Local Easter days out in Oxfordshire

Earth Trust Lambing Festival is back

Interactive Water Features And Winding Walks At Blenheim

Blenheim Palace is set to unveil the biggest family-themed attraction in its history this spring

‘The Lost Garden’ a giant new outdoor adventure play attraction featuring quirky wooden structures, interactive water features, play trails and winding walkways.

“The Lost Garden is the biggest project Blenheim Palace has undertaken for many years,” said Managing Director Heather Carter.

“Stepping inside the Lost Garden children will feel like they are entering a different world. The carefully designed landscape will create different moments within the garden with a diverse collection of playful experiences for the children to discover,” she added.

The attraction will echo various architectural aspects of the Palace including its boat house, gateways and a replica of Vanbrugh’s Grand Bridge incorporating features from his original design which were never built.

There is also a large seating terrace overlooking the central water play feature. An elevated Wilderness Play area featuring aerial walkways, rope bridges, tunnels and triple racing zip lines will appeal to older children and provide extensive views across the ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland. www.blenheimpalace.com

Waterperry Gardens are a great place to let the kids let off steam!

Hunt the bunnies at Waterperry Gardens this Easter holiday and take in the beautiful Spring gardens at the same time. This is the time the county flower of Oxfordshire, the fritillary, flowers in the wild flower meadow and the gardens are beginning to burst back into life. The decorated bunnies are hiding all around the gardens and with a prize for every child it’s a lovely Easter day out for all the family. Don’t forget the family theatre taking place this summer in their Amphitheatre which brings you a variety of performances to enjoyvisit www.waterperrygardens.co.uk for more details.

Earth Trust Lambing Festival is back! Spring has sprung, and with that comes new life - including the newest fleecy residents at Earth Trust Farm! The environmental charity are thrilled to be back with their famous Lambing Festival, following a 3 year Covid break. Over 4 days (25th -26th March & 1st -2nd April) visitors can explore the farmyard (where you may get to see a lamb being born!). You can also enjoy tractor-trailer rides, games, stalls, meet the goats and more. Catering to be provided by Earth Trust’s tenant shepherdess, Emma’s Ewesful Acres, local roastery Horsebox Coffee and more. Earth Trust are running this event as part of their Spring to Life Season, celebrating the circle of life by noticing and nurturing the nature all around us. The festival offers a great opportunity to spend a day in nature and find out more about farming. What’s more, by coming along to an Earth Trust lambing weekend you will be helping to support the charity’s important work in championing accessible natural green spaces for everyone. Family tickets cost £28 when pre-booked online or £30 at the gate. Advance booking recommended. To find out more visit www.EarthTrust.org.uk

Experience Outdoor Life On A 100 Acre Farm This Easter

Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing—absolutely nothing— half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats”. Ratty and Mole’s adventures on and beside the water inspired The Oxford Boat Adventure.

This is a family run business offering children the opportunity to experience outdoor life on a private 100-acre farm. A chance for children to soak up the great outdoors by exploring on boats, surviving on land, even making pizzas on a private adventure island! From lighting campfires to navigating the old-fashioned way, children can share classic adventures with friends, both old and new, and learn some of the skills that make the countryside come alive.

Founder Amelia Wright wanted children to have the chance to escape from the trappings and distractions of modern life, replacing screen time and social pressures with a chance for imagination to come alive, and for creativity and character to shine. This adventure course aims to celebrate and rekindle the great tradition of outdoor childhood fun and wonder and create a new generation of capable and confident adventurers.

You can find out more about the different adventures available for school aged children from Reception through to Year 10, by visiting www.theoxfordboatadventure.co.uk