Easter hunts with Cadbury at Kent's National Trust attractions

PUBLISHED: 11:42 26 March 2019 | UPDATED: 12:24 01 April 2019

Words: Emma Ward. Photos: National Trust Images

Photo: National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

©National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Photo: National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

At the National Trust, the twin delights of chocolate treats and spring wildlife are coming to the fore this month as a series of nature and animal-themed Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts take place right across the county.

Up in the air

At Scotney Castle, near Lamberhurst, a trail of giant nesting boxes has been set up around the estate to reflect the previous owner Edward Windsor Hussey’s study of birds’ eggs and the many birds with whom he shared his country home. Collect the clues to win a delicious treat between 6-21 April, £3 per trail after normal admission.

Or head over to Knole in Sevenoaks to look for birds’ nests hidden around the park and claim a tasty prize at the end. The trail at Knole runs from 6-21 April and also costs £3 per person, after normal admission.

Emmetts Garden in Westerham is playing host to a fun nature trail where families collect facts about the trees planted all around the garden in preparation for a game of ‘Tree Trumps’, from 6-22 April. Also hidden somewhere in the garden is Lubbock the Lamb; a fluffy reminder of Emmetts’ history as a sheep farm. £3 per trail after normal admission. Trail and ‘tree trumps’ activities run 6-22 April.

Down on the ground

Meanwhile, at Ightham Mote in Ivy Hatch, young naturalists can learn more about the resident mini-beast population during activities such as pond dipping, craftwork and nature trails with a chocolate reward at the end.

Check online for exact dates and times of individual activities, Easter trail runs 6-22 April, is £3 per trail after normal admission, other activities are free.

Insects also come under the spotlight at Quebec House near Westerham, where a bee trail is taking place. Young visitors can learn about the importance of bees and explore the garden to seek out the eggs, spices and honey that former owner Mrs Wolfe needs to make her special Easter treats. Win a chocolate treat. £3 per person after normal admission, trail runs 6-22 April.

Learn and grow

At Chartwell in Westerham, former country retreat of Sir Winston Churchill, visitors can find out what Randolph the Rabbit likes to eat in the woodlands around the main estate and in the kitchen garden, where his favourite vegetables are growing. Follow the trail of hidden animals around the garden before meeting Randolph himself to receive your Cadbury prize. Trail runs 6-22 April and costs £3 per participant after normal admission.

Finally, Sissinghurst Castle Garden is transforming its Oast House into a hub packed with arts and crafts activities, including making bird feeders out of plastic bottles and bug hotels out of unwanted cardboard.

The ‘nature hub’ will be open 8-22 April, 11am until 5pm, free entrance after normal admission. An animal-themed Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt also runs around the estate 19-22 April (£3 per participant). u

Find out more

More information about Easter at the National Trust in Kent at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kent. Details of dates, times and locations of Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts across the UK at: www.cadbury.co.uk/easter.