Have you booked a family holiday over the Easter break in Bournemouth but are struggling to find activities in or around the area to keep all the family entertained while you’re away?
I think everyone can agree that no Easter is ever quite complete without an appearance from the Easter bunny who has hidden lots of chocolate Easter treats around the garden to be found by the kids, the smell of hot cross buns with melted butter being baked in the oven and the flowering of daffodils to bring in the Easter season.
Well we have put together our top 10 Family attractions in Dorset over the Easter Holidays for you to choose from:
10: Easter @ the Tank Museum (8th-23rd April)
Watch Tanks in action with a jam packed demonstration filled with expert commentary every weekday at 1pm starting on Monday 10th April. Or if that wasn’t enough, why not experience the thrill of riding in an M548 tracked vehicle yourself with the whole family. The vehicle seats up to 16 people so everyone can join in and rides are available every day from 11:30am- 4:30pm with a £3.50 charge per person. As well as this you can take part in a range of family activities. Kids can also let off steam in the outdoor play area and in their new inside soft play area, adjacent to the Cafe. Plus free family trails to keep them absorbed with teasers and puzzles!
9: Cadbury’s Easter egg hunt @ Studland Bay (8th-23rd April) from 10:30-15:30
Why not take a bunny hop in to Studland’s spring time on their Easter Trail. Follow the clues around the nature reserve, take in all the beautiful scenery and watch the wildlife while you see the world through Bunny’s eyes. Collect your Cadbury’s chocolate prize at the end. You could even take a long walk across Studland’s award winning beach and dip your toes in the sea or grab some lunch in the beach cafe.
8: Cadbury’s Easter egg hunt @ Kingston Lacy (8th-23rd April)
This Easter enjoy discovering Kingston Lacy’s garden, hunting out the eggs to claim your Cadbury chocolate prize while you step foot in the far east as you explore the seven acre Japanese garden with its cherry blossoms having slowly started to come in to bloom. Or discover what is in store at the Nursery Wood with its spectacular display of azalea, camellia, rhododendron and flowering cherry trees. All for just an extra £2.50 per trail. Normal admission applies.
7: Easter adventure extravaganza @ Lulworth Castle (14th – 17th April)
Looking for some eggcellent family fun this Easter? Then join them ‘down the rabbit hole’ from 14th April to 17th April, 10.30-5pm.
This year Lulworth Castle have been inspired by the fantastical story of Alice in Wonderland so you can expect a whole host of activities at their fairy tale castle including themed trails, egg hunts, crafts, bouncy castle (weather permitting, age 7+), soft play for under 4’s, crazy golf and, of course, white rabbits and Easter Eggs!! Don’t forget to go and meet the Mad Hatter in the Castle whilst you’re exploring ….Tickets include Free Parking. Adults £7, Child £5, under 4’s free. Family Ticket (2 adults, 3 children) £25. Tickets can be bought online here or on the day.
6: Easter activities and egg hunting @ Farmer Palmer‘s (14th -17th April)
Celebrate spring with baby animals, tractor rides, a petting zoo, the Easter Bunny and 4 days of Eggcellent Egg Hunts starting promptly at 2.40pm daily in the field at the end of the outdoor animal pens. We suggest you head down there for 2:30pm.
5: Easter fun on Brownsea Island (14th – 17th April)
Join in with the Island’s Easter activities and have a go at their special Easter trail with Cadbury Easter Egg prizes. Head along to Church Field for free games, arts, crafts, face painting (weekends only), and Cadbury Easter Egg trail (£3.00 per trail). Normal admission charges apply. Daily from 10.00am until 4.00pm
4: Eggstra special Easter fun @ Adventure Wonderland‘s award winning family attraction! 14th – 17th April
Adventure Wonderland is the place to be this Easter with free egg hunts in their giant hedge maze and ever popular egg and spoon races. These will be taking place over the 4 day Easter weekend but there’s lots more to do throughout the whole holidays, with over 30 rides and attractions, both indoors and outdoors from the Jabberwocky, Water Wind Up, Wild Bills Runaway Train, The Ghostly Galleon and Turbo Teacups to more gentle attractions such as Curvy Caterpillars and The Flying Elephants…. Not forgetting, of course, The Battle Boats! Visit the Animal Corner, which includes baby bunnies, kid goats and Spring lambs! And it’s guaranteed fun whatever the weather with their vast indoor adventure play centre, Wild Thing!
