Expert: David Stewart White - 3/14/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi David-

We just booked an impromptu trip to London and Paris; leaving in 2-1/2 weeks. I'll be 6 months pregnant during our trip, and traveling with my 4 year old son and my husband. At the moment, we're planning on spending the first 4 days of our trip (including Easter) in England. I'd love to find a beautiful place for Easter brunch and an egg hunt for my son to enjoy...envisioning a country estate or similar. Any suggestions? Would also love to hear any other child-friendly ideas you may have - from things to do to places to neighborhoods to stay to restaurants.

Many thanks!
Jennifer

ANSWER: Hi Jennifer,

I have a mental picture of what you are looking for...that alone may not help answer the question though.  Are you going to be in London for the 4 days around Easter or elsewhere in England?  

If you are wandering the countryside, there are probably untold number of inns, country house hotels, and the like that offer Easter "short breaks" for families.  Picking a place would depend upon where in England you want to go and what your budget will be.  Here's an example (not a personal recommendation) of a spot in Buckinghamshire:

http://www.bestloved.com/hotels/hotel-stoke-park-in-windsor-buckinghamshire-the-

Another route to go is to look at special Easter events at historic/scenic spots in Britain.  For example, here's a listing from the National Trust:

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-events/w-events-easter-trai

Here's one from the English Heritage organization:

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server.php?search_word=easter&submit=Search&i

[I certainly hope the AllExperts.com system shows these links correctly...if not, email me back]

Hope this helps you in your planning.

Regards,

David White

If you are staying in London, you might want to consider a daytrip for special Easter events to someplace like the wonderful Kew Botanic Gardens, just 30 or so minutes outside of central London:

http://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/whats-on/easter-events.htm

Feel free to check out my website and my book for more suggestions on family travel to London and nearby areas:

http://www.KidsToLondon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Lets-Take-Kids-London-Family/dp/0595139531/ref=sr_1_2?ie=U




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi David-

We're actually staying in London for the 4 days, so hoping for something in London or nearby. Sorry I wasn't more specific!

Thanks and look forward to hearing from you!
J.

Answer
OK, if you're in London, consider special Easter events nearby.  I've listed a few more below; there are many more:

Kenwood House–nice parkland in Hampstead (north London); has an Easter family event:
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/conEvent.2564

Although you wouldn't think of London as a wildlife area, there are family Easter events at the London Wetland Centre:
http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit-us/london/events/easter-activities

The Museum of London is great for families and it has Easter weekend events:
http://www.museumoflondon.co.uk

There's a "bunny trail" at the Covent Garden Market over Easter weekend

Here's a link the the National Trust special website showing family Easter events across Britain:
http://www.eastereggtrails.co.uk/Site.aspx

A National Trust site that's near London, Ham House has an Easter trail for kids (find eggs at Ham!):
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-hamhouse

Some of this might depend upon weather, of course.  But I still think that the closest thing to a relaxing day in the countryside might be Kew Gardens at Easter.  There will be many people attending, but the gardens are huge.