Cracking Easter getaways Forget the eggs, why not hunt out some alternative activities for the upcoming break? CHARLOTTE CIVIL offers a few options, from cookery courses to indulgent spa stays
LAZY DAYS: The kiln at the Coalport China Museum in Shropshire
Attend a new boot camp which combines military-style fitness training with high-energy Bollywood dancing. As well as interval training, kettle bells and ab workouts, professional Bollywood dancers will teach you how to move like the Indian film stars. Choose from between three and seven-night stays at the Lifestyle 247 (0113 347 2477/ls247.co) camp in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. From £450pp, available over the Easter period from March 31.
Design your own ceramic pot or other style of planter for spring blooms in a garden-themed workshop. Coalport China Museum (01952 433424/ironbridge.org.uk) in Shropshire’s Ironbridge Gorge is hosting these and other themed activities during the Easter period in both morning and afternoon sessions, April 2-6 and 9-13.
Visit one of England’s most charming medieval villages, Lavenham in Suffolk. Explore numerous antique shops selling 18th and 19th-century furniture, oil and watercolour paintings and silverware. Stay at The Swan (01787 247477/theswanatlavenham.co.uk), a 15th-century hotel which boasts an AA two-rosette restaurant. A four-night Easter weekend break from £750 per couple (two sharing), half board. For bookings April 6-9.
Tour Chatsworth House in the Peak District and its grounds with their stunning water features. Great Little Breaks (0844 848 8488/greatlittlebreaks.com) is offering free tickets to the 300-year-old property, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, which has in recent times undergone a £14million restoration. Stay at the Aston Hotel near the River Derwent for a two-night break with breakfast, an à la carte dinner on your first night and 20 per cent off a bottle of house wine on your second night. The Great Little Heritage Break from £165 (two sharing), B&B.
Learn to cook coconut rice and potato röstis (and maybe even hot cross buns) during an Easter Family Fun Day in the Lake District. Lucy Cooks Cookery School (below) in Staveley, near Kendal (01539 822507/ lucycooks.co.uk) is offering a day-long course for