CHILDREN can join the hunt to help the Easter Bunny and his toy friends find lost eggs, in an illustrated, fun-filled adventure at Wilton House this Easter.

Running from April 3 to 7 the event is being organised by Julia’s House children’s hospice and all the money raised from it will help the charity provide a lifeline of care for families of the most seriously ill children in Wiltshire and Dorset.

It's the second year the trail has been staged. It takes adventurers past the whispering seat, along the River Nadder and through the woodland in the enchanting grounds of Wilton House.

Events fundraiser for the hospice Chantelle Shave, said, “We’re thrilled to be hosting our Easter trail event for Julia’s House in the glorious grounds of Wilton House again this year. We’re planning an exciting week of activities at our Julia’s House tent on the lawn, including our ever-popular teddy tombola and a children’s book stall. We hope everyone will come along to help poor Squizzle Squirrel and all the toys find Easter Bunny’s lost eggs!

“We rely almost entirely on kind donations to fund our vital service in Wiltshire and Dorset. This event is a wonderful way for us to create something magical and fun for local families, and raise money to support the seriously ill children who rely on our care.”

Children of all ages can follow a map to find the lost eggs and search for different letters to crack a secret party password to collect their Easter chocolate prize. There will be 12 large and colourful eggs to hunt for in total – all of which were hidden so well by Easter Bunny’s dear toy friend, Squizzle Squirrel, that they are now lost and the toys need help to find them.

Beautifully illustrated by Wiltshire-based artist and book designer, Chantal Bourgonje, the colourful and whimsical characters have been created especially for the event and are sure to bring joy to both adults and children alike.

The Easter Bunny and the Lost Eggs Trail will run in the first week of Wilton House Grounds opening for 2023, and is being sponsored by Wiltshire pensions company Nucleus.

Set in 21 acres of landscaped parkland beside the River Nadder and Palladian bridge, Wilton House is home to the 18th Earl and Countess of Pembroke. Within the extensive grounds visitors will find a large adventure playground, woodland walks, rose and water gardens and a café and gift shop.

It's a popular film location and is currently starring as different residences in the Netflix period drama, Bridgerton.

The Julia’s House family tent will be set up on the Wilton House lawn, where people can buy trail maps on the day and collect your chocolate goodies.

There's also a free prize draw with the chance to win Wilton House Family Garden Membership. Head to the charity’s Easter event page to find out more and enter: juliashouse.org/Eggs

Easter Bunny and the Lost Eggs Trail runs from 11am to 4pm and last trail entry is at 3.15pm. It costs £4 per child, including prize, with all proceeds going to Julia’s House children’s hospice charity.

Normal admissions to Wilton House Grounds apply. Find out more at juliashouse.org