THE clocks have sprung forward, the snow drops are giving way to daffodils and – despite all evidence to the contrary – the weather is improving as the days lengthen. On top of all that the schools are out, and you may well be off on holiday yourself for a week or two. Even if you don't have holidays to take the chances are you're planning a weekend, a day or maybe even just an afternoon doing something with your family, your children, your partner, your friends or maybe just on your own for the hell of it. And so to help you make the most of spring break, here's our guide to what to do over the Easter period – or, if you plan to stretch out the adventure, in the weeks beyond.
GOING ABROAD? FIVE PLACES TO TRY ...
Berlin
Not for nothing is Berlin known as one of the party capitals of Europe, but it ticks plenty of other boxes too. For a start it's supremely child-friendly – there are dozens of parks, including the famous Tiergarten, the Mauerpark and the Volkspark Friedrichshain – while lovers of art and architecture will be spoiled by the historical and cultural offerings, from the Holocaust Memorial and the Jewish Museum to the Olympic Stadium and the Reichstag. There's even a museum dedicated to currywurst, the spiced sausage that Berliners scoff in their millions every year.
How to get there: Ryanair and easyJet operate direct flights from Glasgow.
Palma, Mallorca
Most tourists flying to Mallorca head for one or other of the island's resorts but it's well worth hanging around in the Ballearic Islands' capital for a few days, which makes it perfect for a city break. Wander the streets, eat fish baked in salt – it's delicious and a speciality of the island – and if you fancy a day trip, head north to Soller on the rattling old tourist train. Average temperatures in Mallorca in April sit around the high teens and low twenties, which makes a nice change from a sleet-bedevilled Scottish Spring.
How to get there: Jet2 operate a direct flight from Glasgow.
Tignes
If you're still buzzing from watching the Winter Olympics and want to take what you think you've learned onto the snow, then head for Tignes in France. Close to Val d'Isere it has five villages, is guaranteed snow all year round and forms part of the so-called Espace Killy ski area. And if you're a fan of funiculars, it has one of the world's longest. The resort is aimed more at intermediate and advanced skiers, but also caters for beginners and snowboarders.
How to get there: packages are available which include direct flights from Edinburgh.
Milan
One of Europe's premier fashion capitals – its Quadrilatero D’Oro district is packed with designer stores – Milan also has its fair share of culture (the world famous Teatro alla Scala opera theatre, for example) and no shortage of top class restaurants to try. If street food's more your thing, there's choice aplenty there too. And of course there are a couple of internationally renowned football teams in the city. In fact if you can get there by Wednesday, you might have the chance of watching them playing each other in the highly-anticipated Milan derby. But will you be shouting “Forza Inter!” or “Forza Rossonerri!”?
How to get there: Ryanair and easyJet operate direct flights from Edinburgh.
Chicago
Bored with Florida? Done New York? Try the Windy City instead, now reachable directly from Scotland. Architecturally stunning, America's third largest city sits at the southern end of Lake Michigan and has more zoos, aquariums, walkways, urban gardens, art galleries, world class sporting arenas and museums than you could shake Al Capone's tax return at. Talking of gangsters and Chicago's celebrated association with them, there's a Mob Museum to visit and the city even has a modern-day equivalent of the Speakeasy scene, underground and invitation-only bars to seek out.
How to get there: United Airlines offer daily flights from Edinburgh between April and October.
… AND FIVE BOOKS TO TAKE WITH YOU
Who We Are And How We Got Here by David Reich
If you fancy taking on a bit of a challenging subject with your break, why not the Human Genome? Researcher David Reich’s book delves deep into the subject using Genome research to draw connections between languages and cultures across Europe and Asia over the last 10,000 years, redrawing how we consider people and their land connected.
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
If you are planning to go see Steven Spielberg’s new film this weekend, you might want to have a read of Ernest Cline’s source material beforehand. Crammed-full of 1980s pop culture references, this is the book to embrace your inner nerd over the Easter break.
A Brief History Of Time by Stephen Hawking
Back on the best-seller lists, the late Stephen Hawking’s seminal 1988 book on cosmology is a great one to revisit or delve into for the first time over the holiday. It is considered a modern classic and for good reason. Its subject matter might seem daunting but it was really intended to be accessible to all and in its 30 years it has had a huge impact on popular culture, bringing understanding of our universe to the masses. Those who managed to finish it, anyway.
