Hop on over to the Botanics this weekend to join in with our Easter Trail!
Set off on a hunt for the Golden Egg, discovering different animals and their eggs on your journey to help the Botanics bunny.
Now open daily until Sun 14 Apr, find out more:
On an Easter activity day during the holidays, families can take part in arts and crafts activities as well as exploring the gardens of Edinburgh’s Royal Palace with a special family trail.
After taking inspiration from the story of the beautifully decorated Fabergé eggs in the Royal Collection, budding young artists can use paint, glitter and sequins to decorate their own Fabergé-style eggs to take home. A trip to the Palace would not be complete without a crown and children can decorate their own Easter crown to wear as they explore the State Apartments.
The family trail takes children on a journey through the gardens as they begin to spring into bloom and will help them explore the royal history, nature and wildlife of these beautiful grounds. Children can learn about the sun and moon dial which was made for Charles I, as well as exploring the medieval ruins of Holyrood Abbey, one of the most important buildings in Scottish history.
Families can also visit the recently reopened The King’s Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Following a successful run in London, the exhibition Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians explores life in Georgian Britain through the fashions of the day. Items on display include rare surviving items of clothing such as a court dress and items of Queen Charlotte’s impressive jewellery collection.
Also on display is a sword made for George IV’s historic visit to Edinburgh and a full-length portrait commissioned to mark the occasion.
As part of the organisation’s charitable aim to ensure that as many people as possible can access and enjoy the Palaces and the Royal Collection, Royal Collection Trust has launched a new scheme of £1 tickets, available to those receiving Universal Credit and other named benefits.
The £1 ticket offer is available for up to six people per household when visiting The King’s Gallery in 2024, making this an affordable way for families to visit the Gallery during the Easter holidays.
The Extravagant Eggs craft activity will run in the Family Room on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the weeks Monday, 1 – Saturday, 13 April, 11:00–15:00.
The Easter activity day will be on Saturday, 30 March, 10:00–15:00.
This Easter, bring together loved ones at Le Petit Beefbar for the ultimate family celebration. Enjoy a delicious jazz Sunday roast followed by an egg-citing Easter egg hunt that will put a spring in the whole family’s step.
Split a selection of delicious sharing plates to start – from the 45-day cured croque sando, to the signature bao buns and tempura insane rock corn with sriracha mayo – before feasting on the classic slow roasted black Angus beef striploin served alongside a Yorkshire pudding, Wagyu beef dripping roast potatoes, carrots, broccolini and roasted shallots covered in a rich, bone marrow gravy.
The roasted free-range chicken is served with Beefbar sauce and all the trimmings while vegetarians can enjoy the game-changing New Meat Redefined Meat bavette for their main course.
Toast to the bank holiday with the Cottontail Kick, a delicious chocolatey sensation made with the Easter festivities in mind. The special cocktail combines a classic espresso martini with an extra dash of chocolate, Bailey’s, and a tasty chocolate bunny on the side.
Children of all ages are invited to take part in a delightful egg hunt throughout the Intercontinental Edinburgh The George Hotel and Le Petit Beefbar in honour of Easter Sunday, with delicious chocolate to be claimed when the Le Petit Beefbar eggs are found around the hotel.
Dobbies, the UK’s largest garden retailer, is welcoming families along to its Edinburgh store this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.
The Little Seedlings Club workshop is taking place on Sunday 7 April and the Easter Holiday session is happening on various dates throughout March and April.
Designed to ignite a passion in gardening in an educational and engaging way, the sessions in Edinburgh give children aged 3-10 years old the chance to explore a new hobby, meet friends and learn about the wonderful world of gardens.
April’s Little Seedlings Club workshop will uncover what a wildlife friendly garden is, the importance of biodiversity, alongside common wildlife that can be spotted in the garden. From pollinators like bees and butterflies to birds, frogs, hedgehogs and squirrels, there’s plenty to spot in the garden as spring arrives.
Dobbies’ Easter Holiday sessions will give attendees in Edinburgh an introduction to spring, facts about the season, how to create a colourful garden full of flowers and vegetables at home, alongside learning about the vast variety of spring baby animals that can be spotted at this time of year. Children will also learn how to plant and care for Pansy seeds and get the chance to take some home.
Sarah Murray who has developed the Easter programme of activity at Dobbies is excited to welcome families along for some free fun. She explained: “Spring is the perfect time to get back into the garden and enjoy the outdoors, and we’re eager to share our love for gardening with passionate young enthusiasts.
