Discover the wonder of nature this Easter with Forestry England! Head to the nation's forests and embark on exciting adventures with your friends and family
Whether you're soaking up the sun during a leisurely picnic or exploring the new Gruffalo party trail, there's endless entertainment for all ages.
Best of all, many of these activities are low-cost or even free, making it accessible for all. Join us for a day filled with laughter and make unforgettable memories amidst the stunning scenery of the great outdoors.
Here are some of the exciting activities families can look forward to during the Easter break:
1. Gruffalo 25th birthday trail
The much-loved Gruffalo turns 25 this year, and what better way to celebrate than a big party trail in the forest? As part of the adventure, families will be encouraged to work together to search for missing party items while enjoying fun and games along the trail. They will also learn about the intricate ways plants and animals look after each other.
This fantastic celebratory trail is set to captivate Gruffalo fans of all ages, offering a memorable and educational experience this Easter amidst the beauty of our fabulous forests.
Cost: £4 per Gruffalo trail pack plus parking charges. Free parking for members.
2. Test your family’s bluebell knowledge
A truly iconic part of British springtime, the small but beautiful bluebell creates fantastic carpets of blue in our forests. You may also see them popping up along verges and in gardens each spring, but how much do you know about the British bluebell?
Download and print Forestry England’s game of true or false to learn more and head to one of Forestry England’s recommended list of bluebell woods to enjoy these enchanting flowers.
Cost: Free, parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.
3. Go on a family bike ride
With over 2,500km of cycling trails and family friendly off-road routes, the nation’s forests are the perfect destination for a family cycle this Easter. Discover green spaces, dedicated cycling trails, skills areas and beginner mountain bike trails perfect for starting your children on their cycling journey. So, grab your helmet and head out for a beautiful cycle ride.
Cost: Free, bike hire charges and parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.
4. Discover nature’s giants
Redwood trees are some of the tallest and largest trees in the world and in the winter months their bark really stands out. Although still very young and quite a bit smaller than their Californian cousins, the giant and coast redwoods that are in our forests are still magnificent to see and will have your children in awe!
With now over a million to discover in the nation’s forests, head out using Forestry England’s map to discover magnificent examples of these trees this Easter holiday.
Cost: Free, parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.
5. Go on a picnic
It has been proven that spending time in the forest is good for our wellbeing, and what could be more joyous this Easter than spending time with your friends and family, sharing a picnic nestled amongst the nation’s forests’ magnificent trees?
Getting the picnic ready is also a fun activity for kids – they can help you plan out what you’re going to eat and drink, pack up the food items and help prepare the sandwiches.
Here are Forestry England’s top picnic sites.
Cost: Free, parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.
6. Take a moment to reflect
It doesn’t all have to be go, go, go! With Easter comes the sense of new beginnings and an opportunity to reflect. During Easter, spend some quality time away from screens with your family and connect with nature on one of Forestry England’s wellbeing trails.
In addition to the wellbeing trails, families can also give forest bathing a go. Simply find a quiet spot where your kids feel safe and relaxed and start practicing the art of forest bathing with Forestry England’s downloadable activity sheets.
Cost: Free, parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.
7. Jump in puddles
You can still have fun outside even if it's raining. Splashing around in puddles is enjoyable and it also helps kids pick up new skills and boosts cognitive development. So, put on your rain gear, grab your wellies and head to the forest to learn and create some great memories.
Cost: Free, parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.
8. Butterfly spotting
Butterfly spotting is a delightful and magical activity to enjoy during Easter, especially as many butterflies emerge to bask in the spring sunshine. To help you spot these beautiful creatures, here are Forestry England's top tips:
• head out for your butterfly hunt in the mid-morning, as butterflies love to soak up the first rays of sunshine to warm up before taking flight.
• look for sheltered areas where butterflies are protected from the wind.
• move slowly and quietly to avoid startling the butterflies. Try to avoid casting shadows over them, as they may fly away to find a new sunny spot.
If you spot a butterfly that captures your interest, try drawing it from memory when you get home. Who knows, you might even create an entirely new species!
Cost: Free, parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.
9. Take a nature walk
Throughout Easter, the forest is full of wildlife, offering a captivating symphony of sights, sounds, and sensations just waiting to be explored!
Embark on a family adventure through the woods with Forestry England's spotter guide . This colourful spotter sheet is the perfect tool for recording any wildlife encounters! Simply tick off each of the animals or evidence that you spot during a visit to the forest or at home. Remember to add all the other exciting wildlife you see.
So, head into nature's playground this holiday, and let the forest wildlife awaken your senses!
Cost: Free, parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.
10. Play in the forest
Get the whole family involved as you scramble, slide and swing your way around our forests this Easter!
With adventure play zones and natural equipment, our fantastic play areas offer a perfect opportunity for both kids and adults to blow off some steam.
Cost: Free, parking charges may apply. Free parking for members.
Notes to editor
Images available here. Please credit Forestry England/Crown copyright
- Forestry England manages and cares for the nation’s 1,500 woods and forests, with over 291 million visits in 2022/23. As England’s largest land manager, we shape landscapes and enhance forests for people to enjoy, wildlife to flourish and businesses to grow. We are continuing the work we have already started to make the nation’s forests resilient to climate change and by 2026 we will:
- create at least 6,000 more hectares where we integrate wilding activities in our productive forests.
- increase the diversity of visitors to the nation’s forests and have one million hours of high-quality volunteer time given to the nation’s forests.
- plant at least 2,000 hectares of new, high quality, predominantly broadleaf woodlands.
For more information visit forestryengland.uk. Forestry England is an agency of the Forestry Commission.
Media Contact:
- Rebecca Ulewicz, Media Relations Officer | media@forestryengland.uk