Looking for free Easter holiday activities North West UK families will love? The Easter holidays are a wonderful chance to spend quality time together, but keeping the kids entertained for two weeks can quickly add up.
The good news? Across the communities we serve, there are plenty of free and low-cost activities to enjoy this Easter. From craft sessions and holiday clubs to outdoor adventures, 10p swims, and even free in-store workshops, there’s something for everyone – whatever your budget.
Cumbria: 10p Swims & Free Family Sessions
If you’re in Cumbria, there are some fantastic low-cost options this Easter.
10p Swimming Sessions
Children can swim for just 10p at selected leisure centres during the Easter holidays—making this one of the best-value activities around.
Locations include:
- Carlisle (The Sands Centre)
- Cockermouth Leisure Centre
- Workington Leisure Centre
- Whitehaven (Copeland Pool)
- Wigton Baths
Weekday sessions at selected times ideal for keeping active without the usual cost.
Find out more on the Cumberland Council website.
Free Easter Play Sessions (Family Hubs)
Local Family Hubs are running free Easter-themed sessions for younger children including:
- Arts and crafts
- Sensory and messy play
Relaxed, friendly spaces for families available across Carlisle, Workington, Whitehaven and surrounding areas, with plenty of opportunities for little ones to play, explore and make new friends.
Explore sessions via Cumberland Family Hubs.
Outdoor Adventures in Cumbria
The National Trust invites you to explore nature across Cumbria, with the stunning Lake District on your doorstep, you’ve got plenty of free options:
- Nature walks and trails
- DIY Easter egg hunts in the park
- Picnic days (weather permitting!)
Sometimes, the simplest days out are the ones everyone remembers most.
Lancashire: Crafts, Museums & Rainy-Day Ideas
Free museum activities – perfect for a quieter (or wetter!) day:
Lancaster City Museum and Maritime Museum
- Easter trails and family-friendly activities
- Free entry, with optional paid extras
Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery
- Free “Get Crafty” sessions
- Drop-in activities for children
Clitheroe Castle Museum
- Interactive exhibits and family exploration
A great low-cost day out as many museums are free to enter, making them a brilliant budget-friendly option.
You can browse more ideas at Visit Lancashire.
Free Holiday Clubs (With Meals Included)
Across Lancashire, including Burnley, Pendle, Rossendale, Hyndburn and Preston, families can access the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
These sessions offer:
- Multi-sports and games
- Arts and crafts
- Cooking activities
- A free meal during the day
Free for children eligible for free school meals and a great option for structured, supportive childcare during the holidays.
Find local sessions via Lancashire County Council.
Free “My Pet Pals” Workshops
Pets at Home stores across the UK run interactive kids workshops during the school holidays where children can:
- Meet and handle small animals
- Learn how to care for pets
- Take part in crafts and activities
Sessions last around 30–45 minutes and are designed for children aged 4–10. These workshops are free to attend (booking required)
With hundreds of stores nationwide, there’s likely to be a session running near you across Lancashire, Cumbria and surrounding areas.
Find your nearest workshop and book online via Pets at Home.
Simple (and Free!) Ideas
Not every great day out needs a ticket or a big plan.
Here are a few easy, low-cost ideas to try at home or nearby:
- Create your own Easter egg hunt
- Bake Easter treats together (cornflake nests are always a winner!)
- Plan a family movie day with DIY snack boxes
- Head out for a bike ride or local walk
These little moments often end up being the most meaningful, and the most affordable.
Planning Ahead for the Next School Holiday
If Easter has got you thinking about future holidays, putting a little aside each month can really help spread the cost.
Our savings accounts are designed to make it simple to build up a pot for moments like these, so when the next school break comes around, you’re ready for it. Take a look at our savings options here.
Wherever you are in our communities, these free Easter holiday activities North West UK families can enjoy make the holidays fun, memorable, and affordable.
