Time Out’s National Trust Easter adventure guide: history buffs

Sussex

Janek: ‘It was just like the castles in my school books!’

A staple of GCSE field trips but also great fun for younger children, this fourteenth century East Sussex castle is almost absurdly picturesque. The interior is ruined, but the exterior is borderline immaculate, from the battlements down to its startlingly preserved original wooden portcullis and, of course, the picture perfect moat (which as bonus is full of easy to spot fish, notably eels and some truly enormous carp). This Easter, kids can jump into frog-themed activities across the trail (and listen out for frog sounds around the castle grounds!). 

Easter egg hunt at Bodiam Castle runs from April 1-16. Booking is not required. £3 per trail. Entry is free for National Trust members (not including trail). Adult £11, child £5.50.

Somerset

Janek: ‘It was fun, even if we didn’t see any ghosts’

Dating back to Norman times, this ancient Exmoor castle will delight little ones who enjoy a good ghost story as it seems to be a magnet for such tales, from strange sounds to mysterious lights to full-blown apparitions. I don’t want to suggest the truth isn’t out there, but be assured that the odds of a supernatural encounter on your visit are not in fact particularly high. But it’s a nice story, and adds a bit of spice to what is still a very cool castle and gardens that features that most enchanting of features, a working watermill. Adventurous little ones can learn sword drills and spot arrows on the Easter trail. 

Easter Adventures at Dunster Castle runs from April 1-16. Booking is not required. £3 per trail. Entry is free for National Trust members (not including trail). Adult £16, child £8.

Cheshire

Janek: ‘It was interesting to play with the old toys’

We don’t always think of more recent buildings as being exciting for children: to a six-year-old a castle tends to be cooler than a stately home. But Lyme in Cheshire is a house they won’t forget in a hurry: they can get togged up as little Georgians, or actually play with Victorian-style toys in the nursery – true learning by doing. After they’ve done that they can head over to Crow Wood Playscape and enjoy themselves tearing around the tree house and rope walkways. Need to warm up? There are several eateries to choose from, some of which serve hearty soups and wood-fired pizza. 

Easter adventures in nature runs from April 1-16. Booking is not required. £3 per trail. Entry is free for National Trust members (not including trail). Adult £13, child £6.50.

Suffolk

Janek: ‘It was like going back in time! I’ve never been anywhere Anglo-Saxon before.’

This Anglo-Saxon burial site in Suffolk is widely regarded as being one of the greatest historical sites of all time – and it’s a National Trust property. Kids will be wowed by the Royal Burial Ground with its 17-metre-high viewing tower; afterwards pop over to the High Hall exhibition to learn about Anglo-Saxon life and see some remarkable artefacts, including a reconstruction of the iconic ornate helmet that the site is famous for. If your kids aren’t stimulated enough there’s also an adventure playground and fun sculpture trail detailing the adventure of a warrior called Edwin.

Easter egg hunt at Sutton Hoo runs from April 1-16. Booking not required. £3 per trail. Entry is free for National Trust members (not including trail). Adult £15, child £7.50. 

Northumberland

Janek: ‘I pranked my little brother!’

Kids will love the story of the ‘Gay Delavals’, the notorious eighteenth-century pranksters who used to wind up confused guests. Their mischievous ways are reflected throughout the fire-damaged Northumberland hall, buildings and grounds, which boasts a magnificently theatrical play area – the Delaval Playdium – with clever sound effects and a stage. Head to the Central Hall to encounter See & Be Seen, a giant mirrored sphere that creates weird and wonderful reflections, or discover the mysteriously playful Dark Matter Cube in the garden. The Easter trail includes outdoor games, races, wild art and sunflower seed-planting. 

Easter Adventures trail at Seaton Delaval Hall runs from April 1-15. Booking not required. £3 per trail. Entry is free for National Trust members (not including trail). Adult £10, child £5.