From hunting water beasties to Easter egg trails, from dressing up to all things sheepish, there’s plenty of family fun to be had over the holidays at Buckland Abbey, Garden and Estate.

Visitor Experience Officer, Anwen Roberts says: "We’ve got a great mix of events that the whole family can get involved in spread across the fortnight, both indoors and out. The estate is such a great setting for the kids to let off steam and there are opportunities for the adults to indulge their playful side too."

It wouldn’t be Easter without an egg hunt and Buckland is no exception. Pop along any time between 11am and 4pm from Friday 29 March until Monday 1 April and complete their Yellow Walk trail to claim your Cadbury’s chocolate egg. Easter crafts will be on hand all weekend; and on Sunday and Monday there’s free face painting too.

The property is anticipating a busy season after one of its paintings has been verified by a leading expert as an original Rembrandt self-portrait. From the 2 April there will be a special puzzle trail in the Abbey to celebrate the news.

On Wednesday 3 April, Buckland regular Claire Packer will be running a drop-in felt workshop for families. Whether you’re crafty or clumsy, it’s easy-peasy, so come and have a go at making an Easter themed item to take home and display proudly.

As part of the National Trust’s aim to get youngsters outside and closer to nature there will be two events which link in with their ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ campaign on the weekends during Easter. Pond Dipping on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 April will give visitors the chance to find out what water beasties lurk in the pond; and on 13 and 14 April you can get creative with a spot of Den Building outside on the estate.

Bringing the history of the Abbey to life is the role of the dedicated Costume Group who sew in one of the house’s panelled rooms every Tuesday. On the 9 April they’ll be getting out the glad rags, giving visitors the chance to dress up in their authentic costumes and swan about the place. You might also bump into a Tudor archer from the age of the Mary Rose on 11 April and see his display near the Great Barn – he may even let you have a go.

Rounding off the holidays is an event that Buckland holds very close to its heart – Sheep Day. From the time of the monks who built the Abbey right up to the present day, there have always been sheep on the estate. Sunday 14 April will be a day of fun for all the family with sheep, lambs, rural craft demonstrations and Morris dancers.

Normal admission charges apply to all events, additional charges apply to select events – please see the website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bucklandabbey or Facebook page www.facebook.com/BuckAbbey or ring 01822 853607 for more details.

For more information and to book onto an event or workshop please ring 01822 853607 or email bucklandabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk.