‘You couldn’t get closer to spring if you tried’: readers’ favourite Easter day trips for families

From blustery beaches to intrepid hikes and fairytale forests, here’s where to fire up young minds during the Easter holidays

Have a free day out with the kids at Coalhouse Fort in East Tilbury in Essex. If you take bikes, start with a ride around the fort, then spend time in the playground, followed by a picnic on the green overlooking the fort (in the summer the ice-cream man is there, too). In the afternoon comes the best bit: crabbing! The fort has open days throughout the year (pay to enter), but the car park is free. There’s also a lovely family pub just before the fort, which does a great Sunday roast.
Holly Saddington