Yes To Europe! by Robert Saunders
A recent release on the 1975 referendum on Europe, when we voted to stay in. Whatever your views on Brexit, there are lessons to be gleaned from Saunders’s book. Tracing the campaign before and the fallout after the 1975 vote, Yes To Europe is a good piece of Easter break political history reading and one that's sure to give you a fresh perspective on the news of the day.
Dead Men’s Trousers by Irvine Welsh
If a challenging scientific or political read isn’t really what you are after over the holiday, fair enough. Maybe you would rather just enjoy Irvine Welsh and his blend of energetic and comic writing. The book once again follows the cast of characters we have all come to love from Trainspotting.
FIVE BEST FOR STAY-CATIONS
Melrose
The Borders town was recently named the best place to live in Scotland – yes, even better than North Berwick – and one of the best in the UK, so why not find out what all the fuss is about? Start with nearby Abbotsford House, once home to Sir Walter Scott, and work back to the picturesque ruins of the town's 12th century Cistercian Abbey. There's a clutch of good independent shops (including some excellent butchers) but the major draw at this time of year is the famous Melrose Sevens rugby tournament, which takes place on April 14. There have been three English winners in the last six years, so Melrose, who haven't won it since 2011, will be looking to regain some national pride as well as local pride.
www.melrose.bordernet.co.uk
www.melrose7s.com
Mull
Tobermory speaks for itself of course – and if it didn't, a thousand Instagram snaps of its harbour front would do it instead – but there's much more to see and do on the island than gawp at colourful houses. Mull offers everything from pony trekking to bird-watching to willow-weaving courses. Elsewhere take time to gaze on Ben More, Mull's only Munro, as it changes from a glowering black hulk to a sharply-etched pinnacle in the blink of an eye. Or, more likely, in the time it takes for the sun to come out from behind a cloud. And it's at Easter when Iona, already a magical place, comes into its own. Catch the ferry from Fionnphort (it takes 10 minutes) but arrive early enough for a crab sandwich from the Creel Seafood Bar on the jetty.
www.isle-of-mull.net
Wigtown
Scotland's Book Town comes into its own in the autumn when the annual Book Festival takes place, but the western side of Dumfries and Galloway in which it sits is worth a visit at any time of the year. Wigtown itself is interesting enough, but journey further afield to visit the distillery in nearby Bladnoch, head down to Isle of Whithorn – it's where Scotland's first missionary, St Ninian, is supposed to have landed – and don't leave the area until you've visited Logan Botanic Garden, one of southern Scotland's best kept secrets.
wigtown-booktown.co.uk
isleofwhithorn.com
rbge.org.uk/the-gardens/logan
With everything from shinty to top class theatre on offer you don't need to be a fan of Outlander to head to the UK's northernmost city (though if you are, don't miss out on one of the Outlander tours available). But as the weather improves to the point where it's almost warm enough to put the roof down on the Bentley Grand Convertible, why not try Scotland's answer to Route 66, the North Coast 500. You can pick it up in Inverness then wend your way past a variety of sites and stop-off spots including Thurso (for some bracing spring surfing), the extraordinary-looking Dunrobin Castle and the thirst-quenching Black Isle Brewery. Don't drink and drive, though.
northcoast500.com
inverness-scotland.com
Orkney
The islands have long been a mecca for artists and creatives and its mystical and historical appeal goes without saying, but it punches above its weight in many other ways now too, from food and drink to outdoor activities and nature pursuits. You'll need to visit in June to experience the wonderful St Magnus International Festival, but the Orkney Folk Festival is held in May and this month there's the Orkney Jazz Festival to look forward to and, for those of a spiritual bent, the Order Of Bards, Ovates And Druids will celebrate Beltaine at 7pm on April 29 at the Ring Of Brodgar. Can you imagine a more spectacular setting for the ancient Celtic fertility ritual?
visitorkney.com
… OR WHY NOT LEARN A NEW SKILL INSTEAD?
Making chocolate
If you're fond of the dark stuff – no, not Guinness – then why not try making it yourself? South Africa-born, Albert Roux-trained Chocolate Master Ruth Hinks runs the Chocolate And Pastry School from Peebles, as well as her own company, Cocoa Black, and offers three hour half day courses from £75. Among the courses available are ones covering Macarons, petit fours, truffles, pralines and ganache, as well as cakes, tarts and custards.
