As the spring sunshine approaches, Lauriston Castle has launched an action-packed season of activities and events for all the family.
Members of Edinburgh Living History got into the spirit ahead of the Easter Shenanigans planned for the weekend and rolled some easter eggs they had painted.
Edinburgh Living History are our multi award-winning team, who interpret the history of the castle in a variety of entertaining ways in Edwardian costume – bringing to life the history of the house. On Sunday 2 April visitors can walk through the Castle on a special tour watching the performance unfold.
Elsewhere, running from the Castle Courtyard, there are free drop-in events all day including an Easter Trail with a chocolate surprise at the end, our Egg and Spoon Race, which you can bring your own hard-boiled egg to decorate and then race in, or egg rolling, with a prize for the egg that rolls the furthest.
Visitors can also make their own Easter crown, flower or pinwheel and share online using our giant frame! You can also craft a clay spring tile, paint a cermaic tile, make papier mâché eggs or explore with one of our garden activity books.
This year’s lecture series kicks off in April and across 15 mornings explores an incredible range of subjects with experts in their field covering topics from Earth Day and Scottish Art in the 1920s to Occupations of Old and Mary Queen of Scots.
Family days out come in the form of Castle Bug Tour, World Bee Day and the return of the popular Lauriston’s Castle Teddy Bear’s Picnic.
Enjoy a special evening screening of Downton Abbey: A New Era at Lauriston Castle on Saturday 10 June as part of the atmosphere series of films at the Castle.
The Castle’s costumed performances are popular. This year spring sees A Lauriston Castle Murder Mystery or you can drop into the lives of the people in the Castle in 1911 as members of the household debate the issues involved in the campaigns for Votes for Women in A Guid Caus. In September, in Our Soldiers Need You, it’s 1916 and a member of the local fundraising committee has come to the castle to speak to everyone about how they can help with the War effort.
A series of workshops for adults and families draw on the seasons and the setting for their inspiration, and this year visitors can try their hands at Printmaking Inspired by Nature, making Summer Mosaics and many more covering expressive drawing, painting and sketching.
With over 50 events from April to September varying from workshops to murder mystery nights, Lauriston Castle has many reasons to return throughout the season.
Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “As the days get longer and the Easter holidays approach, many families might be wondering how best to keep boredom at bay. Lauriston Castle, with over 50 events, workshops, talks and tours, is a one-stop-shop for those looking for something new to do over the coming months.
“For more than 400 years, captivating Lauriston Castle has overlooked the River Forth at Silverknowes, near Cramond.
“Set among 30 acres of woodland and beautiful gardens, the Castle is a special place to visit whether to explore the beautiful Edwardian interior, having a picnic or taking part in one of the many events, discussions or workshops programmed across the coming months.”
Margaret Findlay Learning and Public Programmes Manager said: “It has been my absolute pleasure to bring events back to Lauriston Castle for the first time since the pandemic.
“It was a vibrant and popular venue for events and we look forward to welcoming our core audiences back while also welcoming new visitors and local communities to our exciting and diverse programme. People truly have a magical experience at a very special castle and gardens and we look forward to creating more memories.”
Tracy Robertson, Steward of Lauriston Castle, said: “We are very proud of our diverse and highly acclaimed programmes at Lauriston Castle and look forward to welcoming visitors through our gates.
“There is something for everyone to participate in and we are always exploring new and exciting events. The Castle and its grounds are magical and we’re very privileged to run events in such a unique place.”
All information on Lauriston Castle events can be found on the Museums and Galleries website or visiting Lauriston Castle Facebook page.