Looking for a fun and family-friendly adventure this Easter? Step back in time and join us at Ludlow Castle for our ever-popular Dragon Egg Trail, now open due to popular demand.
This isn’t just any Easter egg hunt – this is a medieval quest.
A Dragon-Filled Easter Adventure
In medieval times, dragons were often depicted as guarding treasure, and brave knights would be sent on daring missions to defeat them. Luckily, our dragons are much friendlier and instead of gold, they’re guarding something far more colourful – their beautifully decorated eggs. The trouble is they’ve lost them again and now it’s your family’s mission to explore the castle grounds, find the hidden eggs, and help them find their dragon mums. Along the way, you’ll collect letters that form a magical word. Once you’ve cracked the code, head to our castle gift shop to claim your prize.
The Origins of the Easter Egg
Did you know the tradition of giving eggs at Easter dates back to medieval Europe? For Christians, Easter was the most important religious festival in the year, commemorating the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. During Lent, which started on Ash Wednesday and ended 40 days later on Easter Sunday, medieval Christians would pray and fast which meant giving up foods like meat, eggs and dairy.
When the fasting ended in Holy week, eggs were given to the church as offerings, symbolising new life and rebirth. They were a special treat and were shared among the poor and with families and friends, representing friendship and new life. The tradition of hunting for eggs came later, in the 16th century, when churches are said to have started hiding them for both children and adults to find.
Decorating Eggs in Medieval Times
Decorating eggs is a tradition that stretches back thousands of years. In the medieval period, hard-boiled eggs were painted using natural dyes, including flower petals and onion skins. Some people wrapped eggs in herbs or leaves before boiling them to create detailed patterns. Others used wax to draw designs or write names and dates.
In 1290, King Edward I reportedly had 450 eggs decorated with gold leaf – what a show off!
Take Part in the Trail
Whether your children dream of being knights or simply love a good treasure hunt, Ludlow Castle provides the perfect backdrop for a magical Easter experience. The Dragon Egg Trail is open throughout the Easter holidays and is £3 per child (Castle admission also applies). There’s no need to book – just arrive, collect your trail sheet, and begin your quest.
Five Fun Medieval Easter Facts
- In 1276, Eleanor of England, sister of King Henry III, and Simon de Montfort, a French noble are alleged to have bought 3700 eggs for their Easter celebration.
- Legend has it that there was an egg throwing festival held in churches across Britain. A hard-boiled egg would be thrown around, and the choirboy who was holding it when the clock struck twelve would be allowed to keep it!
- The word ‘Easter’ may come from Eostre, an Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and renewal.
- The medieval festival of “Hocktide ” (the Monday and Tuesday after Easter) included traditions of mock kidnapping and ransoms.
- Wearing new clothes at Easter was thought to bring good luck for the year ahead.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family to Ludlow Castle this Easter – don’t forget to stop by our on-site café, Chapter 66, for freshly baked treats and refreshments.