux). Budding astronauts setting off on this galactic quest will solve puzzles and use their problem-solving skills to guide the stranded ship back to Earth. (28 March – 12 April. Info here). 

• HIGH-FLYING HEROICS: Take Easter fun to new heights at Go Ape Bedgebury (Goudhurst), where a canopy challenge meets a puzzle-packed trail. Swing through the course, as zip wires, high ropes and hidden letters reveal the way in this exhilarating Easter experience with a treetop twist. (28 March – 19 April. Info here).  

• HOP ABOARD: You can count on the Kent & East Sussex Railway to put a spring in your step during the school break. Kids go free during the holidays and every journey comes with an Easter-themed activity pack, with special badge prizes up for grabs. See if you can spot the mischievous bunnies hiding around Bodiam station, whose waiting room is transformed into a crafting paradise. And keep an eye out for the Easter Bunny herself at Tenterden Town over the bank holiday weekend. (29 March – 19 April. Info here). 

• ICE AGE ESCAPADES: Swap springtime delights for close encounters of the frozen kind as Ice Age Adventure Live comes to White Rock Theatre (Hastings). During the show you’ll travel back to a prehistoric world where woolly mammoths, cool cavemen, polar bears and even the odd dodo promise a truly mammoth experience. (30 March. Info here). 

• SPRINGTIME SPELLS:  Celebrate the magic of spring with an enchanting woodland outing at Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest. Follow the Room on the Broom trail, help Witch track down her missing hat, bow and wand, and gather ingredients for her spell, while keeping a watchful eye out for Dragon! Finish your quest with a celebratory photo with Witch and animal friends on their glorious new broom. (Ongoing until 31 October. Info here). 

For more ways to keep the Easter magic going, hop over to www.visit1066country.com/whats-on