Easter school holiday ideas 2021: activities and outings for kids and families in Harrogate district - from March 29 to April 9

Harrogate restaurants and pubs could be allowed outdoor seating on Stray in summer

As of today, Monday, March 29, up to six people or two households can now meet outdoors, including in private gardens.

Outdoor sports are also permitted under the current phase of restrictions easing, with facilities such as golf courses now able to reopen.

While we will have to wait until at least April 12 to enjoy a drink or meal outside a pub or restaurant, or to pop into town to browse in non-essential shops, there is still lots on offer this holiday.

Here are some of the things you could do with the family this Easter holiday in the Harrogate district.

Visit Benigbrough Hall

The gardens and play area at Beningbrough Hall are open for people to enjoy, with takeaway drinks on offer. A great place to take a stroll and let the kids play, especially as the weather is supposed to pick up this week and temperatures are set to rise over the next few days. Advance booking is required. Visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beningbrough for more.

Go for a picnic

Warmer weather and the introduction of the 'rule of six' means one thing - picnic! We are so blessed around Harrogate to have such beautiful, open spaces as Valley Gardens or the Stray, so why not pack some Easter goodies and meet up with another family for a day of fun?

Mother Shipton's

Mother Shipton's Cave in Knaresborough is open for its Easter Adventure, with a wonderland trail full of Easter scenes to explore. The woodland is open to walk through and you may spot some familiar faces like Humpty Dumpty and the Mad Hatter along the way. Booking is essential. Visit: www.mothershipton.co.uk/events/easter/ to book.

Two households with up to six people can now meet outdoors, as lockdown restrictions are relaxed in England

Easter Egg Hunts

We are so lucky to be surrounded by so many amazing attractions in our district which are all offering the ultimate Easter activity - an egg hunt! From RHS Gardens Harlow Carr in Harrogate, to Studfold Adventure Trail in Nidderdale to Fountains Abbey in Ripon - there is something for everyone this holiday.

RHS Gardens Harlow Carr is holding its 'Chocolate and Love' Easter hunt until Sunday, April 18, featuring brightly coloured animals, birds and plants of paradise which all need to be found. To find out more, book a slot and download your map, visit: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr/whats-on/easter-at-harlow-carr

There is lots going on at Studfold too, with a hunt for Easter clues featuring large willow nests, brightly coloured eggs and tiny fairy doors, as well as golden rabbits. There are prizes to be won, as well as the chance to ride on tractors and play in the sandpits. And if that wasn't enough, you can even order a picnic to enjoy along the way - or bring one yourself. Open until April 11. Visit: www.studfoldtrails.co.uk to get involved and plan your visit.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is also hosting a family-friendly trail filled with fun activities - and a chocolate reward at the end. Maps are available to follow and are filled with 10 activities to complete, taking you on a tour of the stunning grounds which are blooming in spring and maybe even past some baby deer at Studley. The trail is open until April 4, but booking your visit is essential. Head to: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/EasteratFountainsAbbey for more.

And if you don't fancy heading out over the holidays, why not create your own Easter egg hunt at home? A whole day could be filled with decorating hard boiled eggs, hiding them, creating a map and letting the kids run wild trying to find them...

Library Crafts

If you're looking for something fun to do indoors over the next week or two, look no further. North Yorkshire Libraries has teamed up with Deckle and Hide to show off some wonderful Easter crafts this holiday, and the videos will be posted on both the North Yorkshire Libraries and Harrogate Library Facebook pages. The videos, which show you how to make an 'alien egg and cage' and a 'trick book' will be posted on Thursday, April 1 and Saturday, April 3. To find out more, search either North Yorkshire Libraries or Harrogate Library on Facebook.

Lockdown roadmap: Everything you can do in the Harrogate district from March 29 and April 12

What are your plans this Easter holidays? We'd love to know. Share your pictures with us on Facebook or email [email protected] for a chance to be featured in a special gallery.