1-3 Cuddybridge, Peebles. Tel: 01721 723764
www.cocoablack.com
Baking bread
The popularity of artisan bread and the proliferation of artisan bakeries means there's plenty to choose from if dough's your thing. But if its picturesque you want, head for Blair Atholl, where the award-winning Blair Atholl Watermill runs classes (there's a great cafe there too). Or to Bute, where you'll find the Bute Bread School in Rothesay. Or to Ballater, where appropriately-named “bread guru” Doug Cookson runs courses at the Crannach Bakery. Check websites for prices and availability.
Blair Atholl Watermill, Ford Road, Blair Atholl. Tel: 01796 481321
blairathollwatermill.co.uk
Bute Bread School, 17 Ardmory Road, Rothesay, Isle of Bute. Tel: 01700 502346
Crannach Bakery, Riverside Cottage Cafe, Cambus O’May, Ballater. Tel: 07724 620469
www.crannach.com
Building a coracle
Unleash your inner bronze age warrior or warrior-ess with this three-day coracle building course, run in conjunction with Alyth Craft Tourism in peaceful Alyth near Blairgowrie, in the foothills of the Cairngorm Plateau. Places are available on a residential or non-residential basis. The next course is on April 6. Cost: £330.
Tel: 07729 016850
craftcourses.com
Cooking like a Masterchef professional
They don't teach you how to do that contented-cat-look Gregg Wallace gets when he bites into a really gooey chocolate pudding, but at the Edinburgh New Town Cookery School they'll teach you practically everything else. Courses run from a day to a week and prices vary accordingly. They also do half-day courses for children if you want to make it a family affair.
7 Queen Street, Edinburgh. Tel: 0131 226 4314
entcs.co.uk
Learning to sew
The six-strong Sew Confident crew run sewing classes in Glasgow, Bothwell and Dundee, and they even have a Sew Macho wing aimed at men. So now there's no excuse for walking round with buttons missing from your shirts and trousers that are an inch too long. Before you know it, you'll be running up your own clothes. Prices vary, but an intensive three-day beginner's class costs £175.
sewconfident.co.uk
FIVE THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS THAT DON'T INVOLVE SCREENS
Build a den
You might need a tarpaulin and you'll definitely need some sturdy bits of wood and a pirate flag, but once you have those the rest of the den is easy – as long as you're happy with a rudimentary sort of shelter. Anything more fantoosh might require a look at a YouTube how-to video (yes, they have them for den building) or maybe just a leaf through The Den Book by Fiona Danks and Jo Schofield, which does more or less the same thing. If you have old pallets to hand, the odd glazed window frame, a handy supply of hazel branches and an old tent you can cannibalise, you might want to try your hand at one of the bender tents so beloved of New Age travellers and eco-warriors.
www.edenproject.com/learn/for-everyone/how-to-build-your-own-den
Go rock-pooling
Take one rock pool, add a child and a net and voila – you have rock-pooling and, hopefully, hours of fun. It doesn't need much more than that so any beach with pools is good enough. However the Scottish Wildlife Trust recommends Roome Bay in Fife, Calgary Bay on Mull and Killiedraught Bay near St Abbs as three of the best in the country. And if by the end of it all you've learned to distinguish your breadcrumb sponge from your butterfish and your bootlace worm, then all the better.
www.wildlifetrusts.org/rockpooling
Play a 'photo scavenger' hunt
If they're complaining about not being able to use their phones, here's a decent compromise: kick 'em out into the wild (or just into the street) with a checklist of things and tell them to photograph them. Could be a Call Out Gouranga Be Happy sticker, could be a Robert Wiseman dairy van, could be a cat, could be a tattoo of a cat on the forearm of a hipster barista (maybe that's not such a good idea). You choose. First team back with a full set wins the prize, whatever that is. Or, if they're not over their credit limit (some chance) they can text in the pictures instead.
Learn backgammon
Fact: backgammon is the the best board game in the history of board games and along with being able to list all the Doctor Whos and knowing how to handle a tin opener, every child should be able to play it. Besides, it's going to pour with rain at some point over the Easter holidays so an indoor activity that isn't Call Of Duty: Black Ops is a good back-up for when it does. Backgammon is a two-person game, so play winner-stays-on and make everyone who isn't involved watch and learn. But if there's loads of you, you could always try Scrabble instead. It's the second best board game in the history of board games. Fact.
