Great Days Out: The experts' guide to Easter

There are plenty of great British days out on offer, but where would those in theknow go? We asked tourism chiefs across the country for their perfect Easter diaries

LONDON

By Sally Chatterjee, Interim CEO, Visit London

This Easter, visit the home of time and explore the new Discover Greenwich Centre, climb to the top of The Monument to a get a bird's eye view of the city, or be inspired by more theatrical performances than are available anywhere else on the planet. With free attractions, museums and galleries, 48 Michelin-starred restaurants, exciting markets, and beautiful parks and gardens to enjoy, there really is something for everyone in London. visitlondon.com

Today

Float your boat

Pick a spot on the banks of the River Thames and cheer on the teams competing in London's great sporting event, the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race. theboatrace.org

Easter Sunday

Premium service

Experience Easter Sunday in the grandeur of St Paul's Cathedral. Enjoy a traditional service followed by a modern British roast in The Wren Suite, the restaurant located in the church's crypt. stpauls.co.uk

Easter Monday

Picture this

Follow the Easter story in colour with a free tour of the National Gallery. Starting at 1pm, the tour examines the magnificent paintings in the Gallery's collection. Places are on a first-come, first-served basis. nationalgallery.org.uk

Tuesday 6 April

Mad for it

How curious! Kids can learn some great skills at the Mad Hatter's Film School at the BFI. From 6-9 April, nine- to 13-year-olds can participate in a series of surreal workshops, with a screening of a classic Alice film each afternoon. bfi.org.uk

Wednesday 7 April

Go for a duck

See Spring's first ducklings take to the waters at the Easter Eggs-travaganza at WWT London Wetland Centre. wwt.org.uk/london

Thursday 8 April

An orderly Kew

Delve into London's history with a visit to Kew Palace. Nestled in the stunning Kew Gardens, the Palace will this year be marking the 250th anniversary of George III's accession. hrp.org.uk/KewPalace

Friday 9 April

Animal magic

Let your family go wild at Rainforest Life, ZSL London Zoo's exciting new exhibit and London's only living rainforest. zsl.org

Next weekend

Super shopper

Browse the stalls at The Covent Garden Real Food Market as it makes its return to the Piazza every Saturday. coventgardenlondonuk.com. Finish your weekend with a meal at one of London's restaurants offering special Easter menus. Sunday brunch at Courthouse Doubletree by Hilton comes with a free family movie in the hotel's private in-house cinema. doubletree.hilton.co.uk/courthouse

SOUTH EAST ENGLAND

By Michael Bedingfield, CEO, Tourism South East

If you want to get out and about in the fresh air, South East England has nine areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and, now, two National Parks to explore. There are riverside walks, stunning gardens, historical buildings – or what about a vibrant city for an exciting weekend break, such as Brighton, Oxford, Portsmouth or Windsor? With countless art galleries, theatres, museums and attractions together with a wealth of exciting and diverse events there's lots to explore this Easter in the Beautiful South. visitsoutheastengland.com

Today

Eat and be merry

Chilterns Easter Festival of Food at Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire is a food festival for all the family. www.bit.ly/d4UbkI

Easter Sunday

Isle be there

Enjoy the spectacle of some of the Isle of Wight's blossoming countryside from the comfort of your seat on one of the island's steam trains. islandbreaks.co.uk

Easter Monday

Good eggs

Bring your own hand-decorated hardboiled egg and try your luck at the Easter Egg-rolling competition at Devil's Dyke in East Sussex. The egg that gets furthest down the Dyke valley wins, and the best decorated egg will also be in line for a prize. visitbrighton.com

Tuesday 6 april

Go green

Come rain or shine, embrace the great outdoors at the RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey. Have a go at making your own kite, sow poached egg plants, make a rain gauge, or have fun on a welly splash walk. rhs.org.uk/wisley

Wednesday 7 april

Jump for joy

A free Winchester Bunny Hop is set to send egg-hunting families around the city this Easter. Successful riddle-solvers will be rewarded with an Easter surprise. visitwinchester.co.uk

Thursday 8 april

Rock to the docks

The Historic Dockyard Chatham in Kent has lots of activities on this Easter, including an egg hunt, bunny mask-making and other children's activities. chdt.org.uk

