The Easter weekend is just around the corner, so what better time to get outside and explore a variety of glorious gardens based in and around Oxfordshire?
With fun for all the family, there are a number of exciting Easter activities for you and your little ones to get stuck into outdoors this spring. From egg trails and bunny hunts, to idyllic garden walks, there’s an event for everyone to enjoy. Walking through a few of Oxfordshire’s most established and flourishing landscapes, come with us as we dive into a number of eggciting garden-based activities that guarantee to get all the family outdoors this Easter season.
Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum
This Easter make sure to head on down to Harcourt Arboretum for their Eggs-plorer Trail. Running from 29th March-29th April and just £2 per trail, explore the Arboretum as a family as you hunt down which birds have been laying their eggs throughout the grounds, solving puzzles along the way. Don’t forget to claim your prize at the end too!
On Wednesday 10th April, Harcourt Arboretum will also be hosting a wonderful Super Spring Family Day. A day filled with seasonal activities, trails and arts and crafts, discover what wildlife and plants are due to be popping up throughout our gardens at this time of year. Tickets are £3 per child with under-2s entering for free (please note adults will be charged the normal entrance fee).
Planning on heading into Oxford city centre? Then a trip to Oxford Botanic Garden is a must-see for your Easter agenda. The oldest botanical garden in the UK, these glorious gardens are home to over 5,000 different plant species and are just a 20 minute walk from the city centre.
Worton Kitchen Garden
Found on the outskirts of Oxford at Worton Farm, you can find the hidden gem that is Worton Kitchen Garden. Specialising in local and organic garden grown produce, Worton Kitchen Garden is home to a glorious restaurant and farmshop.
This weekend make sure to head on down to the farm for their Easter Egg Hunt. Using your young explorer map, search for a collection of beautifully decorated Easter eggs whilst you say hello to a few farm animals along the way. If we’re really lucky there might even be a chance to catch a glimpse of some newly hatched chicks too! Taking place on Friday 29th March at 10am and 11am, make sure to book your tickets here.
Waddesdon Manor
Waddesdon Manor is a breathtaking country house set in the Buckinghamshire countryside bursting with blooms and built with an enormous history. Boasting breathtaking scenery and beautifully sculpted gardens, this year there are a wide range of Easter Adventures on at Waddesdon for all ages to enjoy, found dotted throughout the grounds.
Taking place from Wednesday 27 March – Sunday 14 April, don’t miss out and head on down to Waddesdon to take part in their Easter Adventures Trail. Filled with a number of games and activities along the way, follow your map and explore the grounds in search of a chocolate egg at the finish line.
Once you’ve finished your trail, ensure to explore the rest of the gardens! From the vibrant Victorian Aviary garden to the tranquil water gardens, Waddesdon Manor is a landscape rich with horticultural history.
And there’s even a treat for the adults this Easter! Why not indulge in some Easter weekend wine tasting? Located in the Waddesdon wine cellars, walk around the cellars with Waddesdon’s specialist wine team, learning about and tasting wines from Waddesdon’s exclusive wine collection.
Waterperry Gardens
Eight acres of charming ornamental gardens and located just outside Oxford city centre, Waterperry Gardens makes a divine day out for all the family.
This Easter, Waterperry will be hosting their Big Easter Bunny Hunt event. Starting from Friday 29th March-Saturday 13th April, follow this enchanting trail as you hunt down the Easter Bunny throughout the ornamental gardens. Entrance is £3.95 per child, including a mystery prize at the finish line!
From Monday 1st April – Tuesday 30th April, Waterperry Gardens will also be celebrating Fritillary Season. The county flower of Oxfordshire, make sure to pop on down to Waterperry to admire waves of Fritillaria flourishing beautifully throughout their wildflower meadows and riverside walks.
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