The Easter holidays are just around the corner, and if you’re looking for ways to keep the kids entertained without travelling far, Gainsborough and the surrounding area are full of brilliant options. Whether you’re after hands‑on creative fun, fresh‑air adventures, or budget‑friendly days out, there’s plenty happening locally to help families make the most of the Easter break. From historic attractions and riverside walks to pop‑up events and hidden gems right on our doorstep, this guide brings together some of the best ways to enjoy half term in and around Gainsborough.
Become a history hunter
Gainsborough is home to one of the best-preserved, timber framed manor houses in England dating back to the fifteenth century. Wander the corridors of Gainsborough Old Hall or climb up to the top of the tower for views across the town and beyond. The Old Hall also have a range of activities available throughout the holiday which are below:
- Saturday 28 March to Sunday 12 April, there will be colouring and activity sheets available in the cafe.
- Friday 3 April, Make Your Own Easter Basket, free – drop in anytime between 10am and 2pm in the Education Room.
- Friday 3 April, every first Friday of the month the Old Hall host a board game club in the cafe.
- Saturday 4 April, Easter Pop-up Chick Card Workshop, free – drop in anytime between 10am and 2pm in the Education Room.
- Monday 6 April, Bunny Keepsake Workshop, free – drop in anytime between 10am and 2pm in the Education Room.
- Saturday 11 April, Spring Crafts – Bunting, free – drop in anytime between 10am and 2pm in the Education Room.
Gainsborough Heritage Centre also offers a fascinating insight into the history of the town through exhibitions and period displays. Open Tuesdays and Saturdays, 10am to 4pm.
If the weather in on your side, head out and explore the town using the heritage trail. This self-led trail will take you to some of the most iconic sites and some lesser-known places, giving you a fun (and free) afternoon out.
Let’s go to the movies
Gainsborough’s state-of-the-art Savoy Cinema offers the latest releases in the heart of the town centre. Take a look what’s on this half term – Gainsborough Savoy Cinema.
Easter Eggstravaganza at Marshall’s Yard
Saturday 4 April, 10am to 3pm
Marshall’s Yard have a day planned full of egg-cellent entertainment including an Easter Egg trail, face painting and meet and greet with Peter Rabbit! Visit their website to find out more.
Model Railway Open Days
Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 April, 1.30pm to 5.30pm at Gainsborough Model Railway
Gainsborough Model Railway is one of the largest hand built model railways in the country covering 2500 square feet, including 1200 feet of mainline track and requires ten operators. Perfect for families looking for a fun afternoon out, railway enthusiasts of all ages, or anyone who loves a bit of nostalgia and craftsmanship.
The Magical Story Wish
Choose from over 65 flavours of award-winning ice cream at Blyton Ice cream!
Choose from over 65 flavours of award-winning ice cream at Blyton Ice cream!You’ll be spoilt for choice with over 65 flavours of award-winning ice cream just 10 minutes’ drive from Gainsborough. From Bakewell Tart to classic vanilla – there’s a flavour for everyone! They also have sugar free and vegan options too!
There will also be an Easter Egg hunt available everyday throughout the holidays, plus children’s play area with crazy golf, table tennis, go-karts and a play park that is suitable for all ages. Also, NEW for 2026, feed one of their baby lambs or take one of the goats for a stroll round the lake! Find out more.
Go Behind the Garden Wall at Uncle Henry’s
Visit Uncle Henry’s, just 20 minutes drive from Gainsborough, for an outdoor family adventure!
Take part in the Easter Garden Hunt, wander along the Fairy and Troll Trail, get creative with den building, try your luck at Woodland Golf, and so much more, from the Bird & Squirrel watching station to fun in their Outdoor Theatre.
Family Days Out this half term
Just a short drive from Gainsborough will bring you to Bransby Horses, a welfare charity that cares for nearly 1000 horses, donkeys and mules. They have a visitor centre and café, play park, plus miles of footpaths that allow visitors to meet their equine friends – free admission! NEW for Easter is their Great Spring Time Detective Mystery Trail! Can you solve the clues to eliminate the suspects? There’s no need to book, just ask at reception – £4 per child (includes a prize at the end).
If you’re looking for something more hands on; why not visit Rand Farm Park?! Discover exciting hand on experiences with a wide variety of animals and live demonstrations. They also have an indoor play and outdoor attractions for all ages. They also have their egg-citing Easter Extravaganza taking place every day during the holidays! You can also take a drive out to Hall Farm Park (30 minutes from Gainsborough), a family run working farm with lots of things to see and do giving visitors a unique experience! They too, also have Easter activities planned including tractor rides, goat walking and more! Lincoln Zoo also offers unforgettable adventures, incredible animals, and family-friendly fun come all together in a wild day out!
Get out and explore
Get out and enjoy the fresh air with a number of local woods just outside Gainsborough including Owlet Wood with its network of footpaths; and Tuetoes, Laughton Forest which supports a wide range of habitats, rare plants, animals and birds, making it a great place to visit if you want an interesting walk!
The Lincolnshire Wolds is under an hour’s drive away offer breath-taking scenery and vast open countryside. There are a number of walking routes around Market Rasen; plus the town’s interactive heritage trail has 20 stops offering surprising insights to the town’s past. Willingham Woods is also popular with walkers and cyclists and is a great stop off if you’re visiting the coast.
If you’re more energetic then Wild Pines Park is the place to be! It’s one of the largest rope courses in UK offering you the chance for a unique and adventurous day out. You can also take on their Easter Egg Hunt! Find all the eggs and solve the clues to find the treasure! Play World in Gainsborough also gives you a chance to have a few minutes to yourself while the kids blow off some steam.
Have a great time exploring Lincolnshire this Easter! For more information on other places to visit in Lincolnshire visit www.visitlincolnshire.com.