After #BeastfromtheEast and even last weekend’s #miniBeastfromtheEast it’s fair to say most people can’t wait for spring to hurry up and make its mark.

It might not feel like it in the freezing winds but peeking over the horizon we’ve got a fortnight of Easter school holidays, Bank Holidays and the longer days of British Summertime.

And for those who’ve added the 40-day abstinence of Lent to their winter calendar the end is almost in sight.

Alongside the religious significance of Easter comes the opportunity to eat good food, see family and friends and – best of all – enjoy a four-day weekend.

But four days is a lot of time to fill so thankfully Easter has become the time when the UK tourism industry wakes from its winter slumber.

Here we look at some eggcellent Easter events that catch the eye. Links to the events highlighted are at the end of the blog.

In London, Kew Gardens promises entertainment for all the family over the holidays with Peter Rabbit-themed days (March 30-April 15). Follow a trail based on the bunny and other famous Beatrix Potter characters.

Kew obviously hopes to capitalise on the recently released 3D computer-animated Peter Rabbit comedy. The film stars Domhnall Gleeson, Rose Byrne and Sam Neill, with the voices of James Corden and Margot Robbie.  It’s still on general release.

At Hampton Court Palace join in the Lindt gold bunny hunt around the home and gardens of Henry VIII. Once you’ve found all the golden figures, pick up your own delicious chocolate treat (March 26-April 15).

For those looking for something scrumdiddlyumptious, a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory themed afternoon tea at the One Aldwych Hotel may prove to be just the (golden) ticket.

Moving north, for those wanting to be active there’s an Easter bunny dash in Delamere Forest on Good Friday (March 30). This 5km fun run is suitable for all the family and finishers are guaranteed a medal – and chocolate bunny.

The National Trust has an Easter egg hunt at 1,300-acre Lyme Park in Cheshire. Follow the trail in the garden and discover the best that nature has to offer. Starts March 30 and runs throughout the school holidays

Easter also marks the official start of messing-about-on-the-water season. The 2018 Easter Boat Gathering at the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port, promises a varied line up of music, family and boat activity.

Among the activities between March 30 and April 2, children and families can enjoy music created just for them by acclaimed folk musician and story teller David Gibb, with the chance to sing and play along.

Further north still and in Cumbria there’s more Peter Rabbit fun with an Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday and Monday. Well, you’d expect nothing less at the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness.

Lakeland Maze Farm Park, near Kendal, re-opens after winter on March 24. There’ll be lots of fun activities with farm animals, an Easter egg hunt, indoor and outdoor play areas and picnic areas, soft play, climbing wall, trampolines, go karts, craft activities, tractor rides, quiz trails, pets corner and more.

In Carlisle, there’s an international market offering continental food.  Dozens of traders will showcase crafts in the city centre’s pedestrianised area between March 29 and April 2.

Wherever you are, the break offers the opportunity to be out in the great outdoors. So get some fresh air and stretch those legs. The Lake District’s Helvellyn was recently voted the UK’s favourite walk in an ITV poll, but there’s also another 99 to try out all over the UK!

https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/getoutside/itvs-britains-100-favourite-walks/

London

Kew Gardens https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/a-big-day-out-with-peter-rabbit

Hampton Court Palace https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/explore/lindt-gold-bunny-hunt/#gs.aHtnyqs

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory http://www.onealdwych.com/food-drink/afternoon-tea

More events https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/event/7883676-easter-weekend

Manchester

Delamere Forest https://www.evensi.uk/delamere-easter-bunny-dash-2018-forest/239579258

Lyme Park https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events/3020d395-01bf-4e7a-a383-4c3ec1f078b7/pages/details

Ellesmere Port https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/events/2018-03-30-easter-boat-gathering-2018

More events http://www.manchestersfinest.com/articles/27-things-to-do-over-easter-weekend-in-manchester/

Cumbria

Lakeland Maze Farm Park http://www.lakelandmaze.co.uk/

Bowness http://www.hop-skip-jump.com/

More events https://www.visitcumbria.com/whats-on/