Friday 9 april

Have a wild time

Half-hour cruises will run from Beale Park in Reading daily during the Easter school holidays. Wildlife in the park includes ring-tailed lemurs, red-necked wallabies, Geoffroy's marmosets, giant rabbits, meerkats and more.

bealepark.co.uk

Next Weekend

Snout and about

Kent Life, the county's premier heritage farm attraction is offering young visitors a special surprise next weekend as children's favourite Peppa Pig makes her first appearances on site.

kentlife.org.uk

SOUTH WEST

By Maureen McAllister, Director of South West Tourism

South West England at this time of year is vibrant and magnificent; the beautiful beaches, gently rolling hills and the lush countryside provide a stunning backdrop for visitors. Over the second weekend of the Easter holidays we'll showcase the very best from the region at the Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink. It's a great event for foodies and families to sample the produce and enjoy live entertainment. visitsouthwest.co.uk

Today

Gardens at Eden

Explore the weird and wonderful of the plant world at the Eden Project's new Freaky Nature exhibit. Over the Easter holidays families will be able to get stuck in, with a range of fun activities. edenproject.com

Easter Sunday

Severn sent

Enjoy a special Easter Sunday lunch, drinks and cream tea onboard the Edward Elgar riverboat with English Holiday Cruises. At 11.30am you set sail for four hours from the Gloucester Docks taking in the views of the River Severn. englishholidaycruises.co.uk

Easter Monday

Green and pleasant

Take the family to the Prior Park Landscape Garden in Greater Bath, a beautiful and intimate 18th-century landscaped garden set in a sweeping valley. Walk across the Palladian Bridge, one of just four in the world. nationaltrust.org.uk/priorpark

Tuesday 6 April

Tap your toes

See Riverdance in Bristol – your last chance to see these legendary Irish dancers in the UK. Riverdance propels traditional dance and music into the present day, capturing the imagination of audiences. bristolhippodrome.org.uk

Wednesday 7 April

Snap shot

Stunning photography is on display at the Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum and Village. The Wiltshire village dates back to the 13th century and is known for its picturesque streets and historic buildings. nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock

Thursday 8 April

Wild at heart

Take your family to see the film adaptation of Where the Wild Things Are at the Bridport Film Festival, which runs just over the Easter break at the Bridport Arts Centre and at The Electric Palace cinema. While you're at the historic market town, pop down to the sandy West Bay Beaches. frompagetoscreen.org.uk

Friday 9 April

Drink it in

Sample the best food and drink of the region on the first day of the Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink 2010 at Northernhay Gardens and Exeter Castle Courtyard.

exeterfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk

Next Weekend

Star struck

Take the opportunity over the weekend to see Disney's Beauty and the Beast at Cornwall's theatre under the stars, The Minack at Porthcurno. minack.com

EAST MIDLANDS

By Ruth Hyde, Chief Executive, East Midlands Tourism

With an abundance of historic attractions in our region, you can take a whirlwind tour of some of the most significant periods in England's history all in the space of day. Our cosmopolitan cities, offer a host of cultural experiences, including the newly opened Nottingham Contemporary. And just a short distance away, you can explore some of England's most beautiful countryside, including the Peak District National Park and the Lincolnshire coast. discovereastmidlands.com

Today

Easy on the ice

Test out your Ice Age hunting skills at the prehistoric Creswell Crags with free Ice Age trails throughout the limestone gorge site. Watch demonstrations of flintknapping and other Ice Age skills in the new £7m visitor centre. creswell-crags.org.uk

Easter Sunday

A head of steam

Take a trip back to the steam age on one of the trains on the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway, which is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The Easter Steam Gala at Ludborough Station will feature face painting, children's rides and other activities. lincolnshirewoldsrailway.co.uk

Easter Monday

Race to the top

The Auto Trader Easter Thunderball at Santa Pod Raceway, Northamptonshire will be packed with high-octane motorsport for all the family to enjoy. santapod.co.uk

Tuesday 6 April

Trees company

Head to Conkers, Leicestershire's hands-on attraction at the heart of the National Forest, to test your skills in an Easter Egg Orienteering Hunt. Alternatively, check out the new Barefoot Walk, or try the assault course (aged 13 plus). visitconkers.com

Wednesday 7 April

A knight's tale

Take part in the Knight School at Bosworth Battlefield in Leicestershire. Learn the skills needed to become a valiant Knight, and the amazing story of how experts found the location of the Battle of Bosworth Field. bosworthbattlefield.com

