The winter cobwebs are being dusted off, the sun is making its re-appearance, and we’re getting ready to get out and about once more in Hertfordshire as spring arrives! With the new season comes the Easter holidays and, this year, we’re getting ahead of the game and letting you in on some of the top spots where you can spend your time off. Whether it be an Easter egg hunt or learning how to snowboard, there’s fun for the whole family right here on your doorstep. So, what are you waiting for? Read on and start planning your next day out, safe in the knowledge that you won’t be hearing any cries of “I’m bored”…
Ashridge House
Ashridge House knows exactly how to celebrate the holidays so, if you’re looking for an Easter-time extravaganza, look no further. Not only will they be serving an Easter lunch, brunch, and afternoon tea for all of your culinary needs, the first ever Ashridge Vintage Fayre is coming to town! Set against the backdrop of their beautiful spring gardens, you can enjoy a whole host of vintage fair-ground rides, grab a bite to eat from the pop-up food stalls, and soak in all of the merriment at Ashridge House this Easter break.
Henry Moore Studios & Gardens
Re-opening on the 5th April, the Henry Moore Studios & Gardens is the place to go for those slow Easter holiday strolls. With over 70 acres of rolling hills and beautiful gardens, you can experience Moore’s famous sculptures in all their glory. With two picnic areas and the Rosey Lea Café, you can re-energise yourselves before wandering the studios and garden, or heading along to one of their family events.
Home Farm Glamping
7 April
This is one for all you outdoors lovers – Tiny T’s Theatre is back at Home Farm Glamping this year and they need your help! Hopping Harry (the Easter Bunny’s helper) has gone missing, and they need you to help look for him…follow the trail and see if you’re up for the mission. Join in on plant pot painting, watch live performances, and take home a chocolate treat at the end of the day.
Willows Activity Farm
30 March – 14 April
For a day of Easter fun, Willows Activity Farm are bringing you and the family a range of egg-citing adventures. There’ll be an Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Grotto, arts and crafts, and (of course) you’ll be able to meet all of the wonderful animals on the farm. Say hello to Easter bunnies, little pigs, and even watch a lamb bottle feeding demonstration (cuteness overload inbound). Be sure to stick around to see the Easter Bunny himself make an onstage appearance for a truly eggs-traordinary day out!
Natural History Museum
1 – 17 April
If the little ones are in the mood for some learning, then head along to the Natural History Museum in Tring where they can soak up tonnes of information in fun and interactive ways. With displays of creatures from across the world, this is sure to get their attention. Plus, don’t miss out on the museum’s very own Easter egg hunt – pop on your explorer hats, and see how many you can find!
Hatfield House
15 April
CJ’s Birds of Prey Displays are delighted to be coming along to Hatfield House this April, and they can’t wait for you to join them! Be dazzled as you witness this magnificent display of birds, including the world’s second strongest Eagle, the Crowned Hawk Eagle, the beautiful Snowy Owl, and plenty more. Take photos, learn something new, and be sure to wander around the grounds once you’ve seen these beautiful birds.
Credit: St Albans Cathedral
St Albans Cathedral
Join the members of St Albans Cathedral this year for a variety of events across the Easter period. Whether it be a candlelit Easter eve service, Easter Sunday services joined by the Cathedral Choir, or an Easter Monday pilgrimage into the town, you can enjoy the Cathedral in all its wonder this holiday. For an extra special Easter treat, from Ash Wednesday, you can try the Alban Bun (precursor to the well-known and much loved Hot Cross Bun!) in the Cathedral's very own Abbott's Kitchen. Get a taste of the rich history of St Albans through this handmade, traditional recipe, dating all the way back to the 14th century.
St Albans Museum & Gallery
1st April
Get creative this Easter holiday with Lynn Bird, an artist whose blindness has given her an extraordinary perspective of what it's like to "draw in the dark". Develop your drawing skills and create something amazing, whether you're the next Picasso or you've never even picked up a pencil.
