Easter eggs hidden at historic sites

If you fancy hunting for something other than chocolate this Easter then make sure you head to one of English Heritage’s many historic sites. Six Eggsclusive Eggs, designed and decorated by famous illustrators, have been hidden across the UK.

Olivia Lomenech Gill, illustrator of J.K. Rowling’s

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, took inspiration for her design from Warkworth Castle in Northumberland. Her egg shows a selection of creatures, including a lion and a unicorn, lounging in the grass. Another, illustrated by Grahame Baker-Smith, shows the first complete fossil of an archaeopteryx, discovered in 1861.

One of the eggs was inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, which recorded the famous 1066 Battle of Hastings. Designed by Ian Beck, the egg depicts a conflict between warriors. However, instead of battling with swords, the soldiers are seen exchanging gifts.

To be in with a chance of finding the eggs, all you need to do is visit an English Heritage site hosting an Easter Adventure Quest over the Easter weekend. Visitors should keep an eye out for a special token featuring a chicken hidden in the undergrowth.

Those who find a token will win one of six beautiful eggs placed at random sites across the country, including Battle Abbey in East Sussex and Beeston Castle in Cheshire.

Dr Michael Carter, a senior properties historian at English Heritage, said, “Decorated eggs have been recorded as gifts as early as 1290, when King Edward I purchased 450 to be lavishly coloured and covered in gold leaf for his courtiers. Our lucky winners will be in good company.”

For more, go to english-heritage.org.uk/easter