Easter arrives eggceptionally early in 2024. So, as you enjoy the half-term holiday, why not start planning ahead to fun times when schools break up for Easter at the end of March?
From playtime with Shaun the Sheep and Peter Rabbit to train rides with dinosaurs, as well as traditional Easter egg hunts and cute lambs, here are some cracking family events happening in and around the local area.
A clutch of activities at Tatton Park
Learn all about lambing
The Farm at Tatton Park is hosting their annual Lambing Week from 5 to 12 April.
Meet farm staff and find out how to spot signs of lambing and how they care for the sheep and lambs during the busy period.
Herd Shaun the Sheep on the Find the Flock Trail
With your newfound knowledge of sheep and lambing, you’re all set for the new Shaun the Sheep trail.
Hunt out the oversized Shaun the Sheep sculptures – designed and painted by local and regional artists.
If you’re schedule is already packed, you’ll be happy to know that Shaun the Sheep will remain grazing at Tatton Park until the middle of June. So, if you don’t have time this Easter, there’s still plenty of time to pay another visit.
Dance off the chocolate-powered energy
If you’re buzzing with chocolate energy after too many eggs, the Silent Disco on Saturday 30 March is the perfect opportunity to bust some moves on the dance floor.
Adults and kids are welcome, and you can even pick which channel to tune into.
Dress to impress – Easter outfits are encouraged.
The disco will take place inside the Mansion’s grand Tenant’s Hall. Doors open at 2.20pm – last dance at 3.30pm – and tickets are £6.50 for each disco-goer.
Spoilt for choice
These are just three events happening at Tatton Park. There’s also a storytelling tour to celebrate International Children’s Book Day and a welly walk to mark National Walking Day.
Plus, explore the gardens on a storytelling tour based on The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
To find out more visit the Tatton Park website.
Eggcellent Easter events at RHS Bridgewater
Hunt for giant Easter eggs
Hatching daily from 10 am to 4 pm, hunt around the garden to find the hidden giant Easter Eggs.
Every egg is eggxtra special – designed by local children and hand-painted by artists Cath Ford and Alastair Price.
Find all the eggs and you’ll be rewarded with a free chocolatey treat from NOMO – vegan chocolate that tastes like the real thing.
Flock to the theatre
Brought to you by the Bread and Butter Theatre Company, “meet Heidi and Henrietta, two Herdwick sheep who have ventured down from the Lakeland fells to graze and proudly show off their quintuplet lambs nestled in a beautiful old-fashioned pram”.
Eggspect soothing music and surprising sound effects to delight.
Show times: Daily from Friday 29 March to Monday 1 April at 11.30 am, 12.30 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm.
Board a train and meet some special friends
Meet Peter Rabbit and friends
Head to the Bury Transport Museum over Easter bank holiday weekend and meet Peter Rabbit, who will be making a special appearance on Sunday 31 March and Monday 1 April.
There’ll also be theme park rides, face painting and craft activities to enjoy.
Hop on board for a Jurassic adventure
On Friday 12 April 2024, enjoy an epic Jurassic adventure.
Meet intrepid explorers at East Lancs Railway and get up close and personal with their baby dinosaurs. The fully interactive educational experience promises to delight young and old alike.
Board the dino-proofed steam train and enjoy a return trip from Bury to Rawtenstall, and spend more than two hours’ dinosaur experience with “expert rex wranglers and triceratops tamers”.
While this dinosaur-themed experience is designed for children aged 5 to 12, everyone is welcome.
Book your tickets now: £20 for adults and £17.50 for children.