Thursday 8 April

Hit the heights

Settle down for some storytelling from Tess of the Woods at Heights of Abraham in Derbyshire – plus cable-car rides and show caverns at this unique hilltop adventure park.

heightsofabraham.com

Friday 9 April

On your bike

Visitors to Rosliston Forestry Centre in Derbyshire can jump on a bike and take part in the super cycling day, or try their hand at archery in the heart of the National Forest. roslistonforestrycentre.co.uk

Next weekend

Park life

Explore the 150-acre Rufford Country Park on the edge of Nottinghamshire's historic Sherwood Forest. In the park are the picturesque remains of a 12th-century Cistercian monastery and later country house. nottinghamshire.gov.uk

EAST OF ENGLAND

By Keith Brown, Chief Executive, East of England Tourism

Our region has something for everyone, whether you're looking for top hotels and restaurants for a pampering luxurious break, an invigorating weekend experiencing breathtaking scenery, or a family jaunt with activities for young and old. We have 250 miles of coastline, fascinating historical cities and towns and picture-perfect countryside to explore. visiteastofengland.com

Today

Spring into action

Visit one of the East of England's great range of farm attractions to cuddle a bunny, see newly hatched chicks and help bottle-feed the lambs. Willows Farm Village, near St Albans, Hertfordshire, is a great countryside experience for the whole family. willowsfarmvillage.com

Easter Sunday

Listen here

Set amid breathtaking scenery alongside the River Alde, Aldeburgh Music's "creative campus" is based at Snape Maltings on the Suffolk coast. Sunday 4 April sees the Britten-Pears Orchestra playing Haydn and Beethoven. aldeburgh.co.uk

Easter Monday

Capture the castle

Visit Hedingham Castle, near Halstead in Essex. The castle and its beautiful grounds are ideal for a family outing. During Easter there are a variety of special events which bring its colourful history alive. hedinghamcastle.co.uk

Tuesday 6 April

Take a punt

You can't visit Cambridge without trying your hand at punting. This Easter you and a group of friends can have a go at the Cambridge Easter Challenge. Follow a punting and walking route and test your wits and powers of observation with an array of team tasks. scudamores.com

Wednesday 7 April

Animal crackers

Visit Woburn Safari Park and say hello to new arrival Yu Zin, a five-ton female Asian elephant. Then climb trees and slide across high wires at Go Ape, an award-winning high-wire forest adventure course set high up in the trees of Woburn. woburn.co.uk

Thursday 8 April

Go wild

BeWILDerwood is an award-winning adventure park where parents are encouraged to play alongside their children, all of which makes for a fabulous day out for the whole family. This Easter, visitors are invited to join Swampy for his "Steady Spoon Dash" and brave the wobbly walks. bewilderwood.co.uk

Friday 9 April

Swift half

Head to the village of Maldon, where you can sample beers from far and wide – as well as those available locally – at the Maldon Beer Festival, which runs from 7-10 April. dengiecamra.org.uk

Next weekend

Take a stroll

Enjoy a walk in the countryside. Visit East of England has walking maps that are downloadable from the website visiteastofengland.com.

HEART OF ENGLAND

By Brian Summers, Chairman, Tourism West Midlands

What I love about The Heart of England is the variety of attractions and events on offer throughout the year. Where else can you mix Shakespeare and Michelin-starred restaurants, music festivals and food festivals, world-class shopping and stunning landscapes, and a wonderfully diverse heritage including Wedgwood, Cadbury, Darwin and Ironbridge? The bonus for visitors is that the Heart of England is at the hub of Britain's road and rail networks, so exploring is made very easy. visittheheart.co.uk

Today

Sweet success

Prepare for the chocolate indulgence of Easter at Cadbury World. Join in an Easter Egg hunt, an Easter bonnet parade – and don't forget to sample some of the delights on offer. cadburyworld.co.uk

Sunday

A bard place

Watch as Shakespeare's past is unveiled in Stratford-upon-Avon by archaeologists excavating the remains of Shakespeare's house at New Place. Visitors will have a close view of the trenches and can interact with the archaeological team as they work. digfor shakespeare.com

Easter Monday

The rail deal

Take in the stunning landscape between Shropshire and Worcestershire along the Severn Valley Railway. After a trip on the steam train, visit the engine house to enjoy a number of original paintings by railway artist, John Austin. svr.co.uk

