Spotlight Events: April 2025
- Adele Trathan
- Apr 7
- 7 min read
Easter at Goodwood
Easter Holidays
Family time is the best time, so The Goodwood Hotel is offering a range of activities for kids and families inspired by Goodwood’s sporting passions this Easter. From crafting sustainable creations enthused by Goodwood Revival’s Revive & Thrive ethos to racing remote control car time trials inspired by the legendary Festival of Speed, Easter at Goodwood is packed with adventure.
Little ones can embark on egg hunts, build secret dens, craft gut-healthy Easter chocolate bars, compete in high-energy sports day challenges, perfect their swing in mini golf, and play cricket where the sport’s history was made. The activities are crafted to ignite imagination and create unforgettable experiences.
Easter Egg Hunt at Bateman’s
Saturday 5th April to Monday 21st April, 10am to 4pm
Hop on over to Bateman’s for a family-friendly Easter adventure. Take part in fun animal-inspired games and activities around the house and garden. Show off your acting skills in charades, feed the hungry chick, look out for the golden eggs, and more!
£3.50 per trail, normal admission applies. Includes an Easter trail sheet, a pair of bunny ears and either a chocolate egg or vegan and Free From chocolate egg.
Find out more at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/batemans
Brighton Open Air Theatre
Summer Season
Brighton Open Air Theatre’s 2025 summer season opens on 3 May. Featuring an eclectic mix of theatre, comedy, music, family shows, drag, opera, dance and more. Grab a picnic and a bottle of fizz and relax in the sunshine at Sussex’s premiere outdoor venue.
Tickets and info at: www.brightonopenairtheatre.co.uk
Lloyd of the Flies Wetland Bug Hunt at WWT Arundel
Saturday 5th April to Sunday 1st June
Families can enjoy a brand-new Lloyd of the Flies Wetland Bug Hunt at WWT Arundel, as WWT partners with animation studio, Aardman and the Royal Entomological Society.
Dive into the wonderful world of wetland insects with Lloyd and his new friend Dart the dragonfly. Follow the trail to help find Lloyd’s friends and family and make their way to the bug hotel. Use the Lloyd of the Flies AR Bug Hunt augmented reality trail app produced by Aardman to shrink down to fly size and see the world through insects’ eyes.
Other activities include pond- dipping, minibeast hunting, and other insect-focused activities over the Easter Holidays and on weekends.
Participating in the Lloyd of the Flies Wetland Bug Hunt activities is included in the admission price or free to WWT members. The Lloyd of the Flies Wetland Activity Pack costs £4 from the visitor centre.
For more information: www.wwt.org.uk/arundel
Easter Egg Hunt at Bodiam Castle
Saturday 5th April to Monday 21st April, 10am to 4pm
Join the fun at Bodiam Castle this spring for an Easter adventure trail inspired by the cheeky castle ducks. Enjoy a variety of exciting games and activities as you explore the castle grounds, including hook-a-duck, egg and spoon races, and more! £3.50 per trail, normal admission applies. Includes an Easter trail sheet, a pair of bunny ears and either a chocolate egg or vegan and Free From chocolate egg.
Find out more at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle
Meet Britain’s Wonderful Wildlife This Easter!
Saturday 5th to Monday 21 April
This year the British Wildlife Centre near Lingfield celebrate their 25th Anniversary. Over the years they’ve introduced countless visitors to the fascinating native species of Britain.
This Easter holiday they’re open daily from 5 to 21 April. You can see rare Scottish wildcats, red squirrels, badgers, hedgehogs, foxes and more, and learn all about them at the popular Keeper Talks.
Children’s Easter Trail – Easter Sunday 20 April: Children can enjoy spotting eggs that are hidden amongst the animals. If children spot them all they’ll win a small chocolate treat and the chance to win Family Membership. A REAL natural history experience!
Eastbourne Road, Newchapel, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6LF
01342 834658
FREE Family Learning Days at Raystede this Easter
Wednesday 9th, Thursday 10th, Wednesday 16th & Thursday17th April
Come along to Raystede to enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt with a twist! The animals at Raystede have hidden Easter eggs around the site – but can you solve the clues to find out where the eggs are hidden and who is hiding them?
At 11am and 2.30pm hear more about the lives of our furry and feathered friends at special animal talks. Entry is free but online booking is essential as places are limited.
Visit: www.raystede.org or call 01825 840252
Easter at The Bluebell Railway
Friday 11th to Monday 21st April
This April and Easter, the Bluebell Railway is buzzing with exciting events for all ages. Visit the Easter Bunny from the 11 to 13 April. Hop aboard the vintage steam trains as they chug through the picturesque
countryside, stop at Kingscote Station to see the Mobile Zoo on the 18 to 21 April. Treat yourself to an Easter roast at the Bessemer Arms on the 20 and 21 of April.
A delightful day out for families and friends, A memorable experience for all. More than just a train ride. Kids for a £1.00 with any full adult paying travel ticket.
The Garden Show at Firle Place
Friday 18th to Sunday 20th April
Spring is on its way and while the blossom and bluebells bring joy to the countryside and gardens alike, it’s time to start planning ahead.
The Garden Show at Firle Place will showcase over 170 stalls offering a plethora of plants, garden goods, artisan designs, homeware products, unique wares, fashion accessories and delicious foods. Garden advice, free talks and demonstrations, plus plenty of family fun including Huxley birds of prey and daily Easter egg and treasure hunts.
