IT'S EASTER bank holiday weekend, the time of year when parents have school holidays to fill and are looking for new and fun things to do and places to visit.
Luckily, Berkshire has a wide range of attractions and destinations to enjoy.
And, as sunshine is expected to bathe most parts of the UK as people enjoy a four-day break from work, there is no better time to get out and enjoy the region.
READ MORE: UK weather: Met Office predicts hottest days of the year so far for Easter Bank Holiday
As well as country parks that have welcomed visitors for generations, there are lots of historical buildings as well as modern and exciting attractions to visit this Easter Weekend.
Here is our top pick of places to go:
- Go Ape, Bracknell or Black Park
Challenge yourself by climbing the tall trees or swing off the platforms and enjoy the zip line.
As an adrenaline-fuelled outdoor adventure park, Go Ape offers a hassle-free family day out. With a range of activities to choose from, including zip lines, treetop adventures, segways and an axe throwing activity.
For more visit https://goape.co.uk/locations
2. Beale Wildlife Park
Brimming with animals and walking trails, this is a no brainer if you're looking for a day out this weekend.
There's an Easter trail on and new animal arrivals to see. Children can enjoy the new bouncy slide and there's some new animal experiences on offer.
The outdoor wildlife park is set within 35 acres of grounds on the banks of the River Thames near Pangbourne, Reading.
Click here for more https://bealepark.org.uk/latest-visitor-information/
3. Nordern Farm, Maidenhead
This much-loved arts centre in the heart of Maidenhead has got 'Easter covered' with plenty of activities for the little-ones to enjoy.
Create and decorate chocolate eggs and lollipops with icings and sweets - will you give your egg to someone special? Or keep it as a treat for yourself!
The event is part of Quest Family Fest 2022 where Nordern Farm is hosting two weeks worth of events during April.
Visit https://norden.farm/events/explore-mini-chocolate-egg-and-lollipop-decorating-age-11
4. Shrek the Musical
South Hill Park's rendition of Shrek the Musical is being performed this Easter Weekend.
You'll get to see the iconic movie in real life at this histrical theatre in Bracknell. The show is based on the Oscar-winning smash hit film and outrageous Broadway musical.
Unlikely hero Shrek, and his wisecracking friend Donkey, lead a cast of fairytale misfits – cast off by tiny terror Lord Farquaad – on an adventure to rescue a feisty princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek The Musical is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.
If you're looking to have alaugh then book your tickets here https://uk.patronbase.com/_SouthHillPark/Productions/Q402/Performances
5. Pirates Landing, Soft Play
A brand new soft play centre has opened in Wokingham in time for the Easter weekend.
Pirates Landing Wokingham soft play centre opened up at Elms Field last weekend with a new café area providing delicious lunches and snacks
Sarah Morgan, assistant director of commercial property, said: “We’re really pleased to welcome Pirates Landing to our Elms Field regeneration. Whilst their original opening was delayed by the pandemic they are an amazing business and well worth the wait. We’re sure they will be a real hit with local families for years to come. "
Visit: https://pirateslanding.co.uk/pirates-landing-wokingham/ for more information.
6. LEGOLAND Windsor
Berkshire's biggest theme park Legoland has launched it's LEGO® MYTHICA: World of Mythical Creatures attraction.
There are three major new rides, including the UK's first Flying Theatre Ride! The Easter weekend is the perfect time to visit this theme park with tickets from £32.
7. RedKangaroo Trampoline Park Reading
Burst through our doors into a world of the bounciest, brightest and most bonkers world of trampolines, inflatables, slides and jump pits!
Come and explore RedKangaroo’s Reading’s 36,000 square feet of jumping fun. The park’s equivalent to no fewer than 12 tennis courts and houses dodgeball courts, Wipeout, Ninja Warrior, tumble tracks and bouncing basketball!
Leap your way across a series of connected trampolines and tumble tracks and show off your best jumps, and then clamber up and zoom down our super slides. There's even a Ninja Warrior course, where you can really put your obstacle course skills to the test!
