Cracking Easter events in Somerset

Ok, prepare yourselves – it’s that time of year again, when content writers get slap-happy with eggstra-ordinarily bad egg puns to talk about Easter events in Somerset and egg-related things to do in the school holidays. I’ll try and restrain myself as much as possible, although now that we’re starting to emerge from our winter hibernation, I’m feeling positively giddy at the prospect of warmer sunny days, blossoming trees and lighter evenings.

With Easter arriving early this year, Somerset’s events calendar is starting to look fuller than than the Easter Bunny’s basket, making it a cracking (sorry) time to explore the county with kids. From egg hunts to subterranean fairy trails, artistic crafts to outdoor bushcraft, railway rides to steam engine celebrations.

Aside from hunting down their body weight in chocolate, kids can get involved with loads of Easter events taking place in Somerset. From Easter crafting to spring cleaning the old-fashioned way, Easter egg events, steam train rides to toasting hot cross buns over the firepit, you’ll find all kinds of springtime fun across the county to help you plan your Easter holiday entertainment. I, for one, will be springing into this new season like a newborn lamb thanks to this egg-cellent lot…

*This post on what’s on over Easter will be updated with more 2024 Easter events as they are announced. If you know of an event I can add please get in touch. This post contains affiliate links, should you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to you, although I receive a small commission which goes towards the upkeep of this blog.

Easter egg trails 2024

Easter activities at Hestercombe, Taunton

• When? 23 March-14 April 2024

Visit Hestercombe for Easter holiday activities, spring flowers and family walks.

Hestercombe’s Easter Egg Hunt takes place around the Formal Gardens and is £2 per child (in addition to paying garden admission). Find the golden egg and claim a chocolatey surprise at the end. There’s also a free ‘Ugly Bug Ball’ trail available for anyone who has OD’d on chocolate.

See a variety of wonderful creatures inside Hestercombe House (11am to 4pm) – and learn a bit more about them along the way (4 April only).

Easter themed events at Museum of Somerset, Taunton

• When? 26 March-13 April 2024

The Museum of Somerset is buzzing with spring-themed Easter holiday events. Drop in for Easter family fun, activities and crafts, plus an Easter egg trail around the museum everyday. Drop in activities £2/Trail £1.

• Easter egg trail (find the objects in the egg-shaped pictures and win a treat)
• Decorate an egg cup (2 April)
• Grow a grass head (3 April)
• Flower crowns and head bands (4 April)
• Spring crafts (9 April)
• Meet the animals (10 April – meet the bunnies from Second Chance Petting Farm and create spring animals out of clay)
• Birds of Prey (11 April – meet Birds of Prey from Pitcombe Rock Falconry, see their eggs and enjoy a chick craft activity)

Easter Sculpture Trail, Coates English Willow

• When? TBC

The unique landscape of the Somerset levels provides the perfect conditions for willow growing, and the Coates family has been doing just that at Coates English Willow for some 200 years.

During the holidays, they put their ingenious willow weaving skills to creating themed willow characters. Pick up a trail map from the visitor centre (£3 per person) and seek out 12-15 Easter sculptures dotted around the wetlands, solving the puzzle for a prize at the end. Extend your day out with a circular walk along the River Tone, to the viewpoint on top of Windmill Hill for views across Hay Moor and Curry Moor.

Easter days out for kids at The Station, Dorset and Somerset Railway

• When? 31 March & 1 April 2024

Enjoy Easter entertainment at The Station, ride a train, take part in an Easter egg hunt for kids. A special prize will be given to all who complete the activity sheet and return it to the station shop. The Easter Special ticket includes an Easter Biscuit and a hot drink or fruit juice from the railway buffet.

Passenger Trains depart at 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 14:00 and 15:00.

Children’s Easter activities at Yeovil Railway Centre, Yeovil Junction

• When? 31 March & 1 April 2024

Choo choo fans should head over to Yeovil Railway Centre for Easter Steam Train Days on Easter weekend. ‘Pectin’ or ‘Lord Fisher’ will be chugging passengers along 1/3rd mile of the ex-Great Western Railway Clifton Maybank branch. 

