The Easter holidays are an amazing break from the school routine, but with British weather, it’s hard to plan – will it be sunbathing weather or time to dig out the sledge?!
Whether suncream or gloves are on the horizon, the Lakes are a brilliant place to spend your holidays, with plenty of fun-packed activities going on, to keep everyone in the family happy.
We’ve been through the “What’s On” calendars of all of our favourite Lake District haunts and compiled below a list of some of the best activities to do in the Lakes over the school holidays.
Ragtag Arts, Kendal
Ragtag Arts and Community Scrapstore is a one-stop-shop to celebrate creative. Even better, ther aim is to reduce waste, so all of their arts and crafts ‘ingredients’ are reclaimed waste materials, being repurposed for your creative needs!
Pop in to the Community Scrapstore to restock the craft box, with affordable craft materials including fabric and wool (and less ordinary items such as zips, wadding, carpet tiles, large tubes, CD cases, wallpaper, and more!) available for purchase. Fill a basket for £7 or a trolley for £30.
Whilst you’re there, nip into the cafe for a cake and coffee (there are picnic benches outside, too, so you can enjoy every moment of a sunny day!). You can even craft whilst you nibble, with a selection of kits for adlts and kids available – from weaving and mask making to ceramic pot painting – from £3 each.
Drop in on 30th March for Ragtag’s Easter Eggstravaganza Scrapstation Special! Enjoy Easter crafts for all the family, all day long. They’ll have plenty of inspiration, or let your own ideas run wild with some Easter makes. Stay for as long as you like, no need to book.
Drop-in. £5pp. Open 10-4pm.
https://www.ragtagarts.co.uk/whats-on/
Jetty Museum, Windermere
Banking on a beautiful sunny day? Why not climb aboard a fully restored heritage boat for a boat trip? Available from 30th March (and continuing all Summer, until 31st October), the heritage boat trips are an amazing opportunity to take in Windermere from the water, over 30 minutes of cruising on the peaceful, calm lake. Learn about the surrounding fells and shoreline, as well as the historic boat itself – the Penelope II from 1930, perhaps? The knowledgeable skippers are always happy to share some wisdom on one of the eight daily scheduled sailings.
If you’re looking for a super-special treat, you could consider taking 75 minute, private cruise for up to 12 people – perfect for celebrating a special occasion like a birthday or family get-together. You can even add refreshments to your package. Pre-booking essential – call the office on 01539 637940 or email [email protected] to discuss your requirements.
Pre-book tickets on the day (all sailings are weather-dependent).
Scheduled sailings between 10.30-4.15 pm.
Assistance dogs only.
Unfortunately the heritage boat is not accessible for wheelchair users.
The Jetty Museum is also running some Easter-specific activities:
Build a Boat
Build your own model boat out of recycled materials, using the Jetty Museum’s collection as inspiration! Best suited for children over 5, make cardboard creations using child-safe saws, screws, and screwdrivers, letting your imagination run wild. Visitors’ creations will go on to form part of a display in the Learning Centre, throughout the Easter break. All children must be supervised by an adult. Younger visitors can enjoy a sensory area at a slower pace.
Free with admission
March 29th – April 7th ‘24
11-3.45 pm
Easter Trails
Explore the natural world both indoors and outdoors at Windermere Jetty Museum this spring. Learn about local wildlife while spotting the hidden Easter eggs dotted around the museum. If the sun shines down on you, why not pick up a trail guide too, and see how many plants and animals you can spot in their lakeland habitats? This self-led nature trail and the Easter activities are included in the museum admission cost. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
March 29th – April 7 2024.
Rheged, Penrith
This grass-roofed Lakeland Heritage Centre is an amazing rainy-day activity that’ll leave both kids and adults happy and relaxed. This welcoming space contains a café, gallery, cinema, shops (toys, clothes and books for the kids as well as stylish adults homeware, toiletries and clothing!), workspace and creative space. Enjoy a fun film followed by lunch and an hour in the indoor play (don’t worry, there’s a café right alongside), or an inspirational wander around the gallery upstairs.
Until 31st March, why not dive into their Decopatch workshop while you’re at it? Pick your model (farm animals, unicorns, masks, and even letters) and choose from a selection of beautifully designed papers, and then simply rip, glue and stick to create your very own decoupage masterpiece!
Booking essential. Sessions are 1 hour. Suitable for ages 2+. £10.50.
https://rheged.com/event/decopatch-feb/
Leighton Moss RSPB Nature Reserve, Silverdale
Budding Birder on your hands? Leighton Moss is a great day out. Even without any ornithological interests, Leighton Moss is a stunning reserve based near the sea at Silverdale, taking in woodland and reedbed landscapes. Climb the Skytower at dusk for the chance to see tens of thousands of starlings perform their captivating murmuration, ask one of the staff for what’s been spotted in any of the three hides today, or simply wander the wide, flat pathways through the reserve, taking in the peace, fresh air, and nature sounds. Head to the shop and café for a cuppa and some much-needed nourishment after all of that time outdoors.
Birdsong for Beginners
Keep an eye out for Leighton Moss activities, too – every month (Including 7th April 2024), they run a Birdsong for Beginners class, from 8-10am. Alongside knowledgeable guide Andy Chapman, enjoy an inspiring walk where you’ll be helped to listen for and identify specific bird songs. This walk is open to all who enjoy birds and nature, and want to take their knowledge to the next level!