“We know how tricky it can be to keep the kids entertained and busy over the school holidays, so bring the whole family to Dobbies’ Edinburgh store for a fun and interactive session.”
Alongside the family-friendly events, parents can enjoy cost savings with Dobbies’ Kids Eat Free offer which runs through the day, allowing children under the age of 16 to enjoy their food for free with every traditional adult breakfast and main course meal at lunch. This includes kids’ breakfasts, lunch menu or a pick ‘n’ mix meal, plus a drink.
The restaurant is open Monday-Sunday from 9am, times may vary and customers are advised to visit dobbies.com to check the restaurant opening hours of the Edinburgh store.
For more information about Dobbies’ Little Seedlings Club April session and the Easter workshop throughout March and April or to make a booking, visit:
If your payment date is on a bank holiday, you’ll usually be paid the working day before.
If you’re due a payment between Friday 29 March and Monday 1 April over the bank holiday, you’ll receive it by end of Thursday 28 March.
All other payment dates remain the same.
VIRGIN BET has been announced as the headline Easter Saturday Raceday sponsor at Musselburgh Racecourse – ahead of one of the biggest days of racing in the Scottish calendar.
Featuring the £100,000 Queen’s Cup and The Scottish Sprint Cup – regarded as Scotland’s fastest race – The Virgin Bet Easter Saturday Raceday will see some of the country’s top horses, trainers and jockeys converge on the East Lothian course on Saturday 30th March.
Bill Farnsworth, Racecourse Director with Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “In Virgin Bet we have a headline sponsor that matches our ambitions, to continue growing our Easter event and building its reputation as the pinnacle of horse racing in Scotland.
“We have a packed programme for avid racing fans. The £100,000 Virgin Bet Queen’s Cup, a Heritage Handicap staged over 1m 6f, is the feature race. With total prize money nudging £300,000, there is also a superb supporting card boasting contests such as the Virgin Bet Scottish Sprint Cup and Virgin Bet Silver Arrow, which are run over five-furlongs and seven-furlongs, respectively.
“Last year’s winner of the Queen’s Cup, Wise Eagle, went on to finish second in a Group 3 contest at Ascot while the 2022 hero Enemy was a close runner-up in a race in Saudi Arabia worth a whopping £1.2 million.
“The Scottish Sprint Cup attracts some of the fastest horses in the country, and twelve months ago, was won in blistering style by Silky Wilkie, who, just four weeks later, was just pipped by a short-head at Epsom on Derby Day. He was also second twice in Listed grade at Beverley and York.
“Musselburgh’s five-furlong track record was set in this race by 2018 winner Caspian Prince, who stopped the clock at 56.77sec, and meant he was travelling quicker than the cars on the adjacent road!
“Top jockey Hollie Doyle landed the 2019 renewal with Saheeq, who, like Caspian Prince, was trained by Mick Appleby. Last year’s Silver Arrow winner, Gweedore, was successful for the second year running, and his Galashiels trainer, Katie Scott, reports that she is preparing her stable star for the hat-trick!”
The high calibre of flat racing will be captured and broadcast across the UK by ITV Racing, with the racing programme starting at 1:30 and the final race getting underway at 5:20.
Ric Leask, Marketing Director at Virgin Bet, said: “We are thrilled to announce Virgin Bet as the headline sponsor for Easter Saturday Raceday at Musselburgh Racecourse.
“We are passionate about delivering an unparalleled sports betting experience, and there’s no better way to showcase this commitment than by supporting one of the biggest days of racing in the Scottish calendar.
“Musselburgh holds a special place in the hearts of racing enthusiasts, and we are excited to be a part of the excitement and tradition that the Easter Saturday Raceday brings.
“This sponsorship reflects our dedication to being a leading player in the horseracing world, and we’re delighted to continue to be deeply embedded within the highlight moments of the sport.”
Aisling Johnston, Head of Marketing and Business Development with Musselburgh Racecourse, said: “Easter Saturday is one of our biggest annual events that has grown over the years, gaining the royal seal of approval along the way.
“Virgin Bet coming on board is helping us to be even more ambitious with our plans, so that we can put on the perfect holiday weekend event for all manner of racegoers.
“This includes us expanding the off-track entertainment and hospitality offering. We believe it will be our best easter raceday to date.”
