EASTER ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT
With an abundance of farmland and beautiful rolling countryside, the Isle of Wight is an exciting place to be at Easter time. From seeking the first bloom of bluebells to searching for chocolatey treats, here are our suggestions for making the most of your Easter holidays here on the Island.
FARMYARD FUN
Head to Tapnell Farm Park on 2-4 and 9-11 April for Alice’s Easter Wonderland with an array of activities including Potions with Alice, Circus Games with the White Rabbit, and interactive shows with the Queen of Hearts, all before losing yourselves in the Mad Hatter’s Maze! Tapnell Farm is of course also home to a whole host of cute critters, from rabbits and wallabies to goats and guinea pigs, and boasts a purpose-built barn full of soft play fun. This all-weather venue is particularly great in the event of April showers!
BECOME A CHOCOLATE DETECTIVE
It wouldn’t be Easter without the thrill of an egg hunt, and fortunately there are several on offer, like the Great Railway Easter Hunt at IW Steam Railway, on every day between 29 March and 12 April. Sleuth for giant egg clues around the railway to earn a chocolate reward, and top off your experience with a billowing steam train ride offering excellent views of bluebell carpeted forest floors.
A BLOOMING GREAT TIME
The fascinating manor at Mottistone features in the Domesday book, and with perfectly preserved gardens, makes an idyllic location for an Easter egg hunt. Set amongst blooming daffodils, Red Squirrel and her friends have hidden ‘Signs of Spring’ throughout the gardens – see if you can find enough to wake the hibernating animals from their slumber and celebrate the start of the season. Running from 15 March to 14 April, the trail includes an activity sheet, a chocolate egg, and an adorable set of bunny ears!
EPIC EASTER QUESTS
Take part in English Heritage’s Easter Adventure Quests between 23 March and 12 April for an epic yet educational day out. Choose between the grand Carisbrooke Castle, with its imposing battlements and turrets, or the manicured gardens of Osborne, Queen Victoria’s palace by the sea, and hunt down clues to earn a chocolate reward. Plus any little (or larger!) Lego® fans will be delighted to participate in Osborne’s Big Brick Build from 6-12 April, helping the team bring history to life with a statue of the former monarch created entirely from the iconic plastic pieces.
WOODLAND WALKS
Take advantage of the warmer weather by lacing up your walking shoes and setting out on a spring adventure. Follow winding walkways through ancient woodlands such as Borthwood Copse, Parkhurst Forest, or Newtown Nature Reserve to catch the first bloom of bluebells and daffodils, transforming once-wintry landscapes with vibrant pops of colour. Alternatively opt for a hilly hike up the coastal downs to be rewarded with stunning sea views - find route recommendations here.
SWEET TREATS
Find your Easter sweet fix at one of the Island’s many incredible local and independent bakeries, where you can find everything from freshly-baked hot cross buns to Mini Egg cheesecakes. Head to BAKED by Jen in Cowes for rainbow-coloured desserts of dreams, or Grace’s Bakery, Island-wide, serving up colourful biscuit characters and pretty pastel doughnuts as well as traditional treats.
FIREWORKS FIESTA
For some egg-citing evening entertainment, stop by Sandown esplanade on 30 March for an Easter Fireworks Eggstravaganza, launched from the very end of the pier. The dazzling 15 minute display will begin at 7.30pm, and is free to attend – although donations to Sandown Carnival are very welcome. Fun for all the family, and guaranteed to start your Easter break with a bang!
