Easter Tuesday Season Opener at Pontefract Races

The racing season kicks off with its traditional bang at Pontefract on Tuesday 7th April. You can choose to go all out with a Park Suite ticket (which includes a full restaurant meal) or keep it casual in the picnic enclosure for just £6.50 and under 18s are free. With a large expanse of grass for running about on, it’s a brilliant way for local families to enjoy the school holidays. The Picnic Enclosure is an absolute bargain. Pontefract Racecourse, WF8 4QD

Tulip Festival at Farmer Copleys 

While everyone else is hunting for eggs, head to Copleys as their Tulip Festival opens this April. Thousands of blooms provide the ultimate backdrop for your spring photos, and once you have wandered the fields, you can head to the farm shop for seasonal treats or the Moo Café for a proper Yorkshire brunch (and also a locally crafted egg if you don’t want to go eggless). Pontefract Road, WF7 5AF

Springtime Renewal at Waterton Park Hotel 

If the holiday chaos is getting a bit much, escape to Walton Hall for a Springtime Renewal spa experience. It is a serene retreat with a guaranteed lakeside view designed to help you reset for the new season far away from the chocolate hunts and bank holiday bustle. Walton Hall, Wakefield, WF2 6PW

Easter Egg Trail at Nostell 

Running from Saturday 28th March to Sunday 12th April, the classic National Trust trail returns to the gardens of Nostell. Follow the nature-themed path through the parkland and woodland to claim your chocolate prize at the end. It is a core childhood memory in the making and the perfect way to burn off some holiday energy. Nostell, WF4 1QE

Dragon Egg Week at Pontefract Castle 

Help Ilbert the Dragon find his missing eggs from Saturday 28th March to Monday 6th April. This free trail runs daily from 10am to 3pm, and you should not miss the Dragon Parade Day on Thursday 2nd April, featuring storytelling and crafts to prepare for the big parade. Pontefract Castle, WF8 1QH

Markets Easter Egg-stravaganza 

Hop into free fun as markets across the district host the Easter Egg-stravaganza from Tuesday 31st March to Saturday 11th April. You can meet the Easter Bunny for photos, get creative at colouring stations, and follow the Easter Egg Trail around the stalls for sweet surprises. The tour kicks off at Ossett Market (31st March), followed by Pontefract (1st April), Wakefield (3rd April), and both South Elmsall and Castleford (4th April). Castleford even hosts a mini farm with lambs and chicks on the 4th, followed by giant games (7th-9th April) and Jedi training (11th April). Pontefract, South Emsall, Castleford, Wakefield Markets

Little Red Riding Hood at the National Coal Mining Museum 

Panto Ever After is bringing a forest full of adventure to the pit on Wednesday 1st April. This unique underground panto experience includes a meet and greet with the Easter Bunny and a free chocolate egg for every child ticket. There will also be steaming mugs of hot chocolate and treats available to purchase. Caphouse Colliery, WF4 4RH

Lamb, Goat & Calf Feeding at Horncastle Farm 

Spring has officially arrived, and you can get hands-on by bottle-feeding the newborns yourself at Horncastle Farm throughout the holiday period. It is a guaranteed core memory for the kids and a great way to welcome the new season, though booking in advance is highly recommended as slots fill up fast. Horncastle Farm, WF4 2HN

Little Farmers Trail at Blacker Hall 

Take the little ones to meet and feed the lambs while exploring the farm for just £5 per child. It is a great way to burn off energy before a stop at the award winning farm shop to stock up on artisan produce for your Easter Sunday lunch. Branch Road, Calder Grove, WF4 3AG

Wonkey Donkey Treasure Trail 

Head out to Cridling Stubbs on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th March for a free treasure trail at the donkey sanctuary. Find the hidden letters to spell the Easter word and claim a prize from the shop, though normal admission fees apply to enter the center. Cridling Stubbs, WF11 0AZ

A Big Egg at Theatre Royal Wakefield 

Specifically designed for the very youngest theatre-goers, A Big Egg runs on Tuesday 7th April. This gentle, sensory introduction to the stage is an interactive performance that uses storytelling and wonder to engage toddlers and young children in a way that feels safe and magical.  Westgate, Wakefield, WF1 1XN

House of Makers: Easter at The Hepworth Wakefield 

Running from Friday 3rd to Monday 6th April, the gallery’s flagship seasonal market brings together a curated selection of independent artists and producers. This is the place to browse artisan drinks, spring-themed homeware, jewellery, and textiles from local favorites like Temper Chocolates, White Syke Chocolatier, and Alchemilla Floral Design. It’s a sophisticated alternative to the high street, offering the perfect chance to support small businesses while soaking up the gallery atmosphere. While you’re there have a good look around the beautiful Hepworth gallery. Gallery Walk, Wakefield, WF1 5AW

Easter Art Club at The Art House 

Running throughout the holidays, the Art House Art Club offers professional led workshops for children. It goes way beyond just drawing, offering the chance to get stuck into hands on making and artistic discovery in a professional studio setting in the heart of the city. Drury Lane, Wakefield, WF1 2TE

