With the arrival of spring and the Easter holidays, you’re bound to be looking for ways to entertain your children and make the most of the first proper break from school this year. After all, we’ve all had enough of being cooped up indoors away from cold and rain. There’s nothing quite like getting out into the countryside and exploring the great outdoors. With its wide open spaces, fresh air, and natural beauty, the countryside offers a wealth of opportunities for families to bond and create lasting memories. In this article, we take a look at some of the best activities for families with kids in the Tamar Valley during the Easter holidays. From nature walks and picnics to egg hunts and farm visits. Whether you’re a seasoned countryside adventurer or a city slicker looking for a change of pace, there’s something for everyone this Easter.
1. Make an Easter splash at Roadford Lake
Roadford Lake is a stunning man-made lake located between Launceston and Okehampton and just a short trip away if you’re staying in the Tamar Valley. The lake is the largest inland waterway in the southwest and is surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and woodland, waiting to be explored. It’s a popular destination for families who are water sports enthusiasts, offering activities such as sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. For those looking to stay on land, the lake offers a number of walking and cycling routes, as well as a fabulous children’s play area and a visitor center, a tempting cafe, and a gift shop. What better way to pack the Easter holidays full with adventure?
Don’t let the fun stop when the Easter hols are over. Get five weeks of fun by joining the Roadford REBELS for a special price. Contact the Centre for more information
2. Get lost in fun at Hidden Valley
Hidden Valley Puzzle Park is quite like any other park – that we can think of anyway. Located near the village of Tredidon, it’s tucked away at the end of a fittingly mysterious lane bordered by dense woodland. Be sure to follow the road-side signs or you may end up at the local farm, or worse still find yourself spirited away by Muddlers!
Whilst not necessarily Easter themed, this most egg-cellent family-friendly park is home to the most creative puzzle trails imaginable, all within a perfectly kept and very pleasing woodland setting. By the time you’ve negotiated the long, spooky, tree-lined drive, you’ll find yourself outside a mysterious red-brick building that sets expectations of what might lie within perfectly. Get ready for a variety of puzzles and brain-teasers, offering hours of entertainment for visitors of all ages.
With loads of puzzles trails to solve, including the Muddlers Mystery Trail, the Baffling Brain Trail, and Professor Puzzlewit’s Mioriarty Mission, children from about the age of four right up to teenagers will be thoroughly challenged. The park also boasts an utterly charming miniature railway, and a woodland adventure playground. Visitors can grab a bite to eat at the park’s cafe or bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Hidden Valley Puzzle Park is a great day out for families, providing a fun and educational experience.
3. Happy donkeys make for happy kids
The Tamar Valley Donkey Park is a registered charity dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and care of donkeys. Situated near Gunnislake in east Cornwall, it’s home to a group of friendly and adorable donkeys that visitors can interact with and learn about. The park offers a range of activities for visitors of all ages too. Children can meet, feed and pet not just the donkeys but also ponies, goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits, and guinea pigs. There’s also an indoor soft play area, outdoor play, and yes, even miniature tractor rides around the site. There’s also a cafe on-site that serves delicious food and drinks, and a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and mementos.
4. Score an Eagle this Easter
Yes, China Fleet Country Club is a luxurious and picturesque resort near Saltash. Its quite true that it boasts stunning views of the River Tamar and offers superb dining options, including a restaurant that serves delicious local and international cuisine. It’s also true that the championship golf course is a major attraction for golf enthusiasts, offering 18 challenging holes in a beautiful natural setting. There are other activities too including a state-of-the-art gym, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and even a spa.
What you might not know is how much families enjoy visiting China Fleet. This Easter holiday you can pop along and enjoy some Easter Adventure Golf – including a free Easter egg hunt. Children young and old can turn up and play the 18-hold crazy golf course. Conquer obstacles, streams, magic trees, and sliding bridges. During the holidays, take part in the Easter Egg hunt and win a free gift too.
Or, how about the Woodland Fairy Trail. Did you know that the China Fleet Woodland Trail has been taken over by Fairies? They’ve been very busy using their Magic Dust to build their homes and look after the woodland in their own magical way. But the Fairies need your help! Can you solve the clues in your activity book for the chance to win a prize? Buy your book from the golf shop, hotel reception or The Cabin – cafe & bar, and get solving.
5. Alpaca the picnic - you get the coats
Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park is just the most wonderful place to visit rain or shine. Magnificent gardens and parkland surround the walls of its spectacular red-stone Tudor House and provide the backdrop for a host of family fun, walks, picnics and mini-adventures of all kinds.
How about Baba Yaga’s Circus where you can learn traditional circus skills? Adventure Segway to explore the grounds in a thrilling way. Or, how about a Frisbee Golf challenge where the aim of the game is to throw a frisbee around a 9-hole course? If fun for your kids means taking an Alpaca for a walk, Mount Edgcumbe provides the answer. Join a two-hour family-friendly Alpaca experience that includes getting to know your new furry four-legged friend and preparing them for a walk, before finally setting off.
6. Cotehele's Easter Trail
Starting on Saturday 1st April and running until Sunday 16th April, Cotehele will be inviting children to follow its nature-inspired Easter trail. You can collect your trail from reception. It’s just £3 per child and includes a trail map and pencil. What’s more, there’s a lovely choccy Easter Egg at the end.
Cotehele is a historic country house and garden that dates back to the 15th century. it’s beautifully preserved too, offering visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of the region. The house is surrounded by stunning gardens, including a beautiful terraced garden. The estate also boasts a working watermill and a quay where visitors can sit and relax beside the River Tamar.
At this time of year, Cotelehe is awash with daffodils. Some 300 varieties call the gardens home, including ancient heritage varieties such as Narcissus Seagull.
7. Tre, Pol & Pen go Egg Trail crazy
Award winning Tre, Pol & Pen is a foodies delight featuring a farm shop stuffed with glorious local produce, speciality groceries as well as everyday items. There’s a restaurant onsite serving delicious breakfasts, scrummy lunches, cream teas and homemade cakes daily. There’s a deli and a butchery serving the best cuts too. With all that in one place, who needs supermarkets?!
This year for the fits time, Tre Pol and Pen invite you to bring the kids along for one of the very best Easter Egg hunts in the area. The treasure trail will lead kids around the grounds to discover hidden words that should be added to a map. Then once complete, children can choose a delicious choccy egg (dairy free alternatives are available on request, so contact them direct for more information about that). The trail runs all day on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th April between 09:00 and 17:00.
Easter is a great time to get out and explore the beautiful English countryside with your family. From discovering the charm of historic country houses and gardens to playing a round of crazy golf or getting up close and personal with adorable donkeys, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to choose from. Whatever your family’s interests, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this Easter in the stunning countryside of the Tamar Valley in springtime.
