A number of outdoor attractions have opened this week, ahead of Easter Weekend.

In keeping with social distancing regulations, some safe Easter trails and events have also been planned across the county.

Please stay local when enjoying your Easter Weekend. 

1. Bowood House and Gardens

The gardens at Bowood House opened yesterday (April 1) for their 2021 season.

A giant Easter Egg Hunt is underway throughout the grounds for families.

The Treehouse Cafe is open for takeaway throughout the day to pick up drinks and snacks. 

However, the Adventure Playground will not re open until April 12.

Book tickets for the 2021 season here

2. The Courts Garden

National Trust's The Courts Garden, near Braford on Avon, is an English country garden with peaceful water gardens and herbaceous borders.

They opened to the public yesterday (April 1) although people need to book their visit in advance. 

3. Avebury

The National Trust welcomes visitors dawn to dusk at the heritage site. The car park is now open 10am-5pm and the Old Farmyard toilets are open between 10am and 4pm.

The Circles Restaurant is also open 11am to 4pm, takeaway only. In line with Government guidance, all National Trust indoor facilities at Avebury are closed, including the shop, Alexander Keiller Museum and Avebury Manor and garden.

4. GWR Park

If you are in or near Swindon - a free Easter egg trail at GWR Park is a must for families to enjoy this weekend.

The trail, held by Swindon and Wiltshire Pride, will lead families to posters each containing a letter, all within safe walking distance around the park.

This Is Wiltshire: Charities secretary Haylee Gatfield with the Pride flag Photo: Swindon and Wiltshire PrideCharities secretary Haylee Gatfield with the Pride flag Photo: Swindon and Wiltshire Pride

Secretary Haylee Gatfield said: “With current restrictions many people have a new-found love for being outside and enjoying our local parks, so hosting the Easter trail at GWR Park is the perfect place to do this. It will be something fun for families to get involved in while abiding by current Covid restrictions."

5. The Kennet & Avon Canal

The canal, that crosses the heart of Wiltshire, has been a peaceful walk for many throughout lockdown. As well as the wealth of wildlife the canal offers, look out for sights such as the Caen Hill Locks and the Crofton Pumping Station.

This Is Wiltshire: The Caen Hill CafeThe Caen Hill Cafe

Plenty of canal side tea rooms will be open for takeaway. The Caen Hill Cafe will be open Good Friday, Saturday, Easter Sunday and Monday between 10am and 4.30pm with teas, coffees, cakes, ice cream and bacon rolls all on offer.

6. Trowbridge Easter Trail

Bellefield Primary and Nursery School's PTA Easter trail will take place across the Easter school holidays, with trail sheets are now on sale at just £2.50 each.

Launching on Sunday, it will allow people to explore the local area, and hunt out Easter eggs and letters within them, to spell out a secret phrase.

7. The Green, Devizes

The Green at Devizes is being transformed into a living memorial to those lost throughout the pandemic. 

'The Field' allows people to acknowledge and share the losses experienced during the pandemic.

This Is Wiltshire: Rev Keith Brindle at the GreenRev Keith Brindle at the Green

Today (Good Friday) and Easter Eve between 9am and 6pm, anyone can come to The Green outside Devizes School and place one of the crosses and hearts that will be provided into the ground, writing a name or message.

Another transformation will then happen early on Easter Sunday, when a posy of flowers will be attached to each cross and heart, centred on a large floral display on a cross. On Sunday and Monday, The Field will be a "magnificent and colourful" landscape of flowers for all to come and see.

7. Lacock

The grounds at Lacock are open 10am-5pm for people to enjoy this weekend.

However, you will need to your visit in advance and the National Trust has stressed that people will be turned away if they arrive without booking.

Parking is limited to visitors with pre-booked tickets.

8. Virtual events

There are plenty Easter events to enjoy from home this weekend.

An online organ concert by Salisbury Cathedral's assistant director of Music, John Challenger will be available to view at 19:30 on Easter Monday.

Featuring works by Bach, Vierne and Vaughn Williams, the music has been carefully chosen to reflect the season of Eastertide.

This concert is free but donations are welcome to the cathedral's Recovery Appeal.