Easter Egg hunts are planned for 31 March and 1 April, and the Easter Bunny will be dropping in for a visit too! There’s also a model railway, miniature railway and exhibits for a train-themed day out.

Easter Weekend days out at East Somerset Railway

Climb aboard the heritage railway and be transported through the Somerset countryside by East Somerset Railway. For extra entertainment for kids, there will be Punch and Judy shows on throughout the day and a springtime Scavenger Hunt (29 March-7 April 2024).

Adult £14, Concession (over 60s or registered less abled)  £12, Child £10 – under 3s free.

Things to do at Easter at Bishops Palace, Wells

Follow Nell’s Easter Wildlife Trail (29 March – 14 April 2024) as you explore the 14 acres of Bishop’s Palace gardens. Collect your trail from the entrance gate on your way in and get searching! There are twelve spring pictures to find and twelve clues to help you guess what will be in each picture. Complete your trail and return it to the ticket office to win a small prize! 

Easter Storytelling (2 April 11am & 1.30pm) – Rebecca Gryspeerdt will be reading from her book Helpful Nell: A story set in The Bishop’s Palace featuring the swans of Wells.

The Bishop’s Palace’s Medieval Falconry Day takes place on 13 April.

All Easter events are included in the general admission price. All full price tickets include 12 months re-entry to the Bishop’s Palace and Gardens.

Easter things to do, Somerset Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury

Somerset Rural Life Museum has come up with a stonking selection of egg-citing things to do this Easter, 16 March-14 April.

• Easter Trail and chance to win a treat (£1 per child)
• Toast hot cross buns on the firepit (29 March)
• Toys and dress up (30 March, 6, 7, 13, 14 April)
• Easter Egg hunt in the orchard (31 March & 1 April) – 12pm, 2pm and 3.30 pm. Vegan and nut free diet can be accommodated.
• Decorate an egg cup, suggested donation £1.50 (2 April)
• Bunny Day – enjoy a bunny craft and spot the bunnies hidden around the museum (3 April)
• Spring into Easter with rabbit and carrot themed fun (4 April)
• Weather Ready – discover what to put in an emergency bag, have a go at building a flood barrier and create some survival themed art with Somerset Rivers Authority (5 April)
• Animal Ark (9 April) – join the RSPCA and the Somerset Rivers Authority to learn about keeping animals safe in the spring time, plus create a fun craft to take home.
• Climate Crafts and Cake – Act to Adapt: Shaping a plan for Glastonbury (10 April)
• Flower Power – spring flower inspired crafts (11 April)
• Birds of Prey – meet the birds and see the eggs they hatch from. Enjoy a simple owl craft (12 April)

All Easter holidays things to do at Somerset Rural Life are included in Museum Unlimited which means you pay once and can go back as many times as you like.

The Enchanted Cave at Cheddar Gorge & Caves

• 29 March – 14 April 2024

Embark on an enchanting journey into Cheddar Gorge to discover a magical illuminated trail hidden deep in Gough’s Cave (March 29-April 14), where fairies glisten, flowers grow and eggs glow! 

Help the fairies – friends of the Easter bunny – find out where the sleeping troll has hidden their precious eggs. On your travels, you’ll meet guardian fairies who hold clues to help you uncover why the eggs are important – unravel this Easter enigma and you’ll receive a treat! Keep an eye out for Richard Gough’s Golden Egg; rumour has it it’s been hidden in the caves since he excavated it in Victorian times…

Tickets include access to Cox’s Cave, the Museum of Pre-History, Jacob’s Ladder and The Lookout Tower, plus the Cliff-Top Walk for a egg-cellent day out.

Good Friday Easter Egg Hunt, Newton Farm, near Bath

• When? 29 March 2024, 10am-2pm

For Good Friday activities for kids, join the Newton Farm Easter Egg Hunt, meet the Easter Bunny, get your face painted and visit the animals! Book your preferred time slot. Under 10’s only.

Egg-cellent Easter Egg Hunt at Fleet Air Arm Museum

• 30 March- 14 April

The Somerset Easter Bunny has visited Fleet Air Arm museum and left a trail of eggs around the museum halls. Help Ellie Copter save Easter and retrieve all the hidden eggs from across the Museum, piece together the clues and follow the trail to claim your chocolatey prize!

