Spring seems to be arriving early this year; when I went out for a walk yesterday the bluebells were out in the woods & (so were the landscape photographers!), frogspawn is appearing in the ponds and leaves are starting to appear on trees. Its the perfect time of year for walking; the weather is generally mild and wild flowers are brightening the landscape but places are generally still quiet and you can enjoy the countryside in peace and quiet.

At this time of year there are loads of interesting activities; Easter Egg Hunts, Cheese Rolling festivals, and a Cartoon Festival to name but a few.

Easter egg hunts and egg races generally take place on Easter Sunday and many historic houses, parks and gardens host events. If you are holidaying with children why not find the nearest hunt & join the fun.

Cheese Rolling is one of the oldest customs to have survived in Britain. It's been around for hundreds of years and some say it has its roots in pre-Roman times. At Coopers Hill in Gloucestershire for instance competitors chase a traditional 7lb Gloucester cheese down a steep and muddy hillside.

The Shrewsbury Cartoon Festival attracts professional cartoonists and caricaturists from the UK and around the world. Activities & events include caricaturing – members of the public get their caricatures drawn free, Talks , Workshops and a Cartoon Clinic.

April 23rd is Shakespeare's birthday - why not visit beautiful Stratford upon Avon to celebrate. A number of events take place: a procession to lay floral tributes on William Shakespeare's tomb, a birthday luncheon at which toasts are made to the Immortal Memory of William Shakespeare and to The Theatre, and, in the evening, a birthday performance of one of his plays at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.