Written by Lisa Proffitt | 1st April 2021
Easter weekend will see many of us making the most of the rule of six and enjoying a hot cross bun outside with much-missed family and friends. If you’re also desperate for a change of scene whilst staying local, read on for suggestions of safe outdoor spaces open for visitors across our region.
We've put together a list of some of our favourite Easter family day out ideas. All locations listed here kindly ask that you respect social distancing guidance at all times and stick to the rule of six/two household rule:
Willen Lake, Milton Keynes: When indoor pools closed, open water swimming became almost as popular as banana bread baking during the pandemic. Willen Lake is now offering open water swimming sessions, and all water sports and boat hire are back up and running. Boat hire is on a first come first served basis, everything else must be pre-booked as spaces are more limited. If you prefer to stay on dry ground, take a picnic and enjoy a stroll around the park and woodland.
Waddesdon Manor, near Aylesbury: Most National Trust parks and gardens are open and bursting into glorious technicolour, perfect for providing inspiration for our own back gardens. Thankfully it takes more than a pandemic to stop an Easter Egg hunt, and hunts are happening at Waddesdon Manor and at Stowe Gardens, also in Buckinghamshire. Pre-booking an entry ticket to the grounds is essential and on Friday 2 April, tickets will become available for the week beginning 5 April, including tickets for Easter Monday.
Wendover Woods: If you’re feeling energetic Wendover Woods in the Chilterns can help you reclaim your fitness levels after lockdown. Walking and running trails, bike riding trails and the Go Ape high rope courses offer calorie burning options for everyone. The Gruffalo Activity Trail will also keep little ones amused and there is a café for takeaways.
Woburn Safari Park: Woburn Safari Park is a drive through wildlife park nestled in over 300 acres of Bedfordshire parkland. The road safari lets you get up close and personal with the lions, tigers and bears in their individual reserves (windows closed, doors locked) and if your car survives the monkey enclosure, park in the car park and spend the rest of the day on foot. Visit penguins and meerkats and enjoy boat rides, train rides and the outdoor play area. Booking is essential here and for Whipsnade Zoo in Dunstable. The biggest zoo in the UK is also welcoming people back in to visit their outdoor animals from Monday 12 April.
Mead Open Farm: One of the first open farms in the county, Mead Open Farm covers 30 acres and is home to all manner of furry and feathered farmyard animals and pets as well as a herd of alpacas. The Farm is reopening on 12 April, and tickets are now on sale. The indoor play barn remains closed but tractor rides, crazy golf and a takeaway café will keep most visitors entertained.
Canoe Trail, Bedford: This family-run business offers canoe, kayak, and paddleboard hire on the River Great Ouse. Whether you want to mess about on the river or have a full body work out there is a river trip to suit you, with full day and half day options. The Canoe Trail flexi booking system means that if lockdown rules change, the trip is fully refundable.
Evenely Wood Garden, near Brackley: When the first lockdown ended, Evenley Wood became an unexpected hot spot for Londoners keen to escape the city. Travelling that far is discouraged at the moment so locals can keep the wood to themselves for a bit longer. Situated on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Evenley, the 60-acre private woodland is world-famous for its rare snowdrop collection and is packed with rare and unusual plants and trees. Nestled under the trees an outdoor pavilion serves takeaways and a golden egg is hidden somewhere in the wood for one lucky Easter winner to find.
Delapré Abbey, Northampton: A hidden gem within walking distance of Northampton town centre, Delapre Abbey sits in 500 acres of formal and semi-formal gardens and woodland which are free to visit although pre-booking a time slot is essential. Until 11 April children can enjoy an Easter hunt in the walled garden.
Boughton House, near Kettering: Known as the English Versailles, the landscaped gardens and park at Boughton House are considered among the grandest in the country, and for good reason. Beautiful waterways, ponds and fountains sit alongside a vast walled garden, rose garden and sensory garden and provide a perfect setting for a spring time picnic.
Nene Wetlands Nature Reserve, Rushden Lakes: All shops may be closed at Northamptonshire’s largest retail park at Rushden Lakes, but the Nene Wetlands Nature Reserve is very much open. If you enjoy wildlife and bird spotting, grab your binoculars and explore the 270 hectares of meadows, reed beds and woodland areas. A trip down the River Nene on a canoe or kayak may be possible, but check for the latest information on the visitor centre website before you go.
Whatever your plans are this Easter, we wish you and your family a very happy bank holiday. If you’re thinking of moving and looking for some advice on buying or selling your home, our team would love to hear from you. Contact your local Michael Graham office today for free and expert advice.