Best Family Easter Activities in the Yorkshire Dales for 2026
Planning an Easter break the whole family will love?
Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Long Ashes Park is perfectly placed for exploring some of North Yorkshire’s best family-friendly Easter events - from chocolate-filled farm adventures to woodland bunny trails and steam train magic.
Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, primary-age explorers or teens who still love a bit of Easter fun (even if they won’t admit it!), here’s your ultimate guide to Easter 2026 in the Yorkshire Dales, with the perfect base for your family stay.
Easter Fun at The Gamekeeper's Inn
Situated within Long Ashes Park, The Gamekeeper’s Inn is hosting two fantastic Easter events for families:
Children's Easter Party
Saturday 4th April (12pm - 3pm)
The Easter Bunny has been hiding the answers to a special Easter quiz all around the gardens - can you hunt them down and crack the clues? Find them all to earn a delicious Easter egg surprise.
Once the hunt is complete, tuck into a delicious buffet, before dancing your socks off at the Easter disco.
Tickets are £9.95 per child, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Easter Sunday Carvery
Sunday 5th April (12pm - 5pm)
Celebrate Easter Sunday with your loved ones at The Gamekeeper’s Inn and enjoy a delicious Easter Carvery. Savour a hearty selection of roast meats, fresh seasonal vegetables, and plenty of rich gravy, with a tasty vegetarian carvery option also available.
Skip the cooking this Easter and treat yourself to a comforting, homemade Yorkshire carvery in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere - perfect for family and friends alike.
Woodland Bunny Trails at Bolton Abbey (~ 25 minutes away)
Image source: Bolton Abbey
Saturday 21st March to Sunday 19th April 2026
Bolton Abbey’s much-loved Easter Trail is not to miss, and it is included with your car parking ticket.
Families can wander through Strid Wood spotting giant Easter bunnies, solve clues to complete the trail sheet, and even enter the Design a Bunny competition - with the winning design featured in the 2027 trail!
It’s the perfect mix of fresh air, gentle walking and Easter excitement.
Egg-citing Adventures at Thornton Hall Farm (~ 25 minutes away)
Thornton Hall Farm goes all our for Easter with two brilliant experiences:
Image source: Thornton Hall Farm
Easter Toddler Parties
Monday 23rd, Wednesday 24th & Thursday 25th March 2026
Perfect for toddlers and young families, enjoy party games such as musical statues and pass the parcel. Games will take place at intervals throughout the day so there's plenty of opportunity to get involved.
Kids can also get creative in the crafty corner, burn off some steam in the indoor soft play, and meet the friendly farm animals.
The Easter Bunny will also be hopping around the park, so be sure to say hello and stop for a photo.
Image source: Thornton Hall Farm
EGGventure
Saturday 38th March to Monday 6th April 2026
Enjoy a magical 45-minute interactive chocolate-themed experience, learning all about the history of chocolate.
Children will have the opportunity to try hands-on chocolate making and proudly take home their very own chocolate bar.
Plus, you won't want to miss the Easter Bunny's Big Party, a fun-filled 20-minute show packed with games, dancing and more.
Easter Fun & Newborn Lambs at Hesketh Farm Park (~ 30 minutes away)
Image by Karim Manjra
Annual Easter Trail
Saturday 28th March to Sunday 12th April
Hesketh Farm Park's annual Easter trail takes place all around the farm. Search around for hidden eggs, untangle the letters, and reveal the winning word to collect your edible prize.
Image by Tim Marshall
Spring Lambs
From February to April
The sheep are just beginning to lamb, with the majority due at Easter time.
During your Easter visit, you're very likely to see lots of newborn sheep. Listen out for the bell ringing when they are due for a feed, and you can even come and lend a hand.
Meet Peter Rabbit at Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway (~20 minutes away)
Image source: Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway
Sunday 5th and Monday 6th April 2026
This Easter, you can discover the magic of heritage railways all while meeting Peter Rabbit at Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway.
Peter Rabbit and friends will be appearance at intervals throughout the day.
Your ticket includes a return steam train journey, the chance to see the characters, and the opportunity to join in with some fun-filled Easter activities.
Easter Wonderland at Mother Shipton's Cave (~ 50 minutes away)
Image source: Mother Shipton's
Saturday 28th March to Sunday 19th April 2026
Discover an Easter Wonderland at Mother Shipton's Cave, an award-winning attraction voted the Best Magical Experience in the York area.
Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, the woodland has been transformed into an Easter-themed fairytale scene. Join the Madd Hatter for an immersive tea party, come face-to-face with the Queen of Hearts and the White Queen, and meet Alice herself.
There will be plenty of photo opportunities, so be sure to come dressed in your best Wonderland-inspired outfits.
Why Long Ashes Park is Perfect for Your Family Easter Break
After busy days exploring Easter trails, farms and railways, returning to Long Ashes Park offers the calm, space and comfort families love:
Spacious accommodation ideal for families
Peaceful countryside setting
On-site leisure facilities for downtime included with your stay
Close to the Yorkshire Dales's top attractions
It's the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. With so many family-friendly Easter activities just a short drive away, Long Ashes Park is the ideal base for making unforgettable spring memories in the Yorkshire Dales. Fresh air, fun days out, cosy evenings and quality family time await.
Start planning your Easter 2026 escape today and give your family an Easter they'll never forget.