Whether you prefer to holiday like a royal, discover the wonders of the underwater world or have a penchant for all things arty, there’s plenty to keep families, couples, singles and our four legged friends occupied this Easter. And with some great offers across the country, it doesn’t have to break the bank. Here, VisitEngland rounds up a range of activities for some spring-time fun…
Explore the underwater world – Chepstow, Gloucester
(From £16 per person entry fee)
Whether you’re a beginner or expert, child or adult, the Forest of Dean’s Dive Centre offers an underwater experience for all ages and abilities. Attractions include training platforms at six and seven metres made of shipping containers, an old boat cruiser at 10 metres and a British Aerospace Jetstream at 11 metres, which was originally designed as a light passenger and business aircraft. There is an equipment shop and café for re-fuelling and wooden Wigwam’s, aka camping pods, for those that want to continue their family adventure.
Enjoy a royal retreat – Datchet and Windsor Castle
(From £175 per room per night)
Situated just upstream from Windsor – the Queen’s favourite weekend retreat – The Manor Hotel and Brasserie in Datchet is an intimate boutique hotel overlooking the village green. The hotel is offering the Windsor Castle family package, which includes a three course dinner for two adults and two children, complimentary milk and cookies, full English breakfast and four tickets to Windsor Castle.
Doggy getaway – Babbacombe Beach, Devon
(From £520 per double room)
Want to treat your pet pooch this Easter? Why not head to The Cary Arms, situated on dog-friendly Babbacombe Beach. The Inn has created its very own walk book so guests can explore the stunning coastal scenery and inland country paths; dogs can also swim in the sea all year-round. The package for you and your four legged friend includes: doggy heaven welcome pack with dog bed and bowls, treats and suggested local walks, dinner with your dog including a dog’s dinner and a three course dinner for two people, two nights luxury double sea view accommodation, full English breakfast and a classic lunch picnic hamper.
Meet the meerkats – Seaview, Isle of Wight
(From £50 per person)
You’ve seen them many times on TV and now is your chance to enjoy a face-to-face encounter with a meerkat. A member of the Seaview Wildlife Encounter team will give guests an overview of these zany characters before enjoying some face-to-face time in their enclosure. With the aid of a bowl of tasty meerkat treats to help win the affections of your new furry friends, zoo staff will take photos of them feeding from the palm of your hand. These will be downloaded onto a disk and given as a memento of your special day.
Art escape – St Germans, Cornwall
(£8 entry per adult, £4 per child)
Those with a penchant for all things arty will love Port Eliot House and Gardens nestled in South East Cornwall. With 11 staircases, 15 back doors, 82 chimneys and a roof covering half an acre, this Grade I listed building is bursting with style, flair and creativity. The house is adorned with murals, masterpieces and installations by the likes of Sir John Soane and Robert Lenckiewicz, while the garden (also Grade I listed) inspires its guests with its rolling views and gorgeous ornamental features. This year will also see a welcome return to the Port Eliot Festival, which attracts an eclectic mix of celebrities, bookworms, art lovers and foodies, for what is pretty much a giant garden party.
To check the weather forecasts for these locations, click here.
For more Easter holiday inspiration, visit www.visitengland.com/spring-breaks
© VisitEngland
