Easter eggstravaganza: Sudeley Castle Marks 50th Anniversary with Half Price Children’s Tickets

Sudeley Castle and Gardens has announced its much-anticipated reopening date for the 2024 season, on Tuesday 19^th March – Lady Ashcombe’s birthday. The day is set to be an extra special celebration, with birthday cake firmly on the menu, as it also marks the beginning of her 50th year as the castle’s esteemed Chatelaine.

Throughout 2024 visitors will be invited to join in a series of special events to celebrate both the rich history of the castle in Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, along with key moments in Lady Ashcombe‘s 50-years at the castle. This makes her the longest ever serving chatelaine of the historic estate. In honour of this significant milestone, visitors will have the opportunity to delve into the American connection that Lady Ashcombe brings to Sudeley Castle through a brand-new exhibition, which begins in the iconic and colourful era of the 1970s, when she assumed her role.

“We are excited to welcome visitors back to Sudeley Castle and Gardens as we embark on a year filled with celebration and discovery,” said Lady Ashcombe, Chatelaine of Sudeley Castle. “The team has been working hard to create a fantastic programme of events for the whole family to enjoy – including the exhibition marking my 50-year milestone, a story that starts in the iconic 1970s! When the castle doors reopen visitors will a revamped Castle Coach House, a relaunched Pavilion café, delicious food on the menu, a new exhibition, and a year full of surprises.”

One highlight of the reopening celebrations will be the Cracked It! Easter Egg Hunt which will take place during the School Holidays from March 23^rd until April 7^th. Families are invited to follow a trail, comprising of a dozen giant decorated eggs, which will have been hidden playfully across the castle grounds. A dozen brightly painted giant eggs have been designed by a series of professional artists, following a Queenly theme, and four have been designed by pupils from local schools, including Winchcombe Abbey C of E Primary School, Isbourne Valley, and Winchcombe secondary school, with Dean Close school choosing to paint a life-sized, egg-laying animal as their sculpture: the crocodile!

Each decorated egg contains a clue and a challenge that leads to the discovery of an extraordinarily rare Elephant Bird Egg – the largest real egg in the world, originally found in Madagascar. From ancient yew hedges to castle walls, participants will embark on an adventure through historical landmarks such as the Tithe Barn, Magnolia Walk, Queen’s Gardens, and the recently unveiled Animal Ark to complete the quest. Additionally, over the Easter Weekend (29^th March – 1^st April) there will be extra special activities on offer, including a chicken run egg and spoon race across the castle’s ha-ha.

The Easter festivities aren’t the only reason to celebrate, as Sudeley Castle have announced that all children’s tickets will be half price throughout the Easter Holidays (Saturday 23^rd March – Sunday 7^th April), making them just £5, meaning Sudeley is the ultimate affordable Easter adventure for families.

Visitors can top off their trip by indulging in a delicious lunch or Afternoon Tea from the brand-new food menu in the beautifully upgraded Castle Coach House and Pavilion Cafe.

Celebrate the reopening of Sudeley Castle and Gardens from Tuesday 19^th March, and embark on a journey through Royalty, heritage and gardens brimming with spring flowers. Book your tickets now.