After a long winter, we’re looking forward to an early Easter as the clocks spring forward, giving us long days and light evenings to enjoy all that the Norfolk coast has to offer. Planning an Easter escape at Searles. Here’s all you need to know for a cracking stay!

Welly walks for little feet

It might feel like they’ve just gone back from half term break, but as Easter lands at the end of March, school’s out again! The good news is that with longer days and hopefully warmer weather it’s a great time to head outdoors to enjoy coast and country. Nature is unfurling all around, with spring bulbs and blossoms in full bloom so pull on your wellies and lead little ones on a trail or two.

Practically on our doorstep, Ringstead Downs is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The valley, the largest surviving chalk grassland area in the county, is teeming with daffodils and wild thyme which are a real magnet for butterflies and bees on a sunny day. The former chalk pit has been transformed into a woodland garden with a picnic area, so be sure to bring a pack up with a few rewarding treats for younger feet.

Further along the coast at Cley Marshes, the Norfolk Wildlife Trust is holding a Family Fun Day with activities at Cley Marshes on Sunday 7 April and kids enjoy free entry to the nature reserve with an accompanying adult. There are two sessions – 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3.30pm – although no need to pre-book, so plan some screen-free fun at this beautiful spot.

Kids’ Easter fun in Norfolk

Of course it wouldn’t be Easter without eggs, so you’ll need a trail! On Easter Sunday (31 March), head to Sandringham where the estate has teamed up with Kinnerton Chocolate to organise a trail in aid of the East Anglian Air Ambulance. Find the hidden clues around the parkland and receive a chocolate egg as a prize!

Pensthorpe is taking things up in scale with its Giant Egg Hunt from 28 March-14 April when there will be a trail of four-foot, 3D eggs to discover, along with Easter crafts, pond-dipping, den building and nature tables. Entry includes access to the utterly brilliant outdoor WildRootz and indoor Hootz House play areas, so there’s plenty to keep them busy, whatever the weather.

Not to be outdone, Holkham has a Springtime Superheroes Easter event running from 31 March – 14 April with storytelling, face painting, crafts and trails in the Hall and Walled Garden.

Spring fairs and feasts

It’s Easter, but why should little ones have all the fun? Creake Abbey is holding its annual Spring Gift Fair on Easter Saturday 20 March from 10am-4pm. Admission costs £2 with entry for U16s and parking free. Along with tasty treats to eat, there will be jewellery, textiles, art and beauty products, all made locally, to buy. Once you’ve finished shopping the stalls, don’t miss a stroll around the neighbouring ruins of the Augustinian Abbey which are an impressive reminder of the history of the place.

Holkham is running a Mini Easter Feast in the Park with a host of food pop-ups including the Big Cheese, Crafty Burger and ever-popular Duck Truck in the courtyard from 11am-4pm from 31 March-3 April. Then, on 6-7 April Holkham’s Spring Market will see the Lady Elizabeth Wing filled with over 50 local artisan food and drink producers to whet your appetite with samples and treats to take home. Entry is free, and dogs are welcome in the courtyard.

Of course if you prefer a traditional roast to celebrate, book in for our Easter Sunday Lunch at The Fountain Sports Bar. With two courses for £21 or three courses for £26, kids eat for just £13 (main and dessert), everyone gets to enjoy a fabulous meal and you don’t need to wander far to get home afterwards!