Events at Easter, Haynes Motor Museum

• 29 March -14 April 2024

Find all the giant eggs hidden around Haynes Motor Museum Eggsplorer Trail to spell out two mystery words. When you’ve found all the eggs, unscramble the letters and crack the code to claim your prize!

National Trust Easter egg hunts 2024

Navigate your way around the picture-perfect estates to complete nature-inspired activities that are hiding along the way, in return for an Easter treat! 

Pick up an adventure pack (£3 per child) for Easter egg hunts at Lytes Cary Manor (23 March-2 April), Montacute House (23 March-7 April), Prior Park Gardens (23 March-1 April), Tyntesfield (23 March-14 April) and Fyne Court (29 March-14 April) + nature noughts and crosses, den building, natural egg nest-making and welly wanging).

ROAM Easter events 2024, Cake and Easter Trail

• When? 10am-12pm, 1-3pm

For families, there will also be an Easter trail on 30 March and a prize if you complete it, plus a crafting activity, tasty cakes and tea/coffee/hot chocolate or cold drinks.

Easter Trail and Tulip Extravaganza, Forde Abbey

• When? Forde Abbey Easter Trail (29 March-1 April), Tulip Extravaganza (5 April-15 May)

If you pondering what to do over Easter, how about putting your detective skills to the test, finding hidden clues and following the trail around Forde Abbey’s beautifully landscaped gardens. Solve the puzle and you’ll win an Easter Bunny!

From 5 April – 15 May, this magnificent estate and its 30 acres of award-winning gardens are awash with flamboyant, vivid, tulips and their cheery petals. Forde Abbey’s gardeners planted some 50,000 tulips last autumn, so you can expect an explosion of colour this spring. Don’t miss the ‘Tulip Swirl’ or centenary fountain blasting water into the air at certain times during the day.

Discover more gorgeous Somerset gardens this Spring

Easter Eggstravaganza, Shepton Mallet

• When? 30 March 2024, 11am-2pm

Head to Collett Park for a free Easter Egg hunt around the park, Easter Bonnet Parade with prizes to be won (1.30pm), biscuit Decorating (£1.50) and face painting (£1).

Family Easter Trail, Wraxall Vineyard

• When? 30 March, 12-4pm

Booking available soon. Details tbc.

Easter events Somerset

Easter Steam Up at Westonzoyland Pumping Station Museum

• When? 1 April 2024

The Easter Monday Steam Up (April 1) at Westonzoyland’s Grade II* listed 1830s pumping station showcases over 30 running stationary steam engines and pumps. Home to one of the largest collections in the UK, most of the engines here have either been made or used locally.

Peer at a water wheel display, have a go on a narrow gauge railway ride, then test your egg-tastic knowledge in a quiz for the chance to win an Easter prize. Pack a picnic to enjoy beside the river or rock up to the cafe for snacks and homemade cake.

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Easter events for kids 2024, Ham Hill

One of the UK’s largest Iron Age Hill forts, Ham Hill is also the source of Somerset’s prized honey-coloured buildings, a fantastic wildlife haven and walker’s paradise with breathtaking panoramic views over Somerset and beyond. Centuries of quarrying (still going on today) have created Hobbit-ish dips, hills and ditches which kids love to run up and down. There’s also a druid-esque stone circle, which gives off ancient vibes, but was actually erected to commemorate the Millennium and quarry workers by one of the quarry companies. 

Within the 173 hectares of this country park, you’ll also find a woodland play zone to keep youngsters entertained, a Roman Treasure Trail and family-friendly activities taking place over Easter. Head over to join in with fire lighting and campfire crafts (2 April 2024, 10am-12pm) egg-related games and challenges (April 4, 10am-12pm), and win a prize, a woodland wander and den building (5 April), fossil fun (11 April) and forest fun (12 April)

Booking is required.

What’s on over Easter at Yeovil Country Park

Yeovil Country Park, located on the outskirts of the town, is particularly great for families as there’s lots to keep little legs motivated. Discover waterfalls, stepping stones, hidden grottos, and fairytale-esque bridges hidden amid semi-ancient woodland. K

Kids can run wild in the Ninesprings-themed playground, make the most of the flat paths on scooters and roller skates, and take part in Ranger-led Easter fun, including learning how to light a fire with flint and steel, before cooking some simple food over the flames (April 2), and completing a spring trail to win a prize (April 4, £3 per child).

