Beach babies

Scotland is scattered with some of the most peaceful and well-kept beaches in the UK. In particular, North Berwick on the east coast is a famously picturesque seaside town, complete with miles of sand, cobbled streets full of friendly cafés and the Scottish Seabird Centre. Better still, there’s a range of activities for children at the Centre throughout April, including Storytime by the Sea (8 Apr) and outdoor education with The Wildlife Club. Closer to Edinburgh, Cramond is a delight for walkers and cyclists alike with its wide promenade and vast sandy beach overlooking the Forth. Nearby, Lauriston Castle is hosting an Easter Fun Weekend (16–17 Apr) in their gardens, with activities including mask-making, storytelling and an egg hunt.

Another spot for coastal fun is Gullane beach on the east coast. Blessed with especially large sand dunes, it’s perfect for rolling eggs then tumbling down after them. Portobello beach is located close to Edinburgh city centre and stretches for two miles. Check out the puggie machines on the promenade and don’t miss a pint and a burger at the very good Espy bar. Finally, don’t miss Yellowcraig beach. Beautifully nestled within sight of Fidra Island, this beautiful stretch is perhaps best known for providing the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel, Treasure Island . Surrounded by grassland, and a vast forest, it’s also ideal for an egg hunt. For boat trips to other beaches and islands around Glasgow and Edinburgh, see ‘All Aboard’ below.

Culture vultures

There are oodles of good gallery exhibitions and historic houses to visit around Glasgow and Edinburgh over Easter, and most of them are free. For events over the holidays that are both fun and educational for children, pop into Edinburgh’s Storytelling Centre. Many of their events in April are in collaboration with the Science Festival, including Horrible Science (9 Apr) and Food Chemistry Fun (12 Apr). It’s also the venue for the Puppet Animation Festival in April, with plenty of fun productions to take kids along to – our top pick is Little Red Robin Hood (16 Apr). Finally Edinburgh Castle has a range of Easter themed shows along with mystical wizards, jugglers, children's quizzes and even a spot of renaissance dancing should you fancy. Elsewhere, visiting a historic house is often an inexpensive and easy way to get a culture hit. At Provand’s Lordship you can step back into Glasgow’s past in the only house to survive from the medieval city. The house has been extensively restored to give a real flavour of life in the Middle Ages, complete with a medical herb garden and beautiful grounds to wander through.

Elsewhere in Glasgow, The Burrell Collection in Pollock Country Park is host to some great exhibitions this year, including China through the Lens of John Thomson 1868–1872. Check out its screenings of family films with a Chinese theme throughout April.

All aboard

If the sunny, blue skies (yes, we are being optimistic) are making you want to leave the grimy city streets behind you, then why not scoot off on a one-day trip to some of the greener parts of Scotland? Boat trips set sail at the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick throughout summer – check out their range of cruises, including trips to Bass Rock. Close to Glasgow, go island-hopping around Loch Lomond with a surprising thirty-two islands around the area, full of hidden beaches, forest walks, ruined churches and cliff-top views going begging. Choose one of their varied boat-tours ranging from the adventurous to the more laid-back.

Alternatively, go Nessie-Spotting. Scotline offers a one-day return bus trip from Edinburgh to Loch Ness, so take the opportunity to visit Urquhart Castle or opt for a cruise along the Loch. The day trip includes a scenic journey with stops at other picturesque landmarks en route. For a more adventurous day out, try White Water Rafting in Perthshire. Into the Blue centre have a range of routes you can discover – and the Aberfeldy to Grandtully half-day trip is excellent for those new to the sport. Finally, closer to home, visit Inchcolm Island for the day by hopping on the Maid of Forth ferry from South Queensferry. The trips are three hours in duration allowing you plenty of time to enjoy the cruise and coastline scenery. The island has a beautiful abbey to visit and plenty of nooks and crannies for exploring.

Dear green places

The public gardens have many free events taking place this month, including More than a Smell (18 Apr) at Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Garden, and Bugs and Beasties (21 Apr) at Logan Botanic Garden, Stranraer, complete with ‘mini-beast hunt’. At Edinburgh’s Georgian House check out the Cadbury’s Easter Egg Trail (21–27Apr) with its epic stock of chocolate eggs to be won at the end. For a tree-lined wander out of the city centre, visit Garscadden Wood in the northwest corner of Glasgow. The wood promises to be bursting with flora and fauna mid-April and is also home to the Red Fox and multiple species of butterflies, making it ideal for an Easter walk.

Additional events

Some more event highlights for the 2011 Easter weekend.

