Cornwall has a centuries-old Good Friday tradition around its coast of collecting cockles at low tide. ‘Trigging’, as it’s known, is a popular pursuit among locals and if you’d like to join them with your bucket and wellies, book a stay at a country house hotel on the beautiful Helford River estuary.
Set on a quiet bend in the river amid 65 acres of gardens and woodlands, Budock Vean sends its guests scrabbling around for riverbed shellfish as part of an Easter break for all the family.
Those booking three nights can choose two complimentary treats from a list that includes spa treatments, a visit to Trebah or Glendurgan gardens, and kayaking from the private foreshore. There’s also an Easter egg hunt for children, guided walks and a golfing competition on the hotel’s own course. The break costs £254 per person for half-board and afternoon tea for two nights, or £381 for three nights.
For an original take on chocolate egg hunts, the Abbey Hotel in Bath offers youngsters ten clues relating to the city’s fine Georgian and Roman landmarks. After a mini-tour of the top attractions, they can claim their egg from the Easter Bunny. Room with breakfast for two adults and two children costs £212 for one night from April 18-21 inclusive.
In Lancashire’s spectacular Forest of Bowland, Gibbon Bridge Hotel is staging an Easter Monday Fun Day in its 23-acre gardens with Easter egg rolling, a treasure hunt, children’s entertainer, ball games, a mini disco and adults’ quiz.
Kids can meet the hotel’s own pot-bellied pigs and help collect real eggs laid by its flock of free-roaming hens. The break begins with high tea on Easter Sunday and includes dinner, an overnight stay, breakfast and two-course lunch on Monday. Price is £110 per adult and £32.50 per child sharing a room.
Located by the water’s edge on Windermere, Lakeside Hotel is offering three nights for the price of two throughout the school holiday (April 6-18) and includes a free lake cruise. A family suite overlooking the lake accommodates two adults and up to three children aged up to 15 and costs £688 with breakfast for three nights. Standard doubles are from £438.
