Blackburn’s Easter Escapade Event

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I’m always a fan of interactive trails around local town and cities. I think they are a really good way of getting to places you might not usually go to and are a good way of keeping the children occupied too on a trip out and about.

This Easter Blackburn have a fab Easter Escapade trail and we went along to that today.

Visiting Blackburn

I really like Blackburn, its a pretty drive from home, up and across the M66 and into the town. There’s a fair few shopping areas on the outskirts of the centre if you wanted to stop there, but the trail itself takes you around the centre.

There are plenty of options for car parking as well as bus and train links too. We parked in Fielden Multi-Storey car park and it was only around £3 for the duration of our stay. The car park was located next to a cinema as well as a leisure pool so super central. I think next time we head up to Blackburn we will try and book into the pool as the water slides looked fun!

The Easter Trail

The Easter trail starts at the welcome desk in the shopping centre, and there are leaflets to pick up with a map in showing you where the ten clues can be found. On the back is an easter egg waiting to be coloured in. Each clue tells you a colour for a section of the egg. Once all clues have been found you have a completed image which you can then enter into a competition to win £100 of shopping vouchers.

We have done a few trails over the years and the design on this one is one of the best we have done. Each clue is a chest which has a lock on. To unlock the chest you need to work out the four digit code. There is a clue which helps you to figure out the code, and each of these clues is a short puzzle. Some are easier than others but they’re all really good and will get children thinking. We found the clue in Geek Retreat the hardest to actually locate (it’s hidden away in it’s own room!) and to work out.

Inside each chest is a cup of colouring crayons and an image to show you the part of the egg to complete.

Completing the Trail

The trail itself doesn’t take a huge amount of time to complete, and it takes you around the mall and into a number of shops. There’s a number outside the mall too in independent shops, a restaurant and the Cathedral.  There were a couple of places included that were real hidden gems and places I wouldn’t have ordinarily headed to. Whilst at the Cathedral we spotted the Checks & Greys cafe so stopped there for lunch. We felt it was really reasonably priced, around £35 for the five of us to eat and a drink and the food was delicious and very fresh. It’s definitely a spot I’d recommend if you’re looking for refreshments when you’re following this trail.

After the Trail

Afer we had completed the trail we took the completed form back to the welcome desk and posted into the entry post box there. We then headed to do a spot of shopping. The children were after books and some new stationery items so we picked those things up before making our way back to the car.

For us it was a really lovely and relaxing way to spend the day. Easter can be quite tiring with one thing and another and so this was a great way to get some fresh air, explore a place we weren’t overly familiar with and get a spot of shopping too. The children enjoyed it and the interactive puzzle element made ita cheerful change from hunting for letters to make up a word or similar.

Other things to do in Blackburn

Whilst the Easter Escapade may only take a couple of hours to complete, there is much more to do in Blackburn to make it a full day out.

1. Witton Country Park: The park is only a short drive from the centre of Blackburn and is a great option for burning off energy
2. Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery: A great way to learn more about the local history and art is here at the Blackburn Museum. There are often family-friendly exhibitions and workshops so check ahead to see if anything is available when you’re planning to go.
3. Ewood Park Stadium Tour: This would be high on H’s list! He loves football so a stop off at a footie stadium is always a bonus for him.
4. Blackburn Ice Arena: Another option for those days when the weather is less than ideal.
5. Blackburn Cathedral: Visit Blackburn Cathedral and take a guided tour to learn about its history and architecture. You can also check if there are any special events or concerts happening during your visit and this is also where we stopepd for lunch.
6. Blackburn Market: Blackburn market is fab and on previous visits we have had food from stalls here. We didn’t stop in the market hall today but it’s well worth a visit if you’re there as there are some superb stalls.