Easter events in and around Bristol

Easter is almost here and many of Bristol and the surrounding area’s attractions are gearing up for what is the traditional start of the tourist season. Destination Bristol, the official tourism partnership for Bristol and South Gloucestershire, has put together a list of events and attractions taking place over the Easter holidays.

Here are some of the highlights:

City Centre and Harbourside:

Between the 10th and 13th April, there is an Easter egg trail, a family fun competition with chocolate prizes on Brunel’s ss Great Britain and the chance to explore the world’s first great ocean-going liner. (ssgreatbritain.org)

At Explore-At-Bristol, discover interactive exhibits and special exhibitions or enjoy a Planetarium show. Take a trip to the stars beneath an immersive domed screen, sit back and discover coloured stars, giant planets and how to navigate your way through space. (at-bristol.org.uk)

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and Daisy Duck, along with other favourite Disney characters come together with world-class magicians live on stage in a special Disney Live! performance of Mickey’s Magic Show at The Bristol Hippodrome from Friday 3rd - Sunday 5th April. (bristolhippodrome.org.uk)

The Bristol Packet is offering Easter trips, with relaxing river cruises to Beeses Tea Gardens, stopping for refreshments on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. There are also City Dock Tours with commentaries everyday during the Easter School holidays. (bristolpacket.co.uk)

Clifton:

Take part in Bristol Zoo Garden’s Easter egg hunt - there is a special hidden world during the Easter weekend (April 10-13) with special chocolate egg prizes. The Easter trail will be suitable for all ages and offer the opportunity to learn about the eggs of many different species. As a sensory experience, it will engage each of the senses and visitors can experience the feel of frogspawn, hear the cry of a croc and smell the pong of a penguins nest, all in one fun-packed day out. (bristolzoo.org.uk)

Funderworld, the mobile theme park, is visiting Bristol this Easter from the 4th until the 18th of April. Located on the Durdham Downs, it promises fun for all ages.

The Village Pottery in Clifton is offering the opportunity to make and decorate egg cups on the potter’s wheel. Why not have a boiled egg and soldiers plate personalised for that perfect Easter Gift?

Free guided tours of the Clifton suspension Bridge start on Easter Sunday at 3.00 pm.

Out and About:

For those looking to get out in the fresh air this Easter, there is a wide array of activities on offer in and around Bristol.

Westonbirt Arboretum is one of the most spectacular tree gardens in the world. Covering six hundred acres, the arboretum is an inspiring place to relax, get back to nature and indulge your senses. There is an Easter Eggstatic Challenge from the 6th to the 10th of April, where the challenge is to find all the creatures that lay eggs at Westonbirt and solve the Easter riddle. People can create their own Easter crafts, from cards to bonnets. All participants enter an Easter prize draw. (forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt)

Starting on Good Friday through to Easter Monday (excluding Easter Sunday), Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm will be hosting a traditional Easter festivities, such as an Easter Egg Hunt, Egg and Spoon Race and Arts and Crafts. In addition, visitors are given the chance to meet the resident Giant Flemish Rabbit and enjoy the Easter lambing season with an opportunity to witness the birth of baby lambs as well as discovering how shepherds care for their sheep with daily keeper talks. Easter treats will also be on offer, such as Hot Cross Buns and Easter Biscuits in the Café and Easter gifts available in the shop. (noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk)

Slimbridge Wetland Centre has family friendly activities every day including wildlife films and a discovery trail around the grounds where you’ll meet cranes, flamingos and birds from around the world. There is also the Canoe Safari where you can take to the water to see the centre from an alternative point of view. Also new is Welly Boot Land where youngsters can play in a water-based adventure playground. (org.uk/visit/slimbridge)

At Tyntesfield Estate and Dyrham Park, the Easter trails are set to be bigger and better this year with the support of Cadbury’s. The Easter egg trails provide a great day out for everyone.

At Drive-Tech at the Castle Combe Racing Circuit in Wiltshire, juniors can try one of their Easter Holiday training sessions, on Friday 10th April at 1.30pm. Lasting approximately 3 hours, youngsters can learn all the necessary skills for karting with their experienced instructors. (drivetechltd.co.uk)

For further information on activities, events and where to stay this Easter, log on to visitbristol.co.uk.