Tuesday 6 April

Fight club

Witness the art of medieval battle at Warwick Castle as the River Island is transformed to recreate the famous Battle of Barnet. warwick-castle.co.uk

Wednesday 7 April

Spy jinks

"CSI: The Experience" based in Birmingham gives you the chance to enter "crime scenes" and solve cases. Then it returns you to the office to build your case, based on the evidence. For adults and children over 12. csibirmingham.com

Thursday 8 April

Ride on time

You can ride, slide and let off steam at The Alton Towers Theme Park in Staffordshire this Easter. With terrific rides, live shows and weird and wonderful costume characters there is something to keep the whole family entertained. altontowers.com

Friday 9 April

The three-day Wenlock Poetry Festival will be held for the first time. It builds upon Shropshire's rich poetic heritage to make Much Wenlock a national centre for poetry. wenlockpoetryfestival.org

Next weekend

The Jubilee maze in Herefordshire reopens for the summer season. Split up as you enter and then try to make your way out. Finally, visit the museum to discover the history of mazes. mazes.co.uk

YORKSHIRE

By Gary Verity, Chief executive, Welcome to Yorkshire

Why go anywhere else other than Yorkshire this Easter? Walk up beautiful hills and down iconic Dales, take a steam train across wild moors to a Jurassic coast. Stroll around historic hearts of vibrant cities, indulge in some of the finest food in UK and wake up in inspiring places. Visit the county where the welcome is always warm and make a toast to everything you've seen with a pint in the highest pub in England. yorkshire.com

Today

Thomas returns

Thomas the Tank Engine will be in Yorkshire today with his fellow shed mate Percy to delight children making trips along the line from Bolton Abbey and Embsay station – all under the watchful eye of the Fat Controller. embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk

Easter Sunday

Raising the baa

At Hurries Farm in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, visitors will be able to meet the farm's new lambs on an accompanied two-hour walk. yorkshiredales.org.uk

Easter Monday

Carbon footprints

Let someone else take the strain today – literally – and cheer on competitors in the World Coal Carrying Championship in Gawthorpe, West Yorkshire. The contest dates back to 1963 when a pub bet was settled with a race, carrying a bag of coal, from the pub to the village maypole. gawthorpe.ndo.co.uk

Tuesday 6 April

A very important date

Families better not be late to their very important date in EurekaLand. Eureka! The national children's museum in Halifax, West Yorkshire is inviting visitors to step into the world of Lewis Carroll with "curious and curiouser" games and events (pictured left). eureka.org.uk

Wednesday 7 April

Beat the Bookies

Take in some fresh air with a trip to Catterick racecourse for the Easter Week fixtures. April sees the 227th anniversary of horse racing in Catterick, so why not join the celebrations at one of Yorkshire's favourite racecourses? goracing.co.uk

Thursday 8 April

Good eggs

Join in Cusworth Hall's traditional egg rolling, egg hunt and decorated egg competitions. Don't forget one decorated egg for the competition and one hard-boiled egg to roll. yorkshiresouth.com

Friday 9 April

Bowled over

With the Easter holidays marking the official start of the cricket season, budding Michael Vaughans can get some intensive batting and bowling coaching during the Easter Coaching courses run by Yorkshire County Cricket Club. yorkshireccc.com

Next Weekend

Walk with dinosaurs

Work off the Easter excesses with a cliff top walk above North Yorkshire's Dinosaur coastline. www.bit.ly/b58C66

NORTH EAST

By Geoff Hodgson, Chairman, North East Tourism Advisory Board

We're expecting to see thousands of visitors to Hadrian's Wall this Easter, following the recent Illuminating Hadrian's Wall event. And it's not just the great outdoors on offer, we're also great indoors, with hundreds of family friendly events such as the Teddy Bears' Picnic at Locomotion, hands-on attractions such as the Discovery museum and some things that you'll find nowhere else, including the giant tree house at The Alnwick Garden. visitnortheastengland.com

Today

Hard craft

Easter fun at Wallington Hall, Northumberland. Children can try the Easter trail, craft activities, games and races. Krafty Kidz will also be here, giving you the chance to make Easter items. nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington

Easter Sunday

Bear necessity

Take the whole family to Locomotion: National Railway Museum in County Durham to enjoy a great teddy bear's picnic during the museum's Easter Fair. Kids can enjoy a thrilling steam train ride and craft activity. locomotion.uk.com