www.bkgm.com
Take a long walk
Simple, really, and anywhere will do as long as there's the promise of fish and chips at the end of it. Or a Farmer's Market that sells hot dogs. Or a Nando's Chicken Burger with a side order of Macho Peas, if that's your bag. The Visit Scotland website has a very useful 15 Scenic Short Walks For Wee Legs section and the excellent Scotland's Best Walks With Children website breaks down walks into regions and doesn't neglect city walks. But it's probably more fun to draw up your own itinerary by figuring out how much walking your kids will tolerate – and then adding a mile.
visitscotland.com
scotlandsbestwalkswithchildren.com
FIVE FILMS TO SEE IF IT'S WET
Isle Of Dogs (PG)
Quirky director Wes Anderson is back with his latest film Isle of Dogs. It's a coming of age story about a young boy searching for his lost dog. If there is a hip cinema near you, chances are there’ll be a dog friendly showing so this one truly is for all the family.
Peter Rabbit (PG)
A quintessential Easter release here. What better way to enjoy time off with the family than by watching Beatrix Potter’s classic story on the big screen with an all-star cast including Domhnall Gleeson, James Cordon and Rose Byrne?
Black Panther (12A)
If you haven’t got around to it yet, Marvel’s critically acclaimed superhero flick Black Panther is still in cinemas and makes a great Easter break film to keep you going until next month’s release of Avengers Infinity War.
Journeyman (15)
In his second turn as writer-director, Paddy Considine’s new film Journeyman is as personal and reflective as they come. It follows the long road to recovery of a boxer suffering a brain injury which threatens to leave his young family torn apart.
The Square (15)
If you are looking for something rather more satirical and intense, then Swedish director Ruben Ostlund’s mind bending film The Square is for you. It sets out to question art and the often self-serving nature of it.
FIVE FESTIVALS TO ENJOY ...
Edinburgh International Science Festival
Running for the next two weeks at venues across the capital, the festival has events fitting for all, young or old. It's one of Europe’s largest science festivals and has activities, discussions and workshops on a wide variety of interesting subjects from the future of robotics and human sexuality to how we could bake bread in space. Prices vary.
Where: Edinburgh
When: until April 15
sciencefestival.co.uk
Walk Islay
Join this walking festival of Islay, Jura and Colonsay and enjoy breath-taking sights. The walking tours start on April 8 and continue through to April 13 There are various skill levels accommodated for from Easy to Strenuous, so whatever you fancy you can enjoy all the island’s trails have to offer. You can learn about the local history too: among the walks scheduled are one on Colonsay which takes you to the memorial for the Arandora Star – sunk by a U-boat in 1940 with the loss of 865 lives - and another on Islay which looks at prehistoric and early Christian sites.
Where: Islay, Jura and Colonsay. Price: £5 per walk.
When: April 8-13
walkislay.co.uk
Puppet Animation Festival 2018
This puppetry and animation festival is one the oldest and largest in the UK and has 165 events all over Scotland, so wherever you are, it has something for you. The festival is in its 35th year and hosts performances, activities and film screenings in more than 90 venues across the country, from Dumfries to Aberdeen and beyond. Prices vary.
Where: various venues across Scotland
When: until April 14
puppetanimationfestival.org
Daffodil Festival
Taking place at the picturesque Backhouse Rossie Estate in Fife, Scotland's second annual Daffodil Festival presents some of the UK's oldest cultivars and brings together hundreds of different varieties. The festival take takes place in the estate's large walled, Victorian garden and the VIP guest is Beechgrove Garden's George Anderson. Entrance: £5 for adults, £12 for a family, children under-16 £3, children under five free.
Where: Backhouse Rossie Estate by Collessie, Ladybank
When: April 14-15
backhouserossie.co.uk/scotlands-national-daffodil-festival
Glasgow Green Easter Festival
This festival is pure funfair, it offers plenty to do for the kids and runs for the entirety of the two week school break. The festival is perfect for young families: there are fun fair rides, inflatable rides and prize-winning game stalls amongst other things. Price: £8.99 for children’s ride day pass, £1 per ride individually.
Where: Glasgow Green, Glasgow
When: until April 15
whatsonglasgow.co.uk
… AND FIVE FOR FOODIES
Glasgow Vegan Festival
Each day of this festival is sure to be packed with plenty to do. Yoga, workshops, talks and activities for children, cookery demonstrations and of course food, food, food. A great way to spend the last weekend of your Easter break. Entry is £3 and under 16s are free.
