What's on this Easter

With a rare four-day weekend to spend with family and friends, Easter is everyone's favourite Bank Holiday! In between chocolate eggs and hot-cross buns, there are loads of events to keep you entertained in the Cotswolds, so whether you live nearby or are visiting for a minibreak, here are our top picks for Easter weekend…

1) Steam trains return to Broadway Station!

Thanks to the tireless work of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway volunteers, public train services will return to Broadway Station on Easter weekend for the first time since 1960 having extended the line to Cheltenham Racecourse.

The Broadway Hotel is just 2 minutes drive from Broadway Station

2) Easter Fun at Blenheim Palace 

Head to Woodstock for brilliant Easter fun on the beautiful backdrop of Blenheim Palace! From the Giant egg hunt to a traditional Victorian fairground (with Lighthouse Helter Skelter!) plus Punch & Judy Shows, Circus Skills Workshops, face painting and Puppet Shows throughout the day.

The Bay Tree Hotel and Lamb Inn are just 25 minutes from Blenheim Palace

3) Egg-citing Offers at Bicester Village

If the long, cold winter has left you in need of some retail therapy, head to Bicester Village this Easter weekend for exciting offers at selected boutiques including Pandora, Longchamp and Kate Spade.

The Bay Tree Hotel and Lamb Inn are just 40 minutes from Bicester Village

4) Dragon Eggstravaganza at Berkeley Castle

Following last year's 'roaring' success, Berkeley Castle's thrilling Dragon extravaganza returns for Easter 2018! Experience fantastic dragon puppetry, get face-to-face with a baby dragon and take part in the colourful Chinese Dragon Parade. For a unique twist to the usual Easter egg hunt, there's also the chance to find newly hatched 'dragon babies' hidden amid the Castle grounds!

The Hare & Hounds Hotel and Bear of Rodborough Hotel are just 27 minutes from Berkeley Castle

5) The Big Batsford Bunny Hunt

Putting a twist on the traditional Easter Egg hunt, head to Batsford Arboretum and hunt high and low for the Easter Bunny’s helpers, which have escaped and are hopping around the Cotswold attraction! It's the perfect opportunity to burn off those chocolate eggs whilst exploring the beautiful location in the fresh air - find all the bunny's to win a special prize!

The Manor House Hotel is just 2 minutes from Batsford Arboretum

6) The Easter Joust at Sudeley Castle 

Head to Winchcombe this Bank Holiday weekend to watch the Easter Joust go into battle at Sudeley Castle with thrilling displays and entertainment. Highlights include a high energy performance from The Cavalry of Heroes, a few royal appearances from King Henry VIII and his ladies of court plus fantastic falconry flying displays!

The Broadway Hotel is just 15 minutes from Sudeley Castle