Countryside crafts at Chard Reservoir

Nearby, the disused 19th century Chard Reservoir is now a local nature reserve and a fantastic site for bird watching, walking, wildflower meadows and exploring nature. This Easter, hungry Egg-splorers are invited to brush up on their bushcraft and learn flint fire-lighting skills, and how to create simple to cook over the fire (April 9).

Booking is required.

Easter events 2024 at RSPB, Ham Wall Nature Reserve, Glastonbury

• When? 29 March-24 April, 10am-3pm

See how many different animals are attending an Easter feast along Ham Wall’s family nature trail, and help Miranda the Mute Swan remember what ingredient she should be bringing.

A fun, family activity trail aimed at children aged 3-11 years old, that is designed to show visitors the different wildlife you can spot during spring, and what different animals like to eat. Trails are suitable for wheels. Trail packs are £3.50 and can be purchased from the Info Point. Prize is included (while stocks last).

Kids Easter events, Glastonbury Abbey

• When? 2-11 April 2024

Glastonbury Abbey’s crafty, family-friendly things to do over easter holidays are included in admission and there’s no need to book:

• Craft Easter bunting (2 April, 1am-1pm)
• Easter Wreath Family Activity (4 April, 11am-1pm)
• Time Travelling Carpenter – Medieval Painter (6 April 2024, 1pm-4pm)
• Create a 3D Knights Helmet – Free Easter activities (9 April, 11am-1pm)
• Create your own Knights Standard – free Easter activities for kids (11 April, 11am-1pm)
• Little Discoverers – Medieval Flags (11 April, 10.30am-11.30am)

Wookey Hole Caves’ Big Easter Event

For family days out this Easter, head to Wookey Hole Caves. Subterranean adventures, the Witch of Wookey and Easter egg hunting await! Every child goes home with an Easter treat. 

Easter tobogganing at Mendip Activity Centre

All toboggan sessions at Mendip Activity Centre between 28 March – 14 April 2024 are Easter-themed!

Choose either individual spaces (ages 4 – 12), exclusive use of half the slope (up to 8 people, no upper age limit) or exclusive use of the whole slope for a whole hour (ages 4 – 12 only, 24 children) for your toboggan session.

Following your fun on the slope, set off on an Easter-themed orienteering adventure around the woodland. Once you’ve found them all, head to the Alpine lounge where all tobogganers can enjoy a slushy and Easter egg.

Easter-themed entertainment at Mendip Activity Centre

As well as Easter tobogganing, there’s a whole host of Easter outdoor activities to take part in at Mendip Activity Centre. Win your score in mini eggs on the air rifles, pop an Easter balloon with a bow and arrow to win an Easter egg in archery sessions, take part in axe throwing with an Easter twist, have a go at Frisbee golf, seek out ultra violet dragon eggs in an underground cave and find hidden yetis hidden in trees above ground!

Easter events for kids at the American Museum & Gardens

• When? March 29 – April 14 2024

Delve into the rich tapestry of American culture and history at this American Museum & Gardens near Bath, tracing the journey from Native Americans to first settlers, cowboys, gold miners, and pioneers, all the way up to the 20th century. The manor is brimming with an impressive collection of artefacts, which vividly narrate stories of Americana, including a new 2024 exhibition that will examine the famous American road trip.

Outside, overlooking the beautiful Limpley Stoke Valley, the grounds sprawl over 125 acres, and feature a replica of George Washington’s garden at Mount Vernon, contemporary New American Garden, an arboretum, terraced lawn amphitheatre and a fantastic children’s play area.

Make the most of the gorgeous gardens with an outdoor trail (for a small fee on top of normal admission) and whip up something wonderful at the crafting station. And, of course, it wouldn’t be Easter without something sweet – visit the Garden Deli for classic American treats (think classic Franks, Knickerbocker Glories and the like).

