Easter City Breaks

Preston comes alive at Easter with traditional celebrations and festive activities. The iconic Easter Egg Rolling in Avenham Park is a must-experience event, taking place every Easter Monday. Watch as children and families roll decorated eggs down the hills in this cherished local tradition, complete with Easter bonnet making and friendly competitions.

The vibrant city centre offers plenty of Easter-themed fun, including The Big Easter Party with Mr Wolf. For those seeking a more relaxed celebration, Preston's pubs and restaurants embrace the festive spirit.

Explore Preston's cultural treasures during your Easter break, with easy access to stunning countryside and the picturesque River Ribble providing the perfect backdrop for springtime walks.

Stay at: Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel, a 4-star retreat positioned on the banks of the River Ribble with great views. The hotel offers 98 well-appointed rooms with all modern amenities and the Riverside Bar & Restaurant serving exquisite British cuisine.

Chester's Roman walls and medieval charm create the perfect setting for an Easter city break. The Taste Cheshire Food and Drink Festival at Chester Racecourse (19th-21st April) is the highlight of Easter weekend, celebrating its 25th anniversary with celebrity chef demonstrations and over 120 exhibitors showcasing the finest local produce. Families will delight in the Easter Adventure Quest at Beeston Castle, where children can hunt for clues and chocolate treasures amid historic surroundings.

Chester's unique two-tiered 'Rows' shopping experience offers excellent retail therapy, while the ancient city walls provide an enjoyable walk with spectacular views – perfect for burning off those Easter indulgences!

Stay at: Macdonald New Blossoms Hotel, a historic 4-star establishment in the heart of Chester's city centre. Dating back to 1650, this Elizabethan-style hotel combines contemporary comfort with elegant tradition, offering 67 rooms with original Victorian features and modern amenities.

Experience Easter in the shadow of Windsor Castle with an array of regal activities. Challenge yourself with the Easter 25km Challenge, a scenic trek starting at Windsor Racecourse and passing through the Great Park, Runnymede, and along the Thames Path. For charity-minded visitors, the Easter 50 Ultra Challenge offers 10km, 25km, or 50km options supporting good causes or just run for yourself.

Windsor Castle itself hosts a variety of Easter activities, with creative crafting sessions for children and easter trails. LEGOLAND transforms for Easter (5th–21st April), featuring over 55 rides and attractions, including the Minifigure Speedway rollercoaster and special LEGO Easter building activities.

Stay at: Macdonald Windsor Hotel, a contemporary 4-star townhouse just steps from Windsor Castle. The hotel offers 120 individually furnished rooms, from standard accommodations to luxurious castle-view suites. Enjoy fine dining at Caleys Brasserie restaurant and take advantage of the hotel's prime location for exploring all Windsor's royal attractions.

Experience Easter with a Scottish flair in Aberdeen, where traditional activities blend with unique Aberdeenshire charm. The National Trust for Scotland organises Easter Egg Trails at several locations from April 18th to 21st, including Castle Fraser, Pitmedden Garden, and Crathes Castle. Complete the trails to claim chocolate rewards and create lasting family memories.

Active families can join Sport Aberdeen's holiday camps running from March 31st to April 11th, featuring multi-sports, snowsports, and adventure activities like paddlesports and mountain biking. Creative children will enjoy Aberdeen Art Box's Easter Camp with morning and afternoon sessions available.

Stay at: Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel, a 4-star luxury hotel housed in a Victorian mansion built in 1881. Set in 7 acres of beautiful grounds and woodland, the hotel offers 73 stylish bedrooms and suites, award-winning dining at the Tapestry Restaurant, and a tranquil setting within easy reach of Aberdeen's city centre.

Edinburgh embraces Easter with a wealth of cultural activities and seasonal events. The Edinburgh Science Festival runs from April 5th to 20th, 2025, offering scientific activities and exhibitions throughout the city. Easter egg enthusiasts can join trails at National Trust for Scotland properties from April 18th to 21st, or visit Conifox Adventure Park's Easter Festival featuring egg hunts, inflatables, and family activities.

Dynamic Earth presents a programme of Easter activities from March 30th to April 15th, including drop-in activities, workshops, and planetarium shows. The Royal Yacht Britannia offers a delightful "spot the corgis" activity for children, while Edinburgh Zoo showcases fascinating animal behaviours and instincts.

Stay at: Macdonald Houstoun House, a historic 16th-century tower house set in 22 acres of beautiful woodland just 15 miles from Edinburgh. This 4-star hotel offers 70 character-filled rooms, a health club with swimming pool, and fine dining at the Tower Restaurant featuring traditional Scottish dishes with a modern twist.