Looking for things to do in The Lakes over Easter? There is no time more magical than Easter to visit our special corner of the UK. Partly because of all the incredible activities and events that run every year, and of course, because of the stunning scenery that suddenly blooms into life in the Spring.
But it does get busy, with families escaping for the school holidays, and couples booking romantic getaways to admire the daffodils and bleating lambs.
So, to avoid disappointment, consult this one-stop-shop guide of everything you need to know before visiting the Lake District at Easter.
Things to Do Over Easter Weekend
Good Friday
Maybe you’ve just arrived in the glorious Lakes, or maybe you’ve been here for a week already enjoying a longer Easter holiday. Either way, on Good Friday, you want to make the most of your time off by getting out and about, before stuffing yourselves with delicious food on Sunday.
What’s on?
- What: Go Ape Grizedale. Swing together through the treetops, in the heart of the Lake District. Or, try a segway tour (open from March), if you want to stay closer to the ground.
Where: Grizedale Forest
- What: ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ at the Theatre by the Lake. A spellbinding, family-friendly production of Jules Verne’s classic you do not want to miss.
Where: Keswick
- What: Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. There is no better way to see the Lake District at Easter than by steam railway. The attraction is dog friendly, and kids will be well entertained with plenty of activities along the way. They usually announce Easter events around March, so be sure to check their website.
Where: Ravenglass/Eskdale, Western Lakes
Easter Sunday
There’s nothing that anyone wants more on Easter Sunday than to enjoy some quality time with family or friends and sink their teeth into a glorious Sunday dinner. Whether it’s the lamb or the pudding you’re most excited about, the Lake District has got you covered.
Where should we eat?
- Best Sunday Lunch: The Punch Bowl Inn, Crosthwaite. Think traditional country pub with a fine dining finish. But don’t worry, the Yorkshire puds are still almost the size of your plate.
- Best Sweet Treats: Apple Pie Café, Ambleside. Apple Pie isn’t strictly an Easter tradition, but you can’t get anything more heart-warmingly delicious than a slice from this iconic café.
- Best for Nibbles: Hawkshead Brewery Beer Hall. If you’re making Sunday lunch in your Easter holiday cottage but want to head out in the evening for some nibbles, this is a great bet.
Easter Monday
So, you’ve eaten your weight in roast potatoes and chocolate, and want to get active. Don’t worry, we have the best suggestions on how to burn off that roast dinner, and where to cosy up with a pint afterwards.
What should we do?
- Morning: Start off the day right with a brisk, hopefully sunny, walk around the ground of Wray Castle, on the banks of Lake Windermere. The daffodils and spectacular views are sure to brighten your day.
- Afternoon: Take a dip into the unknown and try stand-up paddleboarding with Graythwaite Adventures. You won’t actually get soaked… unless you fall in that is!
- Evening: Stop for a pint at the Cuckoo Brow Inn, in Far Sawrey. The pub is complete with a plentiful stash of locally brewed ales, traditional interiors, and roaring fires when it’s blowing a gale outside- which it often can do in April!
Easter Holiday Activities for The Kids
Easter Egg Hunts:
- Lowther Castle: Ordinary easter egg hunts are no match for this dragon egg hunt, through beautiful grounds, with an Easter prize for everyone who reaches the end.
When: Check the castle website to get updates about event timings.
- Brockhole: Find the Great Golden Bunny in this interactive Easter Egg hunt on the banks of Lake Windermere. Entry costs £4.
When: 1st-16th April
- Wordsworth House: Family fun in the grounds of William Wordsworth’s family home, with Georgian games and no booking needed. The hunt costs £3, plus entry into the house (free for National Trust members).
When: 1st-16th April
- National Trust: Every year the National Trust teams up with Cadburys to put on unforgettable Easter egg hunts in everyone’s favourite locations around the Lake District National Park.
When: Various dates in the Easter Holidays, check their website for more info.
All Day Activities:
- Brockhole, Windermere: As well as the Easter egg hunt, Brockhole’s usual summer activities open from the 1st of April. Take your pick from krazy karts, archery, caving, mini golf, orienteering and more.
- Walby Farm Park, Carlisle: Visit their Easter Eggstravaganza, where kids can get messy in the chocolatier’s kitchen, meet newborn baby lambs, and take part in a daily Easter egg hunt. Their usual activities such as pony grooming, trampolines and a giant sand pit are also running. From the 1st to the 16th of April.
- World of Beatrix Potter Bowness-on-Windermere: What better time of year to meet Peter Rabbit than at Easter? Kids will have no end of fun in Jemima’s woodland glade, and parents will enjoy relaxing in the café.
Stay with Wheelwrights
Wondering where to stay? Wheelwrights have plenty of charming cottages, available to book for Easter breaks in the Lake District. Whether you’re looking to book a large cottage for the whole family or a pet-friendly break for two, we’ve got you covered.
We understand that time spent together at Easter is special. That’s why our dedicated staff go the extra mile, creating a cosy environment for you to relax in. Upon special request, we can provide decorations, chocolate eggs and other Easter treats.
Have a nosey at our selection of handpicked holiday homes, available for Easter breaks this year, to find your perfect springtime retreat.
For more information about booking a holiday property over the Easter holidays, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our knowledgeable local agents on 015394 37635 or at enquiries@wheelwrights.com.
