CHOCOLATE and country walks – most children would surely choose the former over the latter. The National Trust has teamed up with Cadbury to offer both in a wholesome Easter experience, with nine egg hunts taking place across Sussex in April. Children are encouraged to channel their inner explorer and embark on a nature trail to find the tasty treats. After a crisp spring hike, the young’uns can’t be accused of not earning their confectionary. All of the Sussex Easter egg hunts are listed below.

Alfriston Clergy House

April 14 – 17, 10.30am – 4.30pm, £2 per trail sheet

This thatched, timber-framed house is in an idyllic setting for a hunt, with views across the River Cuckmere. It stands next to a tranquil cottage garden that’s bursting with wildlife for children to look out for. If the young explorers can locate enough hidden bunnies on the premises, they’ll receive a chocolatey reward.

Birling Gap

April 14 – 17, 10am – 3pm, £3 per trail sheet

Birling Gap is a great spot for coastal walks, rock pooling and fossil hunting – all while enjoying views of one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline on the south coast. Bunny has been visiting his friends from the seaside at Birling Gap this spring. Follow the map with clues to each of the Easter eggs on the trail. Answer the questions to complete the challenges and find your way to the prize.

Devil’s Dyke

April 15 – 17, 11am – 3pm, £3 per trail sheet

Once described as the “grandest view in the world” by John Constable (who knew a thing or two about landscapes), Devil’s Dyke is the perfect setting for a family day out. This Easter, find the plastic eggs around the Dyke to solve the clues. All participants receive a Cadbury chocolate bunny.

Nymans

April 14 – 23, 10am – 4pm, £3 per trail sheet

Children can explore the secluded corners and secret paths of Nymans house on a nature-inspired hunt. You can claim your chocolate bunny prize after following a trail around the garden, set around the house and ruins. With winter fading, the grounds at Nymans are erupting with new life.

Petworth

April 8 – 23, 11am – 4pm, £3 per trail sheet

Sir Wyndham Bunny is holidaying far away on Easter Island and would like to send a postcard to all his friends but has lost his address book. He needs your help to find his furry friends and their addresses at Petworth and also to complete some creative challenges along the way. Successfully hunt down all the addresses to win a prize.

Sheffield Park and Garden

April 1 – 20, 10am – 4pm, £3.50 per trail sheet

With acres of landscaped garden containing lakes and waterfalls, and bordered by historic parkland and woodland to explore, Sheffield Park and Garden is ideal for a family jaunt. Join this year’s egg hunt and help the earl find his lost precious eggs. Look for the earl’s treasures glittering in the garden and claim your sweet reward.

Slindon

April 14 – 17, 11am – 3pm, £3 per trail sheet

Discover the enchanting woodland of Slindon in an Easter trail, where families can explore the secret dips and hollows of the land to solve clues and win a prize. Slindon has 40km of footpaths that cover the estate, so you can make a day of it. While you’re there, check out the woodland flower displays and pop in to the neighbouring village for a cup of tea.

Standen

8 – 23 April, 11am – 3pm, £3 per trail sheet

Hide and seek is a popular activity for children at Standen, given the number of trees and wealth of secret nooks in the grounds. The area is rife with birds and animals, too, which will be in evidence on the Easter trail.

Woolbeding Countryside

15 April, 10.30am – 3.30pm, £3 per trail sheet

Tucked away in the tranquil Rother Valley, this huge estate has a large array of habitats to explore. Drop in for a day of fun activities for all the family with egg decorating and rolling, an egg hunt along the Rother and an egg race.

Other Sussex events

Popular Children's characters at Drusillas Park

Drusillas Park, Alfriston, various dates, 10am – 5pm, 01323 874100

Cbeebies characters Bing and Flop will be greeting visitors in the events arena at numerous intervals throughout the day on Wednesday, April 5. Children can also meet Hello Kitty on April 4, 11, 14 and 17 and Chase and Marshall from popular cartoon PAW Patrol on April 12. 
The Safari Express train is also rolling in to town, going from Mungo’s Central Station right into the heart of the zoo. Prepare for a wild ride as you come face to face with Majesty the lion. 

We're Going on a Bear Hunt

Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne, Monday, April 3 to Wednesday, April 5, 2pm, 01323 415508 

Direct from a run in London’s West End, this inventive production is sure to thrill children and adults alike. The show makes clever use of everyday objects and materials to bring Michael Rosen’s picture book to life. In the story, a brave family of adventurers and their dog trek through the swishy swishy grass, over the splishy splashy river and around the squelchy mud in search of a bear. Expect plenty of audience interaction along the way.

Events at Brighton Museum

Brighton Museum and Art Gallery and the Royal Pavilion, various dates, various times, 03000 290900

Children can set out on their own adventures with the Museum Basecamp initiative from April 8 to 23. Helpful guides will aid the young ones in their quest of discovery around the museum. There is also a “safari” at the Royal Pavilion, with families being asked to try to spot George the cat as they make their way around the palace. 
Those interested in arts and crafts also have the chance to make chicks and eggs on April 11, 13, 18 and 20.

Wow! Said the Owl

The Hawth, Crawley, April 1 and 2, 11am and 3pm, £6.50, 01293 553636

Explore the world of colours with a curious little owl who is determined to stay awake to see what daylight brings – from the warm glow of dawn through a day filled with the bright colours of green leaves, blue sky, grey clouds and, finally, a stunning rainbow. The acclaimed children’s book by award-winning author Tim Hopgood is brought to life through a blend of beautiful storytelling, puppetry and music. 
The show is aimed at children aged two to five.