There will be a wide variety of local and national events, discounts and special offers being made available by tourism businesses around the country including museum events, exhibitions, sports experiences and lots more.
For families
Celebrate legendary lyrics and tunes with British Music Experience’s Family Trail launch, Liverpool
25 March – 2 April
Following a five-year run at London’s O2, the British Music Experience (BME) opens its doors to the public at its new home on Liverpool’s iconic waterfront this month, offering a new home to its unrivalled collection of music artefacts and memorabilia. On the 25th March, they will be introducing a family trail featuring beautifully illustrated characters from key musical eras to create a fun and inclusive activity for families. Family tickets (2 adults and 2 children) are available to purchase in advance for £43. The BME tells the story of British popular music from 1945 right up to the present day through stage costumes, instruments and handwritten lyrics.
Become a chocolate connoisseur with The Chocolate Experience, Worcestershire
29 March 2017
A dream job for some, learn about the life of a chocolatier, their chocolate-making techniques, and the mysteries behind the trade. The Chocolate Experience welcomes both adults and children into their studio for an hour of magic, passion and of course, a divine chocolate-tasting experience. Adults £5; Children (3 – 16 yrs) £4; Children (under 3s ) free.
Spoil your mum this Mothers’ Day at Page’s Park Station, Leighton Buzzard
2 April
Discover a gem of a railway and treat Mum to a steam train ride and a free gift. The Leighton Buzzard Railway is almost 100 years old and one of England’s finest narrow-gauge railways, after half a century of carrying sand, it’s now full steam ahead as a working museum operated by volunteers. Adults £10.00; Children (2 – 17 years) £6.00; Child (under 2s) free.
Bask in spring and visit new-born lambs at Bocketts Farm, Leatherhead
25 March – 2 April
With over 300 gorgeous baby lambs due over six weeks, kids will squeal with delight at this working family farm set in the beautiful Surrey countryside. Enjoy friendly animals, farm activities and indoor and outdoor play, and don’t miss the baby chicks and ducklings in animal handling sessions. Other farm activities include goat milking, tractor and pony rides and the famous pig racing. Outdoors, acres of adventure play can be explored with jumping pillows, pedal go-karts, agility trails and sandpits, while indoors, the giant soft play barn will keep children occupied, offering hours of fun whatever the weather. Adult £10.50; Children: 3-17 years £10.95; 2 years £9.20; under 2 free.
Live events
Urban paddle on the River Soar, Leicestershire
1 April
Explore the buzzing, cosmopolitan city of Leicester from a different perspective as you travel by canoe along the River Soar, paddling down thrilling weirs. Designed to stimulate, educate and motivate young people, this experience will give you a taste for adventure travel. Starting at Riverside Park (Aylestone Meadows), you’ll paddle to Leicester City Football Stadium; Frog Island; the Space Centre and Abbey Pumping Station, passing weirs along the way. You will be given a qualified leader who will supply you with any kit you need and teach you any skills that will help you in your journey. Tours cost £29.
Take a retro adventure in a classic VW Camper, Surrey
1 March – 1 September
Explore the open road and hire a fabulously retro VW Camper for a short break around stunning countryside of Southern England and beyond. Choose from nine beautifully restored classic VW campervans, all fully equipped with double beds, cookers, fridges, running water, a great sound system, cosy lighting and good time retro charm. All campers are suitable for couples or families, providing sleeping space for four or more. Prices start from £325 for a long weekend
Freshen up with a five-night Easter walking break along the South West Coast Path, Somerset
12 April – 17 April
Escape with a five-night break to walk the first 35 miles of the South West Coast Path, from its start in Minehead, Somerset, to Combe Martin in North Devon. Taste the salty air on walks of between 7 and 10 miles per day before turning in for the nights at the family-run hotel in the medieval village of Dunster. The package includes accommodation, all meals, guiding and transport to and from each day’s walk.
Literary heroes
Have double the fun with a 2-4-1 offer at DH Lawrence Museum, Nottinghamshire
25 March – 1 April
See the literary legend D.H. Lawrence’s humble home with this special book lover’s offer of 2-4-1 entry. Just quote this code to redeem your discount: 241DHLETW17. The charming museum in the ex-mining town of Eastwood is open by guided tour for groups of up to eight. Be taken back in time to late Victorian industrial England and the typical miner’s cottage of Eastwood in the late 1800s, and listen to the story of a normal working class families rise up the social ladder. Learn about how D.H. Lawrence surpassed all expectations of a miner’s son and went on to become one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. Normal admission prices are £6.90 for adults; Concession £5.10; Children (5-15) £3.50; Under 5s free.
Tumble into an Alice in Wonderland-themed Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Brighton
2 April
Tumble down the rabbit hole and land in a Wonderland of your own with Lewis Carroll-inspired vintage fun, games and sweets. Expect games, music and play as stories of the Cheshire Cat, Queen of Hearts and the maddest of Hatters are brought to life. All ages are welcome and entry includes a raffle ticket, savoury and sweet treats, tea and punch (fruit punch for the little ones!), with vintage crockery in abundance. Tickets are £20 for adults and £7 for children.
Immerse yourself in literary legends with Words & Wanderings walking tour, Norwich
25 & 29 March
Explore England’s first UNESCO City of Literature with an expert guided walking tour of Norwich, and discover more about the authors who have contributed to its rich literary history over the centuries. This is a city of literary firsts and excellence; not only has it produced the first recognisable novel, the first blank verse and the first provincial library and newspaper, but also the first British MA in Creative Writing (UEA) and the first UK City of Refuge for persecuted writers. This Words and Wanderings tour is free but booking is essential.
Find out more at Visit England
About the Author / Gareth Hargreaves
Gareth looks after all editorial content on 50connect. He is the Swiss Army knife of content ideas and production.
