With the Easter celebrations just around the corner, it is the perfect time to explore Hampshire and discover all that this popular county has to offer. With so many local attractions marking the occasion with exciting events, egg hunts and fun activities, there will be plenty on offer to keep the family entertained. Read on to see our top five things to do over the Easter period.

Animals at Manor Farm

Spring has long been associated with new beginnings, new life and baby animals! Manor Farm in Bursledon is an historic Hampshire farmstead offering a fun a selection of indoor and outdoor play areas alongside hands-on educational activities, and a super cute bounty of animals to see – from bunnies and guineas, to Alpacas and pigs, there is plenty here to make a whole day of it and Easter is no exception! From the 9th until the 24th April, the farm hosts a free Easter trail to look for the golden egg, or head over to the sheep enclosure to check out the adorable newborn lambs.

Beautiful Bonnets

Between the 15th and 18th April, embark on the Great Easter Bonnet Hunt at Jane Austen’s house in Chawton. Steeped in fascinating history, the house is where the famous author lived and wrote some of her most well-loved novels, and also where you can explore the 500-year-old farmhouse and its idyllic cottage garden. As you navigate your way around, why not follow the trail of colourful Regency bonnets in order to earn a delicious Easter treat! After finding all the beautiful bonnets, why not create one of your own? Get creative with a template to design and decorate your own bonnet to add to the Wall of Fame or take home with you.

Bunny Hop Around Winchester

The stunning Cathedral city of Winchester is packed with medieval history and well worth exploring this Easter. As you wander through the cobbled streets of this impressive city, why not embark on the Bunny Hop Easter Trail? Find the nine Easter-themed words hidden in the windows of local businesses to receive an Easter treat. Those who successfully complete the trail will also be entered into a prize draw to win an Easter-inspired hamper packed with goodies donated by local businesses.

Where’s Henry

In 1522, the most famous English King, Henry VIII, visited Bishop’s Waltham. To celebrate 100 years since his visit, the medieval Hampshire town is running a ‘Where’s Henry’ trail. Twenty knitted and crocheted models of Henry VIII created by local craftspeople are hiding in different shop windows around the High Street. Can you find them all? Completed trails need to be handed in by Friday 22nd April, with correct answers entered into a prize draw for the Henry VIII in Bishop’s Waltham: A Tudor Experience event being held in July.

Create Your Own Peter Rabbit

Free to visit in the heart of Southampton’s cultural quarter, Southampton City Art Gallery hosts a stunning and striking collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings and photos to inspire creativity. On 12th April, children can enjoy a day of Peter Rabbit-inspired story time and craft sessions. Head down to the gallery to create a Peter Rabbit mobile or produce a mixed material sculpture of the famous fictional bunny complete with springy legs and pointy ears!

Enjoy Hampshire All Year Round

If you want to enjoy everything that Hampshire has to offer all year round, our Whiteley Meadows homes in Whiteley, Winchester might be just right for you. With a range of two and three-bedroom houses and two-bedroom apartments set to launch over multiple phases, these Shared Ownership homes could be the perfect place for your family.

Expertly crafted to maximise light and space, these homes have been designed to meet the needs of the modern buyer. Contemporary kitchens come complete with a range of high-quality integrated appliances, making cooking a breeze. For those that like to host family and friends, spacious living areas and private turfed gardens to houses provide the perfect setting whatever the weather. Homes are complete with comfortable bedrooms and sleek modern bathrooms.

Discover more about Whiteley Meadows here.