Easter fun at Audley End

WITH the school holidays fast approaching, English Heritage has the perfect solution to get families out and about and entice the kids away from the TV and computer games. Audley End House and Gardens invites local families to revel in the joys of sprin

WITH the school holidays fast approaching, English Heritage has the perfect solution to get families out and about and entice the kids away from the TV and computer games.

Audley End House and Gardens invites local families to revel in the joys of spring, with fun activities for everyone.

The English Heritage property will be opening up the house for the first time this year and the beautifully landscaped grounds and recently restored Service Wing provide the perfect backdrop for Easter fun.

Events manager for the East region, Lucy Hutchings, said: "We have lined up a range of activities aimed at all the family, so that visitors of all ages can enjoy a great day out at Audley End House and Gardens this Easter.

"The house will be opening up for the first time this year, the grounds will play host to an Easter egg trail and the Service Wing will be brought to life by costumed interpreters.

"There will also be outdoor games for the kids to get stuck in to while they try and compete against their parents or grandparents."

Children can enjoy an Easter egg trail around the Victorian gardens or test their chess and quoits skills against mum and dad with a range of traditional outdoor games. Among the wildlife that nestles in the grounds are families of ducks, with baby ducklings due to hatch any day now. Visitors are encouraged to suggest names for them - with the winning ideas receiving an annual family pass to the property.

The Victorian Service Wing will also be bought to life as costumed interpreters carry out their daily tasks.

As visitors enter the service yard they are guided through the orientation centre before visiting the laundry, dairy, game larder and kitchen.

At every turn they will be greeted by life in the 1880s, from exact copies of the laundry coppers and butter churns, to replica game hanging on the walls.

Throughout the Easter holidays, visitors will be able to see the servants scrubbing the linen, scouring the pans and churning the butter as well as preparing meals for Lord Braybrooke and his family.

Be warned though, the busy servants are always on the look out for a spare pair of hands to help them with their long list of chores!

The Easter holiday activities kick off on Saturday April 4 and run until Sunday April 19. Please note Audley End House & Gardens is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.