Credit: Stephanie Belton
St Albans
And, while you're here, the local area of St Albans has a whole host of delights just waiting to be enjoyed this holiday. The vibrant and historic St Albans Market (running every Wednesday and Sunday) has drawn people in with its fantastic choice of fresh and artisan goodies since 860! And, for even more history, pop along to Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, where you can taste and drink until your heart's content in what is known to be the U.K.'s oldest pub. Refuel for your stroll around the city, and don't forget to grab yourself a sweet treat from the mouth-watering selection at The Pudding Stop.
Treasure Map Trails
The perfect way for you and the family to explore your local area has got to be with your very own Treasure Map Trail. With 7 award-winning, fantasy-themed maps of towns throughout the county, everyone can join in on the fun this Easter. Put on your discovery hat, pack a bag, and head on out to search, find, and learn all about the places right under your nose. Stop off at your favourite coffee shop for some rest, check out that place you’ve always wanted to, but (most importantly) have fun!
Whipsnade Zoo
31 March – 9 May
To keep the little members of the family entertained throughout the Easter break, why not head along to Whipsnade Zoo, and meet Pip and Posy, here to take you on an unforgettable adventure. Join them as they learn all about the animals of the zoo, take part in crafts, venture through the indoor soft play area, and explore the amazing outdoors. For an extra special treat, in the third and last weekends of April, ZSL Gold Members, Fellows and Patrons will be able to meet Pip and Posy one to one!
Lee Valley White Water Centre
Try out something new this holiday when you come to the Lee Valley White Water Centre. Choose from a range of activities, whether white water rafting on the Olympic course is your calling, or you and the family want to go for a lake paddle. Watch the action from the wonderful Terrace Bar & Café and be sure to grab a bite to eat of their freshly made goodies!
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
We can’t give suggestions on Easter holiday plans without mentioning the world-famous Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. To make the kiddies’ magical dreams come true, book in today and discover the wonderful wizarding world that awaits behind the doors to the studios. Go behind the scenes, immerse yourself in the world, and be sure to find out what house you’re in (that’s if you don’t already know!).
The Snow Centre
Who needs the Alps when you’ve got The Snow Centre right on your doorstep? Whether you’re a beginner or you’ve been skiing your whole life, there’s a spot for you on the slopes here. Join in on the fun with a one-to-one lesson, group session, or go solo and show off your skills! Grab a bite to eat at The Lodge, where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy birds eye views of the U.K.’s largest skiing slope.
Cloud 9
The thrill seekers of the family will love this one. At Cloud 9, you’ll certainly feel like that’s where you are, as you race through obstacle courses, become a ninja warrior, play darts, and plenty more. With so much to do here, the kids will be entertained for as long as you need, so you can sit back, enjoy a bite to eat and relax while they have the time of their life!
The XC
Whether you want to climb, skate, rope, or cave, The XC is the place to be this Easter holiday! You can find everything adrenaline fuelled that you’re looking for all in one place, so this is the ideal spot for all those energetic teens that need to get out and about during the break.
Verulamium Museum
15th April
Travel back in time at the Verulamium Museum and make art just like how the Romans used to. Artist Gal Lesham will be exploring and explaining how to use natural dyes from natural roots, plants, and minerals. In this full day experience, you can make your own dyes, design your own canvas bag, and let your inner artist flourish!
Hidden Easter gems
For any families looking for that idyllic Easter retreat, Hertfordshire is bursting with hidden gems. From the beautiful nature reserve Norton Common, to the stunning 11th century Hertford Castle, an Easter trail at Standalone Farm to the events-packed Hertford Theatre, you and the family are in for a day of exploring these cultural, natural, and all round wonderful spots. Don't just take our word for it either - Thameslink also saw that Letchworth Garden City and Hertford North were some of the most popular spots on their lines last Easter, so get ahead of the game this year and book in your 2023 adventure!
Celtic Harmony
13-16 April
Nestled right in a beautiful natural woodland is Celtic Harmony, an amazing camp with days out for you and the family. This Easter, there are great treats in store, so come along and make unforgettable memories. Join in on the Dragon Easter Egg hunt in the Forest, craft your own Dragon Egg out of clay, and make your own dreamcatcher. Listen to stories and sit by the campfire, allowing yourself to settle back into nature and relax with loved ones.