Crack the Case This Easter: RHS Gardens Launch Family Detective Trails and Spring Adventures

The Easter holidays are just around the corner, and with them comes the age-old question: how to keep everyone entertained? Instead of the usual routine, imagine getting the whole family outdoors for a proper adventure, with a mystery to solve and a chocolatey reward at the end. Well, this spring, the Royal Horticultural Society is offering just that. Across all five of its stunning gardens, a brand-new detective trail is being set up, giving children and adults the chance to become super sleuths for the day. It’s a chance for families to work together, hunt for clues, and enjoy the incredible colours of an RHS Garden in full bloom during this fantastic Easter season.

A cracking spring mystery at the RHS garden

Forget a simple egg hunt; this is a full-blown investigation. The story goes that someone has framed the Easter Bunny, and a whole load of chocolate has gone missing. Disaster! It’s up to visiting families to crack the case. At each RHS Garden, young detectives can grab a special activity pack and set off on an exciting trail. The mission is to follow the path, uncover hidden clues, and piece together the evidence to identify the real culprit from a list of eight sneaky suspects. It’s a brilliant puzzle-solving adventure that gets everyone thinking and exploring.

And the best part? This entire detective escapade takes place while being surrounded by the most spectacular signs of spring. The gardens are bursting into life with vibrant displays of camellias, rhododendrons, and cherry blossoms. It’s the perfect backdrop for a family adventure. As visitors wander the trail, they'll be treated to the sights and smells of a garden waking up after winter, which is sure to give any budding gardeners some inspiration. Once the children manage to solve the mystery, they can claim a well-earned chocolate treat to take home. It’s a fantastic way to combine a fun challenge with a beautiful walk, creating a memorable Easter day out.

Where to join the easter adventure

This special Easter detective trail is running across all five RHS Gardens, but the dates and extra activities vary slightly from place to place. It's a good idea to check the details for the garden you plan to visit and to book your entry in advance to guarantee a detective pack. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s happening where:

• RHS Garden Bridgewater, Greater Manchester: The adventure runs from Friday 27 March to Sunday 19 April 2026. Families can explore the magnificent garden while hunting for all the clues needed to solve the case and save Easter.

• RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Essex: Visitors can get their thinking caps on here from Saturday 28 March to Sunday 12 April 2026. As well as the main detective trail, on the 31st of March and the 7th of April, captivating storyteller Mike Dodsworth will be leading interactive storytelling walks around the garden.

• RHS Garden Harlow Carr, North Yorkshire: The springtime mystery at Harlow Carr is on from Saturday 28 March to Sunday 19 April 2026. Children of all ages can follow the trail, crack the puzzles, and claim their chocolate prize at the end.

• RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey: From Saturday 28 March to Sunday 12 April 2026, visitors to Wisley can put their powers of deduction to the test. Alongside the main trail, the garden will host extra family fun, including Storytime sessions and a Leaf and Clue Academy run by RHS Education Officers.

• RHS Garden Rosemoor, Devon: The trail at Rosemoor runs from Friday 3 April to Sunday 19 April 2026. This garden offers an extra treat over the main Easter weekend (Friday 3 to Monday 6 April), as the Easter Bunny will be making special appearances between 11 am and 3 pm.

Another classic garden adventure awaits

If one adventure isn’t enough, or if families are looking for something a little different, there’s another brilliant trail to explore. This Easter and for the rest of the year, the five iconic RHS Gardens are also hosting a brand-new Wind in the Willows trail. This experience is inspired by the beloved classic children’s novel by Kenneth Grahame and features the book’s enchanting original illustrations.

This trail invites families to step into the charming world of Mr Toad, Ratty, Mole, and Badger. As visitors journey through the beautiful garden, children can discover their favourite characters hidden amongst the plants and pathways. The trail is packed with fun and interactive elements, including sensory boxes, garden games, and plenty of photo opportunities for creating special family memories. It’s a wonderful story-based experience that complements the detective activities perfectly, offering a different kind of magic.

Planning your detective day out

A trip to an RHS Garden this Easter is more than just the themed trails; it’s a full day out. It’s the perfect time of year to get some fresh air, explore wide-open spaces, and see nature at its best. The vibrant spring displays are a great source of inspiration for anyone interested in gardening.

To make the most of a visit, it’s a good idea to book online in advance. This not only saves a bit of money on the entry fee but also guarantees that a £3 Easter Detective pack will be waiting for each child on arrival. Garden entry is free for RHS Members and all children under 5. For children aged 5-16, tickets are just £5 each. With so many fantastic activities planned between March and April, it’s set to be a brilliant season for families looking for a creative and engaging day out. So, grab a notepad, put on your detective hat, and get ready to solve the mystery of who framed the Easter Bunny. The chocolate depends on it!