Easter Flower Workshop and Lunch at Wentbridge House Hotel 

For a more sophisticated afternoon, head to Wentbridge House on 27th March. Between 10am and 4pm, you will create your own spring wreath and table display while enjoying treats on arrival and a full two-course lunch with a garden cocktail, with all materials included.  Wentbridge, WF8 3JJ

Chocolate Masterclasses with Coeur de Xocolat 

Host a private chocolate party this season! They are perfect for any serious cocoa enthusiast. These sessions include truffle masterclasses, “build a bar” sessions, and sophisticated chocolate tastings for those who want to learn the craft.  Coeur de Xocolat 

Cake, Crumbs and Lemonade Exhibition at Yorkshire Sculpture Park 

Louise Lockhart’s vibrant exhibition is a joy for all ages and is a must see before a spring walk round the park. While you are there, you can explore the Little Wild Wood or head into the Hidden Forest for a bit of seasonal magic amongst the sculptures. West Bretton, WF4 4LG

Easter Flower Arranging at Walton Community Library

Learn to make a table top flower basket arrangement on 31st March for £35. All fresh flowers and materials are included in the price, and you can register and pay your deposit at the library during their weekday opening hours. Almond Avenue, Walton, WF2 6UA

Children’s Chocolate Parties at Chox 

Independent chocolatier Chox offers 60 to 90 minute chocolate making experiences for kids aged 6–12. Little ones can design and make their own chocolate bars and lollipops, complete with personalized packaging they have designed themselves.  Wakefield & Holmfirth

Museum Discovery: Bird World and Chocolate 

Wakefield and Pontefract museums are hosting low cost workshops including Bird World on Tuesday 7th April and Heritage for Youth: Chocolate on Thursday 9th April. You can also catch Animal Creations on Tuesday 31st March at Wakefield Museum for a bit of creative local history. Museums & Castles

Yoga and Sound Bath Relaxation at YSP 

For those looking for a completely different vibe, Yorkshire Sculpture Park is hosting a Yoga and Sound Bath session on Saturday 28th March Inspired by the work of William Kentridge, it is a peaceful way to find some balance during the busy holiday period. West Bretton, WF4 4LG

Easter Market at Buttons Wakefield 

The popular outdoor market is back on Sunday 5th April. You can indulge in Easter themed treats while browsing your favourite local stalls, and with a licensed bar and coffee shop on site, it serves as a great social spot for the whole family.  Buttons, Walton, WF1 2SN

Easter Craft Event at Wrenthorpe Village Hall 

Taking place on Friday 3rd April between 2pm and 4pm, this event features an Easter Bunny competition, crafting, and themed decorations. Tickets are available now for a day that promises plenty of easter fun for everyone. Wrenthorpe Village Hall, WF2 0LL

Easter Bonnet Crafts in Altofts 

Get the holiday preparations started early on Saturday 21st March with a dedicated Easter Bonnet crafting session. It is the perfect chance for children to get creative with glue and glitter to make their own seasonal headwear. Altofts, WF6 2QG

Easter Camp with HB Dance 

An Easter-inspired holiday camp for children aged 4-11 is taking place on Tuesday 7th April. The day includes Easter crafts, singing, dancing, gymnastics, and of course, an Easter egg hunt, making it a great high-energy childcare option. Altofts, WF6 2NJ

Rovers Return Easter Disco 

The Rovers Return in Featherstone is hosting a free Easter disco for some local fun and games on Saturday 4th April. Every child can collect a free chocolate Easter egg, making it a great budget friendly way to celebrate. Wilson St, Featherstone, WF7 5BH

Family Easter Funday at The Woodman 

Head to Outwood on Sunday 5th April for a Family Easter Funday. It is a perfect spot for a Sunday social, offering a relaxed atmosphere where the whole family can enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend together. The Woodman, Outwood

Easter Party at Featherstone Lions | Saturday 4 April

The clubhouse is opening its doors for a high-energy family afternoon in the heart of the community. Expect a dedicated children’s entertainer to keep the kids moving, alongside a mountain of prizes, games, and a festive raffle. It is the perfect spot for a local get-together where the atmosphere is always loud, fun, and family-first. Featherstone, WF7 5HL

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Out Out

Surrender Dorothy at Jaspers Bar | Saturday 4 April

Fancy a night of the finest Grunge and Alternative Rock from the 90s onwards? Surrender Dorothy are bringing the noise to Jaspers for a high-energy Saturday set. Jaspers Bar, Pontefract, WF8 1BG

Havana Night at Qubana | Saturday 4 April 

Get ready to transport yourself to the streets of Cuba as Havana Nights lands at Qubana. DJ Ziggy takes over the decks from 9pm, bringing those high-energy Latin beats to Wakefield city centre. Expect incredible cocktails and pure holiday vibes. Wakefield, WF1 2EL

Ropergate Run

What better time for a full day session than a bank holiday weekend? The Ropergate Run is the district’s newest pub crawl, stretching along a street packed with a diverse range of bars and pubs. Ropergate, Pontefract