Friday, 5 March 2021
With the thought of eating way too much chocolate and a variety of events and activities popping up across our line — Easter is the perfect time to head out and take part in something new.
Whether it’s a family trip for the Easter holidays, the excuse for a night away with a loved one, or you want to get the gang together for something a bit different, read on for some inspiration.
Families
Gulliver’s Kingdom, Matlock Bath
Not only is Matlock Bath a fantastic day-out in its own right, but perched on the hillside of this picturesque location is the theme park, Gulliver’s Kingdom.
Its family focus means that most rides in the park are suitable for all ages and the various themes throughout the park include dinosaurs, western, safari and, of course, the classic story of Gulliver’s travels to Lilliput.
Throughout Easter, the park is running themed events that include special appearances from the Easter Bunny, live themed shows and an Easter Bonnet Parade (so get those craft skills at the ready!).
Travel to: Matlock Bath
Postal Museum London
At first glance, we know what you’re thinking — there’s no way you can persuade your kids to visit a museum about post. But pause that thought, what if we told you the visit includes an immersive underground train experience?
Your visit includes a ride on Mail Rail, a hundred-year-old underground train network that powered the Royal Mail across London, as you zip along this miniature track you’ll discover the story behind this fascinating network.
We might be biased, but a miniature underground train journey sounds like the perfect Easter activity and the museum includes a host of interactive displays and exhibits once you’ve stepped off the ride.
Travel to: London St Pancras
Sheffield Museums - Discovery Days
If you’re looking for a day out up north, then why not head to the Steel City? This Easter, Sheffield Museums are hosting an array of different activities across various venues in the city.
The Discovery Days focus on craft, arts and exploration with different themes throughout the holidays. You and your little ones can get messy and head to Weston Park for activities themed around the new Sheffield Stories gallery, or you can visit the Millennium Gallery for an educational session students from the University of Sheffield as they explore nature using the wonderful selection of objects on display at the museum.
Travel to: Sheffield
Couples
Lincoln
Steeped in medieval and Roman history, the cobbled streets of Lincoln hold quirky delights and treats at every corner. Whisk the loved one in your life off to this gorgeous city and you can guarantee a unique mini-break.
Our top highlights are gazing at the architecture of the cathedral, walking the castle walls as the sun sets and then exploring side-streets and alleys to find independent boutiques and quaint tea rooms to while away the hours.
If you’re visiting on the weekend of 28th March, you’ll be there just in time for Discover Lincolnshire Weekend, a celebration of everything this county and city has to offer, you can read our full article on the event over on our blog.
Travel to: Lincoln
Afternoon Tea Manchester
We’ve had word that Manchester offers the most options for afternoon tea in the UK. So whilst we’re not sure how many you’d want to fit into in one afternoon (5 maximum, maybe?!), this city offers the best range of choice.
Have your very own Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at the Richmond Tea Rooms, a chocolate extravaganza at Cocoa Cabana, a vintage (crockery and all) experience at Sugar Junction, or something a little more boozy at Manchester house, where you can indulge in their special cocktail-pairing menu. There’s something for everyone. Assuming you like cake.
Travel to: Manchester Piccadilly
The Big London Bake
Love GBBO but don’t fancy being in the limelight? See yourself as the next star baker but always end up with a soggy bottom? Here’s your chance to have the full competitive baking experience, just without the cameras. And the book deal.
The Big London Bake have created a marquee and cooking stations to give an exhilarating and competitive atmosphere. Pair up into 10 teams of 2, set the timer to 90 minutes and bake your heart out! All the boring prep and recipes are done for you so just turn up and have fun!
Travel to: London St Pancras
Friends
Manchester Flight Club
Stay out of the black and into the red, nothing in this game for two in a bed. Pizza, prosecco and social darts - what better way to spend the weekend?
Step up to the oche with up to 15 friends for this Social Darts experience. There’s no mental arithmetic using a stub of chalk needed here - the score is automatically recorded on a large screen, where your group photo will also be proudly displayed. As you’re smashing that double top (or trying to), you’ll be waited on with food and drink to keep your match energy levels topped up.
Travel to: Manchester Piccadilly
Nottingham VR
Fancy getting lost in a virtual world where your mind believes it’s real? This isn’t your usual VR experience.
Free-roam virtual reality does what it says on the tin - you’re kitted up with custom-made weapons and controllers and let loose inside of a warehouse-scale playing space, where you’re free to explore the game space of the immersive world you enter (without having to worry about bumping into the sofa).
The unique combination of the technology, software and your imagination transports you to the ultimate social entertainment experience.
Travel to: Nottingham
Derby Craft Ales
Travel gurus at the Lonely Planet have described Derby as, wait for it, “the best place to drink real ale in the World’. And CAMRA have said there’s more real ale choice in Derby than anywhere else. We’re not going to disagree with that.
With the wide selection of brew-pubs, micro-pubs and micro-breweries, you’ll be spoilt for choice. You could make a proper trip of it and follow the Derby Real Ale Trail, or wet your whistle at a few of the favourites including The Flowerpot, Exeter Arms, Ye Olde Dolphin Inn (It is olde as well, dating back to 1530…), Brunswick Inn and The Tap. Make sure you take in some food too - most of these pubs offer tasty pub grub.