With the top-quality racing matched by a wide-ranging food and drink offering, plus an after-racing party, the event promises to be one of the biggest social gatherings in the Easter social calendar.
The Virgin Bet Easter Saturday Raceday on 30th March 2024 will open doors at 11:30 am and the first race is off at 1:50 pm (subject to change).
Book your tickets before midnight on the 29th of March and save £5.00 per person with under 17s going free when accompanied by an adult, T&Cs apply.
For more information and to book tickets now for Easter Saturday, visit:
https://www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk/view-fixture/easter-saturday-30-03-2024
The National Trust for Scotland welcomed 23,822 children to its places over Easter weekend, as people flocked to sites such as Crathes Castle, Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and Glencoe National Nature Reserve, to take part in its Easter Egg Trails and enjoy the country’s nature, beauty and heritage.
Following the popularity of last year’s Easter Egg Trails, which saw nearly 20,000 children take part in activities at 21 National Trust for Scotland places between Good Friday and Easter Monday, this year even more events took place across Scotland to encourage more families to get outdoors and enjoy some fun-filled activities in the beautiful surrounds of the Trust’s properties. This resulted in an increase in participants of almost 20%.
This year’s Easter trails took place across 32 Trust properties, from Friday 7 to Monday 10 April, where the family-friendly events tasked visitors with collecting clues dotted around the gardens, grounds, hills and woodland owned and cared for by the conservation charity, before solving the puzzle and winning some tasty chocolate prizes.
Certain places across the country saw a remarkable increase in participants this year, with figures at Hill of Tarvit up 155% to 846 children, meanwhile Crathes Castle welcomed 3,363 children (up 51% on last year), Newhailes 3,251 and Brodie Castle 2,261. House of the Binns, which recently re-opened its doors to the public on 1 April, participated for the first year and sold out in advance, with 478 children taking part.
Philip Long OBE, Chief Executive of National Trust for Scotland, said: “Easter is one of the highlights of the National Trust for Scotland’s calendar, giving people and especially families the chance to enjoy nature, beauty and heritage at our fantastic places.
“All over the country, our places were alive with people from across generations spending time together outdoors, while the sun mostly shone. What a great start to spring for everyone who loves Scotland’s special places. This support means so much to our charity and allows us to continue our vital work to care for and protect Scotland’s rich heritage, now and in the future.”
The Easter Egg Trails are just one example of the events and activities the National Trust for Scotland has made available this year, as part of its commitment to making Scotland’s heritage more accessible, as outlined in the charity’s 10-year strategy, Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone.
Focused on caring for, sharing, and speaking up for Scotland’s heritage which doesn’t have a voice, the Trust offers its members and visitors the opportunity to explore over 100 sites, while learning about some of the most magnificent buildings, collections and landscapes in the country.
For more information on the National Trust for Scotland visit www.nts.org.uk.
Looking for a way to entertain the kids this Easter? School feeding charity Mary’s Meals and Great British Bake Off star, Giuseppe Dell’Anno have the perfect idea! They are calling on people in Edinburgh to hold a bake sale and Raise Some Dough for hungry children this Easter.
Mary’s Meals serves nutritious school meals in 18 of the world’s poorest countries – including Malawi, Syria and Haiti. The promise of food attracts children into the classroom, where they can gain an education and hope for the future.
Giuseppe, Great British Bake Off winner in 2021, says: “Mary’s Meals tackles two major needs for kids’ welfare at once: nutrition and education. Many of us take things like school and food for granted, but there are places in the world where they are completely out of reach.
“A bake sale is a great way to have fun in the Easter holidays and raise funds to help this incredible charity reach the next child waiting for Mary’s Meals.
“You’d be surprised how far a very simple biscuit, baked with your cupboard essentials, can go. Especially if shared with a smile! I hope you’ll join me to Raise Some Dough this Easter for hungry children!”
People in Edinburgh can download a free fundraising pack from the charity’s website, which includes a recipe book packed full of tasty biscuit recipes from some of the UK’s favourite celebrities – including Giuseppe, Stephen Fry, Dame Joanna Lumley and Strictly Come Dancing star Ellie Taylor.
The charity will even send bakers a special mug-shaped cookie cutter, based on the mugs from which many children eat their daily serving of Mary’s Meals.
Dan McNally, head of grassroots engagement at Mary’s Meals, says: “If you’re looking for something to keep the family entertained this Easter, our Raise Some Dough fundraising pack has everything you ‘knead’ to hold a bake sale for friends and family and raise funds for children in some of the world’s poorest communities.
