Easter weekend: Great days out for the whole family
Add to My Stories So the Easter weekend has arrived, and the sun is miraculously shining for once - meaning that your four-day break will not be punctuated by the wails of 'I'm bored' from children cooped up inside. 
Slay the dragon in Cheshire
WithEaster falling so late this year, it has gate-crashed another festival -the day dedicated to our patron saint's slaying of a dragon. But St George will still be remembered. He is being celebrated at Beeston Castle, in Tarporley, in Cheshire, where a three-day event kicks off on Saturday 23rd.
Witnessmedieval entertainment, from traditional dances accompanied by minstrels and singers to examples of freestyle combat. Why not learn a new skill and try your hand at juggling? Or watch a display of 14th century accuracy from longbow archers?Childrenshould be on the look-out for mini dragons around the castle - and can win a yummy prize. And if it all gets a bit much, retreat to the beautiful woodland to enjoy the shade. Or head up to the top of the castle for a view of eight different counties bathed ! in sprin g sunshine.More information: www.english-heritage.org.uk. Adult ticket 6, children 3.50.
More information: www.wmc.org.uk Best of British in London
Head to the capital to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Festival of Britain at the Southbank Centre.Sun worshippers will love the urban beach which is set to be unveiled on Queen's Walk, complete with 14 beach huts inspired by different artists.Cool off in the interactive 'Appearing Rooms' fountain, designed by Danish artist Jeppe Hein. Children will love trying to guess where the next spurts of water will come from.The event kicks off a series of cultural performances celebrating the Festival of Britain through the ages. Book to see the oldest-surviving feature length animation, entitled The Adventures of Prince Achmed, or watch Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring.
Alternatively, take the children to learn kite making on Saturday, or tune in to a concert by the National Youth Orchestra.Kite making is free. Concert prices vary.More information: www.southbankcentre.co.uk 
As part of the Easter Sunday Funday, there is also an egg trail, a wild food walk - and a chance meet baby calves on the farm.More information: www.nms.ac.uk. Family tickets cost 17.
Happy hunting: Enjoy traditional Easter activities across the UKBut what exactly should you do with this new freedom afforded by Britain's Mediterranean moment?You can, of course, find a tantalising array of Easter egg hunts at various different locations across the country. But for those looking for something a little different, why not try some other great family days out which will keep everyone entertained in the 25C heat?
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- A Grand Day Out: Easter special
- Swing time: A weekend at the Balancing Barn
- More brilliant Britain in our UK section
Medieval magic: Celebrate England's patron saint this weekend
Slay the dragon in Cheshire
WithEaster falling so late this year, it has gate-crashed another festival -the day dedicated to our patron saint's slaying of a dragon. But St George will still be remembered. He is being celebrated at Beeston Castle, in Tarporley, in Cheshire, where a three-day event kicks off on Saturday 23rd. Witnessmedieval entertainment, from traditional dances accompanied by minstrels and singers to examples of freestyle combat. Why not learn a new skill and try your hand at juggling? Or watch a display of 14th century accuracy from longbow archers?Childrenshould be on the look-out for mini dragons around the castle - and can win a yummy prize. And if it all gets a bit much, retreat to the beautiful woodland to enjoy the shade. Or head up to the top of the castle for a view of eight different counties bathed ! in sprin g sunshine.More information: www.english-heritage.org.uk. Adult ticket 6, children 3.50.
Become an artist in Cardiff
Fancy yourself as the next Michelangelo? Then head down to the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff this Saturday, where you'll have the chance to wield that paintbrush and sharpen those artistic skills.Welsh painter Catrin Williams, whose colourful works are influenced by her rural upbringing, is hoping to create a beautiful mural for the building, with the help of anyone who wants to drop in.The 'Our Centre' work will feature drawings that depict the many people who visit the cultural complex. Once finished, it will be displayed inside, giving you a lasting memory of your Easter activity.The artist workshop is free.More information: www.wmc.org.uk
Cool off: Kids will love the Appearing Rooms interactive fountain at the Southbank Centre
Best of British in London
Head to the capital to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Festival of Britain at the Southbank Centre.Sun worshippers will love the urban beach which is set to be unveiled on Queen's Walk, complete with 14 beach huts inspired by different artists.Cool off in the interactive 'Appearing Rooms' fountain, designed by Danish artist Jeppe Hein. Children will love trying to guess where the next spurts of water will come from.The event kicks off a series of cultural performances celebrating the Festival of Britain through the ages. Book to see the oldest-surviving feature length animation, entitled The Adventures of Prince Achmed, or watch Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring. Alternatively, take the children to learn kite making on Saturday, or tune in to a concert by the National Youth Orchestra.Kite making is free. Concert prices vary.More information: www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Time travel: Combine Elizabethan history with a Victorian fun fair at Scotney Castle in Kent
Travel back in time in Kent
Headto Scotney Castle, at Lamberhurst in Kent, and enjoy Easter fun in Elizabethan surroundings. Expect an Easter egg trail through the blooming gardens, and a multitude of craft activities.Thehighlight of the weekend will be the Victorian fairground, where rides will have children demanding a second go. Face painters are on hand to cover those chocolatey faces in colour.Family tickets are 25, with an extra 2 cost for the Easter egg trail and minimal charges fro the rides.More information: www.nationaltrust.org.ukEmbrace rural bliss in Scotland
If you're looking to get out of Glasgow, head to the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride for a dose of country air. Based on a working farm, it offers animals and open space in abundance.But it also has a museum packed with farm equipment through the ages, displays on clothes in rural areas and an interactive Garden Detectives exhibit tied to Charles Darwin.Energetic visitors could also have fun taking part in den-making and ranger walks.As part of the Easter Sunday Funday, there is also an egg trail, a wild food walk - and a chance meet baby calves on the farm.More information: www.nms.ac.uk. Family tickets cost 17.
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