Kent is bursting with activity this Easter, from an exciting chocolaty egg trail with Hopper the Rabbit at The Hop Farm to an Easter word search in the grounds of Leeds Castle. Spring is one of the best times to see Kent, so why not make a weekend of it and stay at the Ramada Hotel & Resort Maidstone , close to many of Kent's main attractions. The hotel is offering a special Easter package for �142 per person for three nights dinner bed and breakfast for guests arriving between 13 and 17 April. For bookings call 0845 7303040. SPRING CHICKEN HUNT

Hunt for spring chickens hidden around the Museum of Kent Life in Maidstone 14 - 17 April and receive a prize for every child up to 15-years-old who finds them all. Children can also try egg colouring and animal mask painting, take part in clay and stained glass workshops and other exciting seasonal activities. And if that's not enough - there will be children's entertainer and live music. Entry costs �7 for adults and �5 for children. Open 10am to 5pm daily. Call 01622 763936. www.kenttourism.co.uk FUN AT THE FARM

From 3 to 17 April join the Hop Squad and Hopper the Rabbit at The Hop Farm in Paddock Wood for stage shows, magic shows, lawn games and sing-a-longs. Hopper the Rabbit will be hiding a trail of Easter eggs for a daily scavenger hunt around the farm and inside children will have the opportunity to make their own Easter cards and bonnets. The Hop Farm will also be welcoming The Tweenies over Easter weekend - a different character every day between 14 and 17 April. Tickets can be purchased at discounted prices in advance from www.thehopfarm.co.uk. Child fares apply to children up to the age of 15. The Hop Farm is open 10am to 5pm. Call 0870 0274166. www.kenttourism.co.uk EASTER WORD SEARCH As part of its annual Easter trail, children visiting Leeds Castle near Maidstone will be greeted by Easter bunnies who will award them with a free chocolate egg when they successfully complete the trail. Children will be asked to spot a number of pictures in the castle's 500-acre parkland and match them to words on a word search grid. The five-day event takes place 13-17 April and is suited to children up to 15-years-old. Additional activities include a craft workshop and falconry displays. Open 10am, last admission 5pm from 24 March. Entry costs �13 for adults and �9 for children. Call 0870 600 8880. www.kenttourism.co.uk FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATE

Hever Castle , a romantic thirteenth century landmark surrounded by magnificent gardens, will be covered in drifts of daffodils and ablaze with an array of spring flowers to form a colourful backdrop for a family Easter Egg Trail. The trail will be available to children up to 14-years-old from 14 - 17 April with a free chocolate egg for each completed trail. Entry costs �9.50 for adults and �5.30 for children - the trail is free to visitors. Open from 11am, last admission 5pm. Call 01732 865225. www.kenttourism.co.uk EASTER HISTORY CHALLENGE Penshurst Place & Gardens is holding a family Easter history challenge 1-17 April to encourage children to explore its glorious Elizabethan garden while searching for clues to a fun and informative crossword puzzle. Creative children can also try their hands at Easter bookmaking between 12-4pm over Easter weekend and Aardvark Productions will be delighting visitors with stories of the Naughty Easter Bunny on 16 and 17 April. Open daily from 15 March to 29 October. Entry to the house and grounds costs �7.50 for adults and �5 for children (5-16). Call 01892 870307. www.kenttourism.co.uk -ends-

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