Easter ideas

Easter weekend is 2-4 April this year, which falls within Step 1 of the Government's Covid Roadmap. This means you can meet outdoors in a group of up to six people, or two households – perfect for egg rolling, Easter trails and egg hunts!

The stay-at-home order is lifted as of 29 March, but you're still encouraged to minimise travel until 17 May. So now is the time to explore beauty spots close to home – and luckily, we have no shortage of those: we're spoilt for choice with walks, beaches, castles and historic sites. 

Stock up on chocolate handmade right here in East Sussex with a visit to Only Coco's online store. Here you'll find tiny trios of Magic Bunnies, chocolate bars in Hot Cross Bun and Carrot Cake flavours, six-pack boxes of Salted Caramel eggs, and classic Easter Eggs in five flavours from traditional Milk Chocolate to creative White Chocolate Raspberry.  

You'll also find a delicious assortment of Belgian chocolates and Easter gifts at Battle House of Cards, all of which can be ordered online, with free local delivery (and free UK delivery on orders over £10).

Eggs to Apples Farm Shop in Hurst Green is open every day except Sunday over the bank holiday weekend, fully stocked with Easter essentials, hampers, gifts and flowers. Why not pick up an amazing takeaway coffee or some deli and picnic goodies while you're there?

From 29 March

Bewl Water is opening its laser challenge, fishing and bike hire, along with its round-reservoir bike trail. Battle Abbey is reopening its site (outdoors only), and will be holding an Easter Adventure Quest. Over at King John's Nursery in Etchingham, there's a Fairy Hunt thoroughout April – search for their houses among the magical gardens. Hastings Adventure Golf will be open for business, and serving takeaway food. The grounds of the National Trust's Bodiam Castle and Bateman's will be open, with takeaway refreshments available. Herstmonceux Castle's gardens and grounds will reopen for season ticket holders on 29 March, then to the public on 1 March. Bodiam Boating Station will open for boat hire, along with the Lime Wharf Café for takeaways, and over in Rye Full Throttle will also be running boat trips.
For all of the above, make sure you check their websites for full details, and book ahead.

From 12 April

Outdoor attractions such as gardens,and zoos and vineyards can open from 12 April, along with self-contained accommodation and outdoor hospitality – think pavement cafés and pub gardens. As always, be sure to check and book ahead.

Family fun vouchers for the future

If you're missing out on some of your usual family outings in the Easter holidays, consider giving your kids a voucher to show that the end is in sight. Knockhatch Adventure Park, the Rare Breeds Centre, the Observatory Science Centre, Rye Watersports and Bewl Water's Aqua Park and open-water swimming all take online bookings for family-fun vouchers or experiences.