SPRING HAS finally arrived bringing brighter days, gardens bursting with vibrant colour and plenty of fun to be had across Wales with National Trust Cymru’s adventure-packed Easter trails.
Keep your little explorers entertained throughout the holidays with a range of different trails that celebrate nature, history and beauty. From a storybook quest at Erddig and nature-inspired games at Bodnant Garden to traditional garden fete activities at Tredegar and handcrafted Easter fun at Dyffryn Gardens, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Every trail ends with a chocolate egg, or a vegan and Free From chocolate egg, made in the UK using cocoa from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms.
National Trust Easter egg trails cost £3.50 per child, plus normal National Trust admission – free admission for National Trust members and guests of National Trust holidays. Opening times vary at each property, please visit individual websites for details.
To find your nearest trail visit here.
NORTH WALES
Erddig Hall and Garden, Wrexham
Embark on an exciting quest this Easter inspired by the children’s storybook Pot of Gold found in Erddig Hall’s historic library. From 14 April to 27 April, follow the tale of a brave boy on his mission to find the legendary pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Complete the puzzles and tasks throughout Erddig’s beautiful Grade-I listed garden.
Escape the giant spider web and knock down the pirate tower blocking your path to complete the challenge. Then head to Wolf’s Den natural play area where little ones can soar high on the rope swing, balance on wooden beams or build a den for hours of fun.
Find out more here.
Chirk Castle and Garden, Wrexham
Inspired by a medieval Welsh legend, St Melangell – the patron saint of hares, this interactive trail running from 14-27 April will take you through the beautiful gardens of Chirk Castle as you help a courageous hare on its journey to safety. The hare has been dashing through the Welsh valleys, overcoming challenges and meeting friendly animal companions along the way.
Complete the activities, such as drawing a spring picture with fox and playing noughts and crosses with badger, to guide it safely to the Castle Courtyard. Here, a giant three-metre-tall hare will thank you for your bravery with a chocolate egg.
Afterwards, head to the medieval Adam Tower, where signs of the castle’s historic past can be seen. Have fun dressing up in armour, go on the hunt for medieval murder holes and venture down into the two-level dungeons… if you’re brave enough!
Find out more here.
Bodnant Garden, Conwy
Adventure through this world-famous garden from 5-27 April bursting with springtime colour and discover a world of nature- inspired games for the whole family. As you go, learn about all kinds of eggs, from the tiny insect eggs hidden below rocks, to the biggest bird egg you can find in a garden.
With 80 acres of sweeping lawns, grand terraces and champion tree filled woodlands to explore, Bodnant Garden is the perfect place to run off excess energy. Head down to the Dell and look out for kingfishers along the river and by the Waterfall Bridge. Many waterfowl including little grebe, geese, ducks and Canadian geese find their springtime home at the Far End, making a nest on one of the islands in the Skating Pond.
Find out more here.
Penrhyn Castle and Garden, Bangor
With spectacular views toward the Great Orme and Eryri (Snowdonia), Penrhyn Castle boasts the perfect backdrop for your Easter adventure. From 5-27 April follow the trail to join an Easter tea party or take part in some welly throwing before heading inside the early 19th century fantasy castle itself – pay attention and you might spot some colourful eggs crafted by volunteers.
Before you go, don’t miss the chance to let off some steam in one of two play areas – head through the woodland to discover Rook Wood where you can climb, swing and see-saw for hours of fun, or visit Cwt Ogwen, a natural play area with a hide – a perfect spot to play house, or to sit quietly and take in the sounds and sights of wildlife around you.
Find out more here.
Plas Newydd House and Garden, Anglesey
Spring is putting on a show at Plas Newydd House and Garden this Easter. The new season transforms the garden into a living stage where you can take part in a variety of show-inspired activities from 5-27 April. Channel your inner honeybee and create your own waggle dance or become a detective and solve clues to uncover the stars of the spring show.
With 40 acres of gardens and 129 acres of woodland, there’s plenty of space to run, play and explore. Climb up to the treehouse in Dairy Wood for spectacular views – you might even spot a red squirrel. Inside the Grade I-listed house, take in views of the Menai Strait and the Eryri (Snowdonia) mountains or challenge your family to a board game in The Octagon Room.
Find out more here.
Plas yn Rhiw, Llyn Peninsula
Celebrate the arrival of spring and connect with nature in this serene hillside garden with its blossoming orchards and spectacular sea-views over Porth Neigwl. From 16-21 April, wind your way along the wildlife trail and follow in the footsteps of the nature-loving Keating sisters who restored Plas yn Rhiw in the 1930s. Test your skills with fun challenges, solve engaging puzzles, and enjoy interactive games at each of the 10 wildlife-themed activity stations.
From curious badgers to buzzing bees, explore every corner of the garden as you uncover the diverse creatures that call this special place home. Please note that due to ongoing conservation work the house is currently closed.
Find out more here.
MID WALES
Powis Castle and Garden, Welshpool
This Easter, challenge your family in the mini gymkhana, test your skills by stacking wood, or navigate a bridge from 12-27 April. Then hop, skip and jump your way to the Wilderness, an informal woodland behind the main garden to discover not one but two friendly dragons that have landed. Climb onto their saddles and let your imagination take you on a magical adventure.