Easter Monday

Great gardens

If you love spring flowers then Howick Hall Gardens, Northumberland, are a must-see. Their breathtaking displays of daffodils and tulips have helped the Gardens to be voted Garden of the Year 2009 by Gardens Illustrated. howickhallgardens.org

Tuesday 6 April

Spring arrivals

Spring is sure to bring some new arrivals to the farm at Bede's World, Tyne and Wear. You can also see a silversmith at work and dress up as a monk. bedesworld.co.uk

Wednesday 7 April

Wall of fame

To walk off all that chocolate, there is no better place than the stunning World Heritage Site of Hadrian's Wall. There are walks of all lengths from the full 84-mile national trail to shorter walks around one of the many forts. hadrians-wall.org

Thursday 8 April

Horsing around

Easter is the last chance for visitors to see Lucky Spot, Stella McCartney's glittering crystal horse sculpture at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Northumberland, which has left thousands of visitors spellbound. english-heritage.org.uk/belsay

Friday 9 April

Gather round

Head to the first day of the 43rd Morpeth Gathering, Northumberland. This three-day event is jam-packed with concerts, street events, dances and exhibitions. northumbriana.org.uk

Next weekend

Amazed by Maisy

It's the 20th birthday of the Maisy books by Lucy Cousins. Seven Stories, the centre for children's books in NewcastleGateshead, is celebrating by holding a Maisy weekend. Children can take part in art and craft activities and even meet the mischievous little mouse. sevenstories.org.uk

NORTH WEST

By Nick Brooks-Sykes, Director of Tourism, Northwest Development Agency (NWDA)

I'm not a fan of the phrase "something for everyone", but with an area as diverse as the Northwest it's hard to think of an alternative. We've got the majestic scenery of the Lake District, the vibrant cities of Manchester and Liverpool, and possibly Britain's best-known seaside resort: Blackpool. You can enjoy the cultural highs of the city and take in peaks and plains on the same day. nwda.co.uk

Today

Van scoff

Chester Food and Drink Festival kicks off today and runs through until Monday. It coincides with Chester's first CamperFest, so bring your camper van and park up at Chester Racecourse for the weekend. chesterfoodanddrink.com

Easter Sunday

Crack the clues

The Walker Art Gallery is one of four cultural venues across the city that make up Liverpool's Crackin' Easter Trail. A great opportunity for super-sleuths of all ages to get creative. liverpoolmuseums.org.uk .

Easter Monday

Brick stop

Perfect for a rainy day, the UK's first Legoland Discovery Centre has arrived in Manchester. It's a day out for the whole family including an interactive LEGO ride. legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk

Tuesday 6 April

Sky at night

Ask a Jodrell Bank Astronomer about the telescope and take a Journey to Mars or tour the Solar System in the 3D theatre; perfect for budding scientists and big kids. Ask an Astronomer runs from 6-9 April at 2pm. jb.man.ac.uk

Wednesday 7 April

Streets paved with gold

Explore the cobbled streets of Lancaster on a new two-hour walking trail, which doubles up as a treasure hunt for grown-ups. visitlancashire. com/embarkonajourney

Thursday 8 April

Ticket to ride

Enjoy a family cycle in the stunning Ribble Valley. One of the most picturesque takes in Dunsop Bridge in the Forest of Bowland, at the geographic centre of the UK. visitlancashire.com/site/ things-to-do/cycling

Friday 9 April

People power

The People's History Museum in Manchester reopened last month. It explores many of the world-changing ideas fought for by the working people of Britain and charts the history of our democracy. phm.org.uk

Next weekend

Cache course

Head to the Lake District, which is shaping up to be the adventure capital of the UK. GeoCaching – a hi-tech treasure hunting game using GPS – is the latest craze, and Cumbria has one of the highest concentrations of cache sites in Europe. Alternatively you could try England's first Via Ferrata at Honister Slate Mine. golakes.co.uk/adventure-capital

WALES

By Jonathan Jones, Director, Tourism and Marketing, Visit Wales

Thanks to stunning and varied countryside and the warm Welsh welcome, Wales is great to visit at any time of year. Those with an adventurous streak might want to scramble along a cliff coasteering, or take advantage of some of the best mountain-biking trails in the UK. For a more gentle break, take the train to the top of Snowdon, enjoy the Welsh capital or join in one of the many Easter-themed activities. visitwales.co.uk

