With the holidays here, it’s time to start planning some activities to keep your kids entertained for Easter 2023.
Luckily, if you’re wanting to have fun on a budget, there are plenty of affordable things to do to keep families of all ages busy, both in and around Yorkshire and further afield. So whether your kids prefer high-octane thrills, exploring the natural world or delving into the past, read on to find out our top Easter holiday suggestions.
If it’s a fun-filled day trip you’re after, look no further.
The National Science and Media Museum boasts seven floors of interactive galleries dedicated to the history of television, cinema, photography, video games and more, as well as three cinemas, including an IMAX screen, and regular exhibitions and festivals.
With plenty to do and family events taking place at weekends and during school holidays, it’s the ideal destination for anyone with kids in tow and, best of all, entry is free!
The National Science and Media Museum, Bradford. BD1 1NQ.
Built in a reclaimed china clay pit, the Eden Project consists of two huge biomes – one with a rainforest ecosystem, the other filled with Mediterranean trees and plants – and an outdoor botanical garden.
Both biomes house thousands of plant species, while the outside garden is home to native wildlife. Throw in a rainforest walkaway with a zip line and a wide range of educational and fun play areas and it’s no surprise that this is one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations.
Eden Project, Bodelva, Cornwall. PL24 2SG.
If you’ve got kids, there’s a pretty good chance they love the Harry Potter films and, if that’s the case, there’s an even better chance they’ll get a kick out of visiting Alnwick Castle, where some of the series’ best-loved scenes were filmed – from Harry and Ron crashing a flying car into the castle’s courtyard, to the Hogwarts students first learning to fly broomsticks and Harry discovering the wonders of Quidditch.
Built following the Norman Conquest in the 11th-century, the castle is a Grade I listed building with plenty to offer in addition to its Harry Potter legacy, including an array of incredible state rooms and grounds, all of which are open to the public. Close to one million people visit the castle each year so be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Alnwick Castle, Alnwick. NE66 1NQ.
For a few inexpensive nights away, these stunning locations have plenty to offer.
For those unfamiliar with the term, glamping is basically camping without all the mud. Literally meaning ‘glamorous camping’, glamp sites come with all the amenities you’d expect to find in a hotel or bed and breakfast, making it an excellent option for families with kids who want to camp outside and parents who want their own toilet.
Each glamping pod at this location in the famous Yorkshire village of Flamborough can sleep up to four people and offers a spacious bathroom, kitchen and living area, not to mention underfloor heating. Adults will love the nearby vineyard and the local area boasts plenty of activities to keep everyone happy, including nature reserves, beaches and crazy golf, as well as a good selection of restaurants, bars and cafes.
Flamborough Glamping & Vineyard, Lighthouse Road, Flamborough. YO15 1AJ.
If you like the sound of a 15th century country estate that features a spa, unbelievable food and drink, luxury accommodation AND a supervised kids club, look no further.
And not only is Ellenborough Park set in a whopping 90 acres of grounds, packed with five-star amenities for adults and happy to entertain your kids with colouring competitions and scavenger hunts, it’s also one of the most wallet-friendly places to spend a few days this half term. Book a room here while you still can.
Ellenborough Park, Southam Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. GL52 3NJ.
When you fancy taking the kids on safari but don’t feel like flying all the way to Africa, this nature reserve in Kent could be just what you’re after.
At Port Lympne, guests can sleep under the stars in one of the reserve’s glamping pods and wake up a short – but safe – distance from the lions, bears, tigers, leopards and giraffes that roam freely among its 300 acres of land; a 4* hotel is also available for those who prefer to stay a little further away from the action.
Better yet, all profits go towards helping Port Lympne’s conservation efforts around the world, making this an exciting and ethical adventure your little ones will never forget.
However you intend to spend your Easter holiday, we can help bring your plans to life with one of our affordable loans. For more information and to find out how much you could borrow, click here.