Throughout the whole Easter holiday period there will be other events, and BRAND NEW live shows in the Happydrome Theatre, featuring all your favourite Wonderland characters!
3: Easter egg trails at Corfe Castle (14th-17th April)
It will be fun for the whole family as you take part in the Easter Egg Trail around Corfe Castle! Seek out and discover the Bunny’s nature clues to claim your Cadbury chocolate treat. Please note that normal admission charges will apply plus £2.50 per person to take part in the trail. Booking not necessary. Daily from 10.00am until 4.00pm. Unfortunately dogs are not welcome.
2: Easter in Bournemouth
Why not head to the beach with golden sands that stretch up to seven miles from Southbourne to Alum Chine and beyond. Check out our guide to the best walks in and around Alum Chine here.
Visit the Oceanarium on Bournemouth Seafront and immerse yourself within 12 naturally themed zones and experience a fun and engaging underwater adventure around the waters of the world. – Make amazing savings of up to 30% off tickets when you book online and visit between Monday 3rd and Sunday 23rd April 2017.
Go and enjoy a movie at the new BH2 leisure complex and dine in one of the many different eating establishments.
Or you could: Discover Dorset and all its beauty with the Riviera’s guide to the best walking routes and suggested things to see and do while you stay at the hotel for just £55pppn bed, breakfast and evening meal. You will also get a cream tea on arrival. Stay for four nights and we will even upgrade you to a sea facing room with a balcony (subject to availability)
1: COME AND VISIT OR STAY AT THE RIVIERA HOTEL THIS SPRING
Situated on Alum Chine and close to the beautiful wooded Chine Suspension Bridge & Tropical Gardens, the Riviera Hotel is the perfect location for your holiday. View a map here.
Alum Chine is famous for its colourful Beach Huts and award-winning Blue Flag beach. It is extremely popular with families because, in addition to its lifeguard patrolled beach, it features a children’s play area, paddling pool and toilet facilities.
The equally beautiful beaches of Poole are also within walking distance, including the desirable Sandbanks peninsula and the bustling Harbour area. A 15-minute ferry trip will transport you to The Purbecks, making The Riviera Hotel the perfect base for you and your family to explore the whole of Dorset.
The boutique shopping and eateries of Westbourne are a short walk from the hotel and you will find Bournemouth Beach and the town centre just twenty minutes walk along the promenade.
Whether you are a guest or a visitor, the Riviera hotel and apartments has loads to offer over the Easter holidays and the Spring months to keep all the family entertained including:
Dine with us for a four course Easter lunch on Sunday 16th April for £18.95 per adult with a free glass of wine and £8.95 per child (under 12’s)
The kids can take advantage of our games room with:
A Nintendo Wii (controllers etc. at reception), Pool Table, Table Tennis Table, Board games and more…
Mondays and Thursdays are ‘Create you own pizza nights’.
Whether you want a vigorous workout or just to relax and rejuvenate, you will find our Leisure Club has everything. How about a dip before breakfast in the indoor pool, a reviving soak in the bubbling spa bath, chill out in our relaxation room or an invigorating session in the studio gym.
Unique Boutique at The Coast Spa offers a tranquil atmosphere designed to put you at ease. Offering a wide variety of luxury spa treatments and packages along with hairdressing and everyday beauty essentials all tailored to your needs.
Sit back and enjoy a drink on our sun terrace overlooking our garden or try a selection of tapas dishes from our new hotel bar menu while you enjoy the views.
Whatever you decide to do this Easter, we hope you have a fantastic time with all your family and friends around you. From the whole Riviera Team, we wish you a fantastic Easter break filled with joy (and maybe some chocolate too).
HAPPY EASTER!