Visit https://www.redkangaroo.co.uk/parks/reading/
8. Liquid Leisure, Windsor
The World's Number One water sports and activity park is located in Windsor. Liquid Leisure is home to Europe's Largest Aqua Park and the first official Ninja Warrior UK Aqua Park.
With options including wakeboarding on our world leading cable water sports lake, clambering across our floating obstacle courses, enjoying our boat activities, relaxing on the largest beach resort in Berkshire, enjoying live sports and entertainment in our bar, there’s something for everyone.
Visit: https://windsor.liquidleisure.com/
9. Caversham Lakes, Reading
Similar to Liquid Leisure, why not try Caversham Lakes which has it's very own private island. Baske in the sun and enjoy a drink or two, or walk in the nature trail.
Caversham Lakes has something for everyone, whether this be open water swimming, stand up paddle boarding, aqua park and a family beach. This weather is pefect to splash around in.
10. Discover Windsor
You may have lived in Berkshire your whole life but have you ever really toured Windsor properly. Hop-on board Tootbus Windsor for an entertaining open-top bus tour of ‘London’s Country Estate', the quintessentially British and Royal town of Windsor. If you
The iconic Windsor Castle which sits at the heart of the picturesque area has been a family home to British Kings and Queens for over 1,000 years. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle married in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle on 19 May 2018 and Princess Eugenie married Jack Brooksbank there on 12 October 2018.
The bus tour also passes by the illustrious Eton College which has seen many well-known past students including 20 British Prime Ministers, members of the Royal Family such as Princes William and Harry as well as famous actors including Eddie Redmayne, Hugh Laurie and Tom Hiddleston.
Visit https://www.windsor.gov.uk/things-to-do/tootbus-windsor-p264371
11. Look Out Discovery Centre, Bracknell
There's a range of exhibitions your kids can enjoy to get the brains ticking.
The forestry themed exhibit is home to a whole range of wild insects, amphibians and reptiles. The insect enclosure is labelled with fun facts about the creatures so that you can see what they are and learn a little about each one.
Kids can also become a member of The Look Out construction crew by helping to build a house. This activity requires teamwork!
Visit https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/leisure-services/look-out-discovery-centre/science-exhibition
12. Golfplex
Test out your putting skills at Binfield's mini golf course and adventure park.
There's a choice of three adventure golf zones for the family to enjoy, featuring polar, jungle and, opening in Spring 2022, desert!
Navigate your way around each course and learn about the changing world environment. You'll meet plenty of animals along the way, from the Penguins on Ice Island to the desert camels, but watch out for the hungry Hippo teeth!
Visit https://golfplex.co.uk/
13. Delta Force Paintball
Fancy something a bit more exciting and adrenaline pumping? Then why not challenge the family to some paintballing. Located off Junction 8/9 of the M4, just west of London, this paintball centre is set within 100 acres of beautiful woodlands in the heart of Berkshire.
Delta Force Paintball also offer paintballing experience for kids aged seven years and up.
You'll get kitted out in the latest paintballing gear after choosing which theme you want to play.
Visit; https://www.paintballgames.co.uk/
14. All About Dogs Show, Newbury
If you love dogs then you have to visit this unique attraction ths weekend.
Bring your dog to the Newbury Showground in Berkshire on Sunday, April 17 to bank holiday Monday, April 18, for a weekend packed with exciting arena displays, expert advice, shopping and lots of have-a-go activities – and if you don’t have a dog, there’s plenty of fun for humans too!
Visit https://www.allaboutdogsshow.co.uk for more information
15. Forest Springs, The Lexicon
Pop to Bracknell this weekend to visit the unique Easter pop-up event in town.
The Lexicon has been transformed into a watery extravaganza with breathtaking art installations and immersive activities running from Wednesday, April 6 to Saturday, April 16.
In addition to ‘As Water Falls’ there are a host of other activities and art installations for visitors to The Lexicon to enjoy.
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