Be sure to explore the medieval castle too as well as its stunning gardens and Italianate terraces – there’s swathes of spring bulbs to enjoy, huge 300-year-old yew tree hedges to admire and stunning views across the Severn Valley. Look out for the bright yellow primrose
and the apple trees beginning to blossom.
Find out more here.
Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion
This traditional Welsh, country estate near the River Aeron is the perfect setting for an Easter adventure. Connect with nature and embrace the wellbeing it can bring as you follow the trail from 12-27 April. Find the turf maze, test your skill at bunny quoits, make music and get creative as you wander past the 200-year-old Georgian villa into the Walled Garden.
No visit is complete without a trip to the traditional farmyard too. Explore the historic buildings and stop to say hello to the animals that call this place home including pigs, bird fowl and Llanwenog sheep.
Find out more here.
SOUTH WALES
Dolaucothi, Carmarthenshire
Discover the UK’s only known Roman gold mine which is brimming with activities to keep the family entertained. From 16-20 April, test your nerve in the games of skills and chance including table skittles and ‘pin the flame on the dragon’ to complete the accessible trail before collecting your chocolate egg.
Then explore the rest of the mine yard, try your luck panning for gold, discover ancient artefacts in the Field Centre and visit the 1930s buildings. Bring a picnic, spot birds – you might even spot a red kite, or just relax by the Water Rill and Golden Wheel.
Find out more here.
Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire
Enjoy a day out wandering the historical Newton House and ancient Welsh parkland this Easter. From 12-21 April follow a new trail route that weaves around the historic Icehouse, enters the grand house and ends in the formal garden, with challenges to complete along the way. Dance like a bird, spread your wings and spot as many birds as you can as you go.
On 13 April only from 2-3pm, celebrate the arrival of spring with the Gorymdaith y Gwanwyn, or Spring Promenade – a fun spectacle of colour, costume, music, dance and sound. Come along in your Sunday best and flowery finery to celebrate all that spring has to offer.
During the parade artist Ren Wolfe, who is inspired by puppetry, folklore and theatre will be unveiling their fabulous costumes and creations. The grand finale will feature a must-see performance of Mari Ha! by Osian Meilir.
Find out more here.
Tredegar House, Newport
Little explorers can follow the Easter trail from 7-22 April to discover a range of fun family activities in the Stable Courtyard. Head back in time to 1929 and follow in the footsteps of two of Lord Tredegar’s servants – gardener Percy and Lulu, who worked in the red brick mansion house – ,as you take part in some traditional garden fete games. Test your aim at the coconut shy and see how many rings you can get on the hooks in a game of hoopla.
With 90 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland to explore, Tredegar House is the perfect visit for your family adventure. Don’t forget to head inside the late 17th-century house too where you can create your own stories with ready-made puppets or dress up in a selection of traditional outfits.
Find out more here.
Dyffryn Gardens, Cardiff
This peaceful 55-acre Edwardian garden on the outskirts of Cardiff is a beautiful location to welcome in spring and make some memories. From 7-22 April there are 10 Easter activities to enjoy. Watch your egg race through different musical obstacles in the egg run, have a go at chicken croquet on the lawn, leap over hurdles in the egg and spoon race, or see how many carrots you can throw into the mouth of the giant wooden rabbit.
Afterwards, there’s more fun to be had in the log stack play areas – there are two to choose from. Balance along enormous trees, jump from log to log along the stepping-stones and enjoy a picnic on hand carved picnic stumps before exploring the garden itself. Capture a photo at the famous Kennel Bank and visit the arboretum or Pompeiian Garden.
Find out more here.
Colby Woodland Garden, Pembrokeshire
From 18-21 April, discover a hidden woodland full of activities themed around Climate Action and designed to get you thinking about how you can repurpose household items in a fun way. Have a go at welly wanging or smell the herbs in the plant pots made from old wellies. Guess how many bottle caps have been used to fill the recycled waste fish or get physical and toss a bean bag through a repurposed door.
Then explore the ‘Sky glade’ at the top of the wood where you can lean on a tree trunk and gaze at the clouds moving across the sky – what shapes can you see? Meander through the West Wood to spot wildlife amongst the bluebells. Keep an eye out for frogspawn and other insects in the ponds, or dippers and grey wagtails at the water’s edge.
Find out more here.
Rhosili and South Gower Coast, Swansea
Experience Easter with a difference at Rhosili this spring. Take in breathtaking panoramic views and spot a variety of wildlife as you follow grassy footpaths through the medieval farmland of The Vile. From 18–21 April, pick up your trail sheet from the National Trust Rhosili shop before setting off along the coast path to the start of the trail.
See if you’ve got what it takes to complete 10 nature-themed challenges! Build giant bird nests, try your hand at welly wanging and weave your way through a hay bale obstacle course—there’s something for all ages to enjoy. The trail follows a grassy footpath with some
uneven terrain, so please wear suitable footwear – wellies are recommended. Still have energy to burn? Finish your adventure with a run along Rhosili’s stunning three-mile stretch of golden sand.
Find out more here.