Where: Glasgow Trade Halls, 85 Glassford Street, Glasgow
When: April 14-15
veganeventsuk.co.uk
Old Town Street Food Festival: Easter Edition
Today only, a free event at The Three Sisters pub in Edinburgh offering the best from the city's live music, street food and craft beer scenes. The mini-festival starts at noon and details of vendors and acts can be found on the festival's dedicated Facebook page. If you're not out of bed in time, there's another one along on May 6.
Where: The Three Sisters, 139 Cowgate, Edinburgh
When: today, noon onwards
Traquair Easter Eggstravaganza (1/4/18 - 11 am to 5 pm)
An Easter food events list simply wouldn't be complete without a good old fashioned Easter Egg hunt and the one at historic Traquair House near Peebles is the one to do – how could it not be when it takes place inside Scotland's biggest maze? Now in is its 18th year the Eggstravaganza marks the re-opening of the gardens and maze to the public after the winter. The hunt is only open to children under 10, but with 6000 mini eggs hidden in the hedged maze, the kids are guaranteed to go home with something after a day of fun and exploration.
Where: Traquair House, Innerleithen, Peebleshire
When: today, 11am-5pm
traquair.co.uk
Afternoon Tea On A Steam Train
This one makes for a truly unique experience over the Easter break. Have an elegant and relaxing spot of afternoon tea on board a beautifully restored stream train run by the Bo'ness and Kinneil railway. This one isn’t an Easter exclusive - it runs from April right through until October – but we think it's the perfect way to spend a slow afternoon. Price: £22 per person, which includes train fare.
Where: The Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway, Bo’ness Station, Union St, Bo’ness
When: dates vary. Check website for times and availability
bkrailway.co.uk
Highland Haggis Festival (8/4/18 – 11 am to 4 pm)
Hard to believe there's only one haggis festival in Scotland, but it's true and Spean Bridge is the venue. So if you're a big fan of the national dish, why not make a day of it in the beautiful highland town? The festival is centred on the Community Centre and as well as a cornucopia of food and drink, there's a haggis fling (work it out) you might even get to meet the festival mascot - Hector the Haggis.
Where: Altour Road, Spean Bridge, PH34 4EZ
When: April 8
highlandhaggisfest.co.uk
FIVE SHOWS AND EXHIBITIONS
Charles Rennie Mackintosh: Making The Glasgow Style
Marking the 150th anniversary of the birth of the artist and designer, and forming the centrepiece of a city-wide programme of Mackintosh-themed events, this exhibition looks at the man, his work and the influential style he birthed. And it does it all within the context of the city he called home: Glasgow. Price: £7.
Where: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Argyle Street, Glasgow
When: until August 14
glasgowlife.org.uk
Warhorse
The acclaimed and long-running West End adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's First World War-set novel finally tours the UK, making the first of its two Scottish stops in Edinburgh (there's a Glasgow run in early 2019). One of British theatre's bona fide greats – not to be missed in the year that marks 100 years since the end of conflict. Prices vary, see website for details.
Where: Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Nicholson Street, Edinburgh
When: April 18-May 12
warhorseonstage.com
Nuart Aberdeen
A mouth-watering four-day festival of street art in which artists from countries as far apart as Norway and Argentina congregate in Aberdeen to create outdoor sculptures, murals, stencils and other works on walls around the city centre. There are also walking tours, workshops and – this should get the kids excited – a Chalk Don't Chalk participatory event for all ages. And just so nobody forgets that street art often has a keen political edge, there are film screenings, debates and some (potentially) provocative panel events. Venues include Belmont Filmhouse.
Where: Aberdeen city centre
When: April 12-15
2018.nuartaberdeen.co.uk
Passing Places
Stephen Greenhorn's scabrously funny play about two young Motherwell chancers heading north with a surfboard is 21 this year, and to celebrate it's touring Scotland in this production by the Dundee Rep Ensemble. It plays at the Rep until early May when it transfers to the Citz in Glasgow. If you've never seen it, make right that omission: if you have, it still just as a wild and funny as the first time. Prices vary, see website for details.
Where: Dundee Rep Theatre, Tay Square, Dundee
When: April 17-May 5
dundeerep.co.uk
When We Were Young: Photographs of Childhood From The National Galleries Of Scotland
Mounted to coincide with Scotland's Year Of Young People, this show looks at how childhood has been represented by photographers in Scotland from the earliest years of the medium right up to the present day. Among the highlights are works by Julia Margaret Cameron, Wendy McMurdo and Bert Hardy, whose famous 1948 shot of two Gorbals urchins is featured.
Where: Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Queen Street, Edinburgh
When: until May 13
nationalgalleries.org
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