Pre-booking essential. Prices range from £9.80 (child, member) to £23.00 (adult, non-member).
https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/68129?showItems=1
Brantwood, Coniston
Visit John Ruskin’s house over the Easter holidays to enjoy a historic home, and vibrant centre for the arts, all overlooking beautiful Coniston Water. Through the garden and the estate there is plenty to explore, from the mineral collection to art exhibitions.
Over Easter, Brantwood is once again running their popular ‘Go Wild’ days, on the 3rd, 6th, 10th, and 13th. These captivating nature-based activities for kids (4+) and adults alike will conjure up excitement, magic, and adventure. Activities include Herb & Salad identification, Den Building, Plant a Tree, and making a Mini Bug Hotel.
Over the Big Easter Weekend, Brantwood will be running a Scavenger Hunt in the garden on the Saturday, followed by craft activities in the Learning Loft. On the Sunday, enjoy crafts in the Loft throughout the morning.
Brockhole, Windermere
This beautiful location on the banks of Lake Windermere will set you up for a whole day of fun-packed activity. From Treetop Nets and Treetop Treks to archery, mini golf, and kayak tours, there is plenty to do for a great time here. Enjoy the extensive adventure playground for free, and bring a picnic to enjoy on the vast lawns overlooking Lake Windermere. Enjoy the café for lunch, or use the kiosk adjacent to the playground for snacks and ice creams.
This Easter, Brockhole are running the Golden Bunny Easter Egg Hunt. Great Golden Bunny has escaped and is hiding somewhere around the grounds – can you use the clues to find him?
Bunny Hunt running 29th March – 5th April. £4.50 per person, buy from the gift shop on the day. No time slot.
https://www.brockhole.co.uk/activities/
Bouncefest, Keswick School, & Kirkby Lonsdale
Weather looking rough but kids full of beans? Bouncefest in Keswick, or Kirkby Lonsdale, could be the answer. A huge hall full of bouncy castles and inflatables, from obstacle courses to slides, caters for kids – from toddlers all the way up to 12. A lineup of at least 10 inflatables will keep them bouncing all session, from disco castles to obstacle courses. Toddlers enjoy their own specially designated area, so they don’t have to contend with the excitement levels of the bigger kids.
Keswick School: Running 29th & 30th March, 9.30-5pm. Kirkby Lonsdale 4th-6th April.
https://bouncefestuk.com/book-now/
Up to £12.95 per child.
Easter theatre: Barrow-in-Furness & Keswick
Barrow in Furness
Just outside the Lake District, at Barrow-in-Furness’ Forum Theatre, a staging of Beauty and the Beast, retold as a panto, will be running. Shiny costumes? Check. Naff dad jokes? Almost certainly. Are you in need of a laugh? Oh yes, you are! Better book in. 5-8th April.
If you’re looking for something to better suit the littles, The Forum will also be hosting Claytime by Indefinite Articles. This award-winning group present apply with clay, involving audience participation and plenty of imagination using the natural wonder of clay, creating fabulous forms, amazing animals and morphing monsters. Each showing is unique, and truly interactive. Perfect for 3-6 year olds.
https://www.lakelandretreats.com/events/beauty-and-the-beast-easter-panto-the-forum-theatre-barrow/
https://www.theforumbarrow.co.uk/event/claytime/
Keswick
Indigo Moon Theatre will be staging a performance of The Lost Forest, a puppet show bringing magic and mayhem, as animals’ homes are put at risk when bulldozers crash through the trees. Who will rescue them, and fight the evil Endorro? Can they save the rainforest? Using Indonesian Wayang Golek (rod puppets), as well as rainforest projections, shadow theatre, and original music, the important story which resonates with climate concerns the world over will be brought to life. A theatre performance suitable for everyone 5+.
Performing at Theatre by the Lake on 2nd April 11-2pm, and The Coro on 3rd April at 2pm.
https://www.indigomoontheatre.com/
National Trust Easter Trails
National Trust properties are usually a surefire hit with the whole family. Check out the National Trust site for Easter egg trails at Allan Bank, Sizergh Castle, Wray Castle, and Acorn Bank, amongst others.
Enjoy jam-packed activity days of nature-inspired activities and trails for the whole family in National Trust properties’ beautiful gardens, landscaped parks, and historic houses.
Price: standard admission, where applicable, +£3 per trail. This includes an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears, and dairy or vegan/Free-from chocolate egg.
Allan Bank, Grasmere
26 March – 07 April, 10 am-5 pm, last entry 4.30 pm
Easter trail at Allan Bank | National Trust
Sizergh
29 March – 1 April, 10 am-4 pm, last entry 3.30 pm
Easter Egg hunt at Sizergh | National Trust
Wray, Windermere
25 March – 07 April, 10am-3.30pm, last entry at 3pm.
Easter Adventures at Wray 2024 | National Trust
Fed up of the Easter-themed fun? Why not plan some family adventures over the Lake District’s Mountains and Hills, Lakes and Rivers, or towns and villages, large and small? Whatever you choose, there’s plenty to keep everybody entertained over Easter in the Lake District.