Book online for 15% discount at: www.thegardenshows.com
Other Garden Shows: Broadlands, Romsey, 6-8 June & Rookesbury Park, Hants, 25–27 July
Pinot & Picasso Happy Hour Special: And Just Like That...
Saturday 10th May
I couldn’t help but wonder; was this the best theme night I could attend? And just like that... the iconic cosmo was painted.
Come along to Pinot and Picasso for a flirty, fun-filled evening where vibrant pinks meet iconic Manhattan vibes for our Sex and the City themed paint session. Get ready to sip, paint, mingle, and test your knowledge with a playful round of Sex and the City trivia, where your inner Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, or Miranda can shine. Our studio bar also has a wide selection of drinks for you to enjoy as you get arty while you party! See you there!
See website for all events: www.pinotandpicasso.uk
Lewes Speakers Festival
Friday 9th to Sunday 11th May 2025
This well-established and popular Speakers Festival includes this year for the first time some workshops by Aardman – the creators of Wallace and Gromit where you can join a hands-on model-making session. It also has another fantastic line-up of speakers that includes: Leigh Turner, Michelle Ogundehin, Dr Terri Apter, Jonathan Fenby, Howard Jacobson, Craig Brown, Monica Macias, Norman Baker, Chris Mullin, David Torrance, Paul Cooper, Cathy Scott-Clark, Michael Sheridan, Dr Julian Baggini and many others!
Tickets: £14 for each individual talk. Day/Festival Passes also available.
Call the Box Office: 0333 666 3366
All Saints Centre, Lewes
Burgess Hill Choral Society Spring Concert
Saturday, 26th April 7.30 pm
The spring concert, taking place St. Andrew’s Church, Burgess Hill Choral Society will perform Schubert’s glorious Mass in E Flat Majorand Mozart’s evergreen favourite Ave Verum Corpus. The concertwill be accompanied by Sussex Classical Players who will alsobe playing Haydn’s exciting Military Symphony. This event promises to be an uplifting evening of musical masterpieces.
Tickets (£15 in advance, £17 on the door, under-18s £5) available from Burgess Hill Help Point, on the door, by phone07522 493966, or visit: www.ticketsource.co.uk/burgesshillchoral
St Andrew’s Church, Burgess Hill, RH15 0LG
Easter Egg Trail at Sheffield Park and Garden
Saturday 5th to Sunday 27th April
Meet some of Sheffield Park & Garden’s more lively residents on their duck- inspired Easter egg trail and enjoy fun family-friendly activities along the way. From testing your aim on the duck hoopla to shaking your tail-feathers on the balance beams, there is fun for all the family and a delicious chocolate egg at the end.
Easter adventures run from 5 - 27 April, from 10am with last entry at 4:30pm, and costs £3.50 per person in addition to normal admission price.
To find out more visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffieldpark
Celebration of Spring at Hever Castle
Monday 31st March to Monday 5th May
From blossoms to bluebells, Hever Castle have got spring covered this year with a colourful celebration that promises to delight. With thousands of tulips, spring bedding, cherry and apple blossom galore, magnolias, early rhododendrons, hyacinths, camassias and bluebells, there’s much to celebrate in the grounds.
Enjoy self-guided tours or join the gardening team from 22 to 27 April for expert-led tours with insights and tips. From 28 April to 2 May, discover how to create a living wreath using seasonal flowers and foliage. With stunning blooms and expert advice, Hever Castle offers the perfect way to welcome spring.
UK Premiere of The Silver Bell by Saint-Saëns
Dates from 5th May to 8th June
A poor, tormented artist, consumed with passion and ambition, is given a silver bell that will provide all his heart desires. But in this story from the librettists behind Faust and The Tales of Hoffmann things could never be so simple.
A fantastical and compelling tale, illuminated by a sumptuous and sensual score: New Sussex Opera presents an unmissable chance to discover this masterpiece by Saint-Saëns, one of the greatest composers of his time, in a new English translation. The production brings together the same creative team behind 2024’s acclaimed The Dragon of Wantley.
At Lewes, Blackheath, Eastbourne, Worthing, Winchester.
Dates and details: www.newsussexopera.org
Chichester Festival Theatre
Various Dates
Festival 2025 is set to dazzle with an electrifying lineup of new productions! Get ready for a full- body experience—belly laughs, heartbreak, and everything in between. From the tap-filled spectacle of Top Hat to timeless classics like Anna Karenina and Lord of the Flies, this season is pure theatrical magic.
Over in the Minerva, music takes centre stage, including The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry with a stunning score by Passenger. Whether you’re returning for favourites or ready to explore something new, CFT can’t wait to welcome you for an unforgettable season of storytelling!
01243 781312
Easter Bunnies on the Loose at Hever Castle
Saturday 5th to Monday 21st April
This Easter and throughout the school holidays, enjoy family fun at Hever Castle. Help Head Gardener Mr Miller track down mischievous rabbits causing chaos in the gardens digging up vegetables, knocking over pots, and stealing seeds. Follow the trail map to solve the puzzle and claim a chocolate reward. Children can take part in Easter-themed crafts, from making origami fortune tellers to planting cress to take home.
With beautiful gardens, playgrounds, and mazes to explore, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
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