Top Ten Things to Do This Easter

The Easter weekend is one of the highlights of the year for many people. First and foremost it is of course a religious holiday, but it is also the first long weekend of spring and carries with it the promise of warmer weather and the opportunity to escape our normal daily routine for a few days.

We have compiled a list of ten things to do over the Easter weekend in Suffolk. Consuming chocolate as you go, is optional...

There is lots going on at Snape Maltings on the Suffolk coast over the Easter weekend. The festivities include concerts featuring contemplative music by Bach, Beethoven and Philip Glass; choral music and a family concert.

There is also a farmers' market, family activities and an Easter egg hunt.

If you enjoy cuddling lambs and feeding goats, then Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm is the place to go. Situated not far from Needham Market, the farm has its annual Easter egg hunt and lots of farm animals to visit, feed and pet.

Kentwell Hall in Long Melford is famous for hosting medieval and other historic re-creations. Over the Easter weekend around 100 Tudors will be celebrating Easter in medieval style; there will be an “impossible Easter quiz” and the chance to win a huge chocolate egg; a children's Easter Egg Trail and the house, gardens and farm will all be open.

Polish your binoculars and join a walk with an RSPB guide on Sunday, 16th April at 10.30am to learn about some of the birds that are to be found at the coastal RSPB nature reserve at this time of year.

Story-telling and poetry; spear dancing and archery; spinning, weaving and music on the lyre. All of this is to be found at the West Stow Anglo-Saxon village near Bury St Edmunds from Saturday, 14th to Monday, 17th April.

Join a guided tour around the beautiful village of Lavenham on Easter Saturday at 2.30pm and Sunday at 11am. Visitors can also follow the Lavenham Easter Art Trail to search for works of art that are hidden around the village and vote for their favourite. There are prizes to be won!

An Easter panto at the Spa Pavilion Theatre in Felixstowe for the whole family with singing, dancing and lots of egg-selent tales!

Suitable for all ages and especially those aged 4 – 14, who enjoy traditional pantomime and plenty of audience participation.

The 75 acre site in Stowmarket will be a-buzz with Easter capers as the annual Easter Fun Days take place on Easter Sunday and Monday. Feed the lambs, watch the sheepdog demonstrations, join in the Peter Rabbit-themed Easter egg hunt and lots of other family activities.

Nowton Park near Bury St Edmunds is a great place to explore at any time of year. With over 200 acres, it has an arboretum with trees from around the world, wild flower meadows, wildlife ponds and the most spectacular display of daffodils (over 100,000 of them at last count!).

A quiz sheet (£1 from the visitor centre) is available for those wanting to add a bit of excitement to their exploration of the park this Easter. Play Spring Go Bingo and search out the natural objects on the list to claim a prize.

If hunting for Easter eggs doesn't really appeal, what about taking a peaceful walk through the Suffolk countryside or along the beautiful coast?

Pick up a map in one of our tourist information centres and explore Suffolk's two areas of outstanding natural beauty; one of the many nature reserves. or stroll along some of the 3,500 miles of footpaths that are in the county.

Make sure you plan a route which includes a cosy pub and stop off for a refreshing glass of Suffolk ale along the way.