“It doesn’t matter whether you’re a star baker like Giuseppe, or a budding baker – we’d love for you to get involved and help us reach more hungry children with Mary’s Meals.”
To order your free Raise Some Dough fundraising pack, please visit:
Fort Kinnaird has confirmed its opening times for the Easter weekend (Friday 7th – Monday 10th April) for those looking to enjoy a day out with family and friends or pick up some last-minute Easter gifts, decorations for the celebrations.
From Friday 7th – Monday 10th April the centre’s shopping hours will be:
Fort Kinnaird always recommends checking with individual retailers for their specific opening times before setting off to avoid disappointment. For the most up to date Easter opening hours, check here: https://www.fortkinnaird.com/opening-times
Along with its wide variety of shops and restaurants, the centre has also compiled a range of options for family fun for the Easter school holidays, including the chance to meet and learn about small animals at Pets at Home, and crafting workshops at Hobbycraft where kids of all ages can enjoy clay-making and painting.
Fort Kinnaird is home to over 70 shops and restaurants including M&S, H&M, Primark, Bread Meats Bread and newly opened Chaiiwala, as well as a seven-screen Odeon cinema. There are also more than 2,600 free parking spaces.
For more information to help plan your Easter trip to Fort Kinnaird, including what’s on during the Easter holidays head here.
The National Trust for Scotland is calling on the people of Edinburgh and the Lothians to protect, share and enjoy nature, beauty and heritage this spring by visiting the places everyone loves in Scotland, such as House of the Binns and Gladstone’s Land, and enjoying thousands of experiences, including events like the Festhailes music festival.
Across Edinburgh and the Lothians this spring, visitors can explore the first signs of the season at Malleny Garden and Inveresk Lodge Garden or admire the architectural grandeur of the magnificently restored Georgian House in Charlotte Square. For the first time since before the pandemic, the historic House of the Binns in Linlithgow opened its doors again on 1 April following an extensive period of repairs and refurbishment to conserve over 400 years of heritage.
Members of the conservation charity enjoy free access to more than 100 places, including Malleny Garden, Georgian House, Inveresk Lodge and Preston Mill.
Events planned for the coming months include tailored tours such as Tables Through Time: Food in Gladstone’s Land, a guided event showcasing the lives of three women that lived and worked in the property on Friday 14 April.
Newhailes is providing visitors with a range of fun-filled events – from the Newhailes Big Top Circus Showcase and circus skills workshop on Saturday 8 and 9 April to Festhailes 2023 music festival on Saturday 13 May, and Doghailes on Sunday 30 July.
More information on the events and tickets can be found on the Trust website.
The National Trust for Scotland’s family Easter Egg Trails are also back this year. Taking place across 32 Trust places throughout the country, including House of the Binns and Newhailes House & Gardens, between Friday 7 and Monday 10 April solve clues hidden around the grounds, before claiming a chocolate treat. With Trail sheets available at each venue for just £4, more information can be found on the Trust website.
Philip Long OBE, Chief Executive at the National Trust for Scotland, said: “It is fantastic to see just how popular our places proved with people last year, as we all started to recover from the impacts of the global pandemic and the uncertainty that followed.
“It is our charity’s privilege to share Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage with everyone, and we are very grateful to all our supporters who make this possible. By being part of the National Trust for Scotland, they are helping protect, share and enjoy the places where memories are made.
“Over the coming months, we have some exciting projects coming to fruition which will give all our supporters even more experiences to share this spring and summer.”
Following the launch of its 10-year strategy, Nature, Beauty and Heritage for Everyone, in March last year, the National Trust for Scotland has focused on caring for Scotland’s special places, providing access and enjoyment and being a sustainable charity, including restoring and regenerating woodland and peatlands at Mar Lodge Estate, creating sustainable visitor facilities at Corrieshalloch National Nature Reserve and unveiling an innovative new garden at Pitmedden which is adapted for a changing climate.
This work is possible thanks to the support of members and donors.
To support the conservation charity’s work to care for Scotland’s special places, join at www.nts.org.uk. Prices start from £3.20 for those aged 16 to 24, £5.50 for adults and £4.85 per month for those aged 60 and over.
For more information on the National Trust for Scotland, or the events taking place in your area, visit: www.nts.org.uk.