Animal attractions Easter holidays Somerset

Spring Fayre and Easter activities, Ferne Animal Sanctuary

• When? 31 March 2024

Ferne Animal Sanctuary is hosting an array of egg-citing spring-themed events during the Somerset Easter holidays. The Easter lineup includes hands-on crafting sessions and educational talks.

Expect local traders, cakes, a tombola, childrens’ activities and a children’s Easter egg hunt at their Spring Fayre.

Upper Row Farm Easter activities 2024, Frome

• When? 29 March, 31 March, 1 April

Bottle-feeding lambs, brushing a pony, collecting eggs, giving cows and sheep hay, hunting for wild flowers, feeding the pigs… these are some of the hands-on farm experiences families can get involved with during an Easter visit to Upper Row Farm, near Frome.

Pre-booking essential.

Fun things to do on Easter at Puxton Park, Weston-super-Mare

Set in 40 acres of rolling Somerset countryside, Puxton Park is jam-packed with all-weather fun stuff for kids. Outside there are tractor rides, a bouncing pillow, trampolines, a miniature train, crazy golf, playgrounds, bumper boats, a pedal kart track, diggers, a boating lake, dodgems-style cars, a high ropes course and all kinds of animals to meet, plus lots more!

Easter 2024 activities, Secret World Wildlife Rescue, Highbridge

• When? 30 March 2024, 10am-3pm

Take the small animal lovers in your life along to Highbridge for Secret World’s Walk on the Wild Side to learn more about British wildlife and nature.

There are two trails to choose from:

• 3.4 miles, approx. 3 hours to complete. Stroll along the River Brue. Most of this route is public rights of way through fields.
• 1.5 miles, approx. 1 hour to complete. Explore Millennium Wood, perfect for little ones. Half of this walk is along a road, so less mud and stiles to navigate.

Both trails are circular and will lead you to various checkpoints with something different located at each one. Upon your return, enjoy educational exhibits and games to complete your Easter adventure.

Indoor Easter events 2024

Weston-super-Mare roller disco, Wellsprings Leisure Centre

• 22 March, 2.30-4pm

Skating fun, games and great music, hosted by the Eleven Roller Disco volunteer marshal team who work hard so you can skate safely. Bring your own skates or borrow theirs – hire skates and safety kit (strongly recommended!) are included in the ticket price. 

Theatre days out this Easter

Easter events at The Brewhouse, Taunton

Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book

• 15-17 March 2024

Delve into a range of books with Charlie Cook, brought to life with puppetry and enchanting songs. Check ticket availability here.

Pop Princesses

• 31 March 2024

Four fabulous fairy tale princesses sing a soundtrack of pop hits from artists such as Little Mix, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Meghan Trainor, and Miley Cyrus, plus all the best songs from all your favourite films and musicals. Check ticket availability.

Mad Hatter’s Family Craft Workshop

• 3 April 2024

Make some funny hats for a Mad Hatters tea party using different craft materials. The perfect activity to join in with before watching Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland on the main stage in the afternoon. Book a time slot.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

• 3 April 2024

Drawing on the wealth of peculiar episodes from Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, Box Tale Soup invite you down the rabbit hole into a timeless world of wondrous fantasy. Check ticket availability.

Pom Pom workshops

• 5 April

Join Pom Stitch Tassel for a fabulous crafty morning (10.30am) learning how to make bunny and chicks pom poms using sustainable wooden pom pom makers.

Learn how to make bird spring hoop pom poms at 1.30pm.

Spot’s Birthday Party

• 8 April 2024, 2pm and 4pm

Based on the beloved Eric Hill classic, Happy Birthday Spot, this brand new adaptation brings the pup and his friends to life in an interactive and accessible show suitable for ages 2+ and their grown ups.

Jay Miller’s Circus, Yeovil Showground and Taunton Race course

• 10-14 April 2024 (Yeovil), 18-21 April (Portishead)

From Havana, Cuba, for the first time with Jay Millers Circus, are the NEW REVOLUTION TROUPE, MATYI on the dangerous Aerial sky walk, Miss CHLOE JAYNE on the Circus ring and JJ with his unique style of reverse juggling. Talented DUO MOLNAR showcase their skills in a ballet of the aerial hoop & Cyr Wheel, Peppi the clown will be bringing the comedy, plus many other talented performers awaiting your applause.