Today

Slate of play

Search for bunnies around the National Slate Museum and try to win chocolate prizes. Watch slates being split, stare at the huge buzz saws used to cut trees for railway sleepers, run past historic workers' houses and climb on slate walls. museumwales.ac.uk/en/slate

Easter Sunday

Up for a scrap

Head to the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea to take part in the Gener8, Save the Egg Challenge. This event offers budding engineers the chance to build prototypes and models out of scrap. museumwales.ac.uk/en/swansea/

Easter Monday

Fooling around

Llancaiach Fawr Manor hosts an Easter and All Fools day today, re-enacting ancient traditions. The family fun includes an Easter bonnet competitions and an egg hunt. caerphilly.gov.uk/llancaiachfawr

Tuesday 6 April

Close to the edge

Coasteering is an adrenalin sport where you scramble and climb along a cliff-face, and where necessary leap into the water below to swim until you can grab the cliff again. This sport was invented in Pembrokeshire: there is nowhere better to give it a go. tyf.com

Wednesday 7 April

Sweet dreams

At Pembertons Chocolate Farm in Carmarthenshire tours show you how all sorts of chocolates are made. Everyone is welcome to have a go. welshchocolatefarm.com

Thursday 8 April

Peak perfomance

Whether you hike or take the train to the top of Snowdon, you can now enjoy a drink at Hafod Eryri, the café and visitor centre that opened on the summit last June. snowdon railway.co.uk/ hafod_eryri.php

FrIday 9 April

Spokes people

Wales has some of the best mountain-biking terrain in Europe, from wide family trails through to daredevil runs for serious mountain bike enthusiasts. mbwales.com

Next weekend

Cultural capital

Hairspray, starring Michael Ball and Les Dennis, will be on at the Millennium Centre until 24 April so why not head to the bustling Welsh capital next weekend for a break and catch it while you can? visitcardiff.com

SCOTLAND

By Philip Riddle, Chief Executive, VisitScotland

Fifteen million visitors come here every year, and it is easy to see why. You can walk along a deserted coastline in the morning, go back in time exploring an ancient Clan castle in the afternoon and tuck into Michelin-starred food by night. From remote islands to vibrant cities, there is rugged Highland scenery to enjoy, events and festivals to attend and attractions to visit. visitscotland.com/perfect

Today

Market forces

Stock up your larder at the Farmers' Market in Perth, which is celebrating the 800th anniversary of King William I granting it a Royal Burgh Charter. You'll find all the mouth-watering essentials needed for your perfect Easter menu here. perth800.com

Easter Sunday

A wizard experience

Munchkins and magical creatures are invited to help Dorothy on a Wizard of Oz Easter Treasure Hunt at Mount Stuart. Set on the picturesque island of Bute, this flamboyant house (and its 300 acres of gardens) is easily accessible from Glasgow. mountstuart.com

Easter Monday

Stirling service

For a great day out over the Easter weekend, enjoy a light-hearted family event at Stirling Castle. An ensemble cast will entertain you throughout the afternoon with a range of comedy, puppetry, magic and interactive shows. historic-scotland.gov.uk

Tuesday 6 April

Venus on view

Discover one of Scotland's archaeological treasures at the Orkney Venus Exhibition. The Orkney Venus (pictured above) is the oldest representation of a human form ever found in Scotland. The exhibition allows visitors to get a close-up view of the tiny carving, discovered last year on Orkney. kilmartin.org

Wednesday 7 April

Munro magic

Pick one of Scotland's easier Munros – a mountain over 3,000ft in height – and enjoy exhilarating walking and unforgettable views. walking.visitscotland.com/munros

Thursday 8 April

Call of the wild

The Dumfries and Galloway Wildlife Festival is fun and informative, with activities including otter spotting, salmon hatching, bird box building, terrific tree trails and twilight viewings of geese journeying north to the Arctic. wildlifefestival.org.uk

Friday 9 April

Whisky galore

Head to Scotland's west coast and the island of Islay where you can visit no fewer than eight distilleries. Bowmore (pictured left) is Islay's oldest distillery and it is here that you will see traditional whisky making. whiskycoast.co.uk

Next weekend

Edinburgh Science Festival

Enjoy the workshops and interactive exhibitions at the Edinburgh International Science Festival during a weekend break in the city. sciencefestival.co.uk