Easter Academy 2011
Citizen's Theatre, Glasgow present an action-packed week of drama between Mon 11-Fri 15 Apr for kids aged 4-12. They'll have the chance to learn new skills, make new friends, and have as much fun as they can handle!
[email protected] http://www.citz.co.uk Tel: 0141 4295561
Deposit required. For more information or to book call the Box Office now on 0141 429 0022. Limited concession places available

Hip Hop School (Edinburgh)
An Easter holiday week of poppin', lockin', breakdance and streetdance with experienced tutors. There'll be chance to have a go at some photography, art and music videos, plus a wee show for family and friends on Friday afternoon.
Mon 11 - Fri 15 Apr : Ages 7-9 and 10-12: 9.30am-3.30pm (£92.50/£78.50 for multiple children from same family)
Tel: 0131 2255525. Email: [email protected] http://www.dancebase.co.uk

The Musselburgh Gold Cup Race Day and Easter Sunday Family Day (Musselburgh)
Fancy a day at the races? You'll find top facilities and a great atmosphere at the Musselburgh Gold Cup on Saturday. For an Easter with a difference, Sunday is Family Day so the kids can come along and be entertained.
Sat 23-Sun 24 April, doors open at 11.30am.
Prices start at £19 per adult.
Tel: 0131 6652859 http://www.musselburgh-racecourse.co.uk

Easter Sunday Fun Day - National Museum of Rural Life, South Lanarkshire
Celebrate the arrival of Spring with the new baby lambs and calves. Join in the Easter egg trail or the springtime food walk, and keep your eyes peeled for the Easter Bunny.
Sun 24 April 10am-5pm. Tel: 0131 247 4369 [email protected] http://www.nms.ac.uk/our_museums/museum_of_rural_life.aspx

Egg-citing Easter (Dalkeith)
A full day of Easter fun for the whole family, with bouncy castles, face painting and a barbecue, plus a woodland hunt for that elusive Easter bunny.
Sun 24 April 11am-4pm. Entry £5
Tel: 0131 6541666 [email protected] http://www.dalkeithcountrypark.com

Cadbury Easter Egg Trail
Family fun at your local Cadbury's trail. There are over 250 locations around the UK, so check the website for your nearest one. Every child that takes part receives Cadbury Egghead, some locations also have face painting, games, and a play area.
http://www.eastereggtrails.co.uk

Reclaim: Easter Treat at Sensations Science Centre (Dundee)
An adult event. Think Easter, think chocolate. Find out where it comes and how it is made, then indulge your inner child with an Easter egg hunt, courtesy of The Wicked Chocolate Company. Booking required, admission free. An adul
Wed 13 April 10am-5pm
Tel: 01382 228800 [email protected] http://www.sensation.org.uk

Clubs

DJ Yoda
Fat Sam's, Dundee
Movie sample heavy hip-hop beats and stunning visuals from the master.
Fri 22 Apr,10.30pm-3am £12

Nightwalk SS2011
The Arches, Glasgow
A showcase of Glasgow's finest independent visual and performance art, fashion, electoni music and photography. Proceeds go to St. Margaret's Hospice.
Fri 22 Apr, 10pm £16 (£15 advance bookings)

Bonobo + Hidden Orchestra
HMV Picture House, Edinburgh
Beautiful chilled-out beats incorporating hip-hop, funk and dub using live musicians.
Fri 22 Apr, 7pm. £15

John Digweed
The Arches, Glasgow
Progressive house DJ plus guests to see you into Easter morning.
Sat 23 Apr, 10pm-3am, £20

Messenger Soundsystem
The Bongo Club, Edinburgh
The mighty Messenger soundsystem blasting reggae, dub and roots beats, with MC Ras Echo.
Sat 23 Apr, 11pm-3am £6/£7

Alex Metric: Open Your Eyes Tour
The Liquid Room
Dancefloor destruction from the DJ and producer blazing trails in the electronic scene, plus Stu Todd and Jordan Cochrane.
Sat 23 Apr, 10pm-3am £10

Glasvegas
HMV Picture House, Edinburgh
A preview of the new album EUPHORIC /// HEARTBREAK \\\ from the Glasgow rockers.
Sun 24 Apr, 7-10pm, £16

Underground Sunday
The Southern Bar, Edinburgh
Home grown and locally sourced acoustic, followed by a set from the Dream Sequence DJs.
Sun 24 Apr, until 1am

Armin Van Buuren
Braehead Arena, Glasgow
House and Trance from the respected Dutch DJ. Get your tickets quick.
Sun 24 Apr, 6pm-3am, £30