News, events and schools' information for families across Bath and West Wiltshire

Families are being invited to join the hunt to help the Easter Bunny find all of his lost toy friends in time for tea in a wonderfully illustrated, fun-filled trail at Wilton House near Salisbury this Easter holiday.

The new Easter Bunny and the Lost Toys Trail, which runs from Monday 11 April to Monday 18 April, is being organised by Julia’s House children’s hospice. All money raised from the event will support the local charity, which provides a lifeline of care for families of the most seriously ill children in Wiltshire and Dorset.

Featuring 10 hidden lost toy characters, including Grumpy Goose, Mo Mouse and more, the trail will take children on an adventure past the whispering seat, along the River Nadder and through the woodland in the enchanting grounds of Wilton House.

Children of all ages will be invited to follow a map to find the lost toys and complete activities of different challenge levels along the trail to collect their Easter chocolate prize. Each day a limited number of golden eggs – dropped by the mischievous Grumpy Goose – will also be hidden in the grounds for an egg-stra reward.

Beautifully illustrated by Wiltshire-based artist and book designer, Chantal Bourgonje, the colourful and whimsical characters have been created especially for the event and are sure to bring joy to both adults and children alike.

Julia’s House Events Fundraiser, Chantelle Shave, said, “We’re thrilled to have the chance to host our very first Easter trail event for Julia’s House in the glorious grounds of Wilton House. We’re planning an exciting week of activities and games and we hope everyone will come down to help us find all the Lost Toys in time for Easter Bunny’s tea party!

“We rely almost entirely on the generosity of our supporters to fund our vital service in Wiltshire and Dorset. This event is a wonderful way for us to create something fun for local families and raise money to support the seriously ill children who rely on our care.”

The Easter Bunny and the Lost Toys Trail launches in the first week of Wilton House Grounds opening for 2022, with the large adventure playground, gift shop and airy café all available for visitors to enjoy.

This Easter holiday, you’ll also discover a range of activities and fun at the Julia’s House family tent on the Wilton House lawn, where you can purchase trail maps on the day and collect your chocolate goodies.

And to celebrate the launch of this new event, Julia’s House is hosting a free prize draw with the chance to win Wilton House Family Garden Membership. Head to the charity’s Easter event page to find out more and enter: www.juliashouse.org/easter

Easter Bunny and the Lost Toys Trail runs from Monday 11 April to Monday 18 April, 11am to 4pm.

Trail entry costs £3 per child, including prize, with all proceeds going to Julia’s House children’s hospice charity. Normal admissions to Wilton House Grounds apply. Find out more and hunt for free Easter activities at www.juliashouse.org/Easter