THE National Trust in Hampshire is appealing to families to join an Easter egg hunt to unleash their inner explorer.

Adventurous quests are taking place across the county, from spring woodlands and historic houses to an ancient water mill and the ‘wilds’of the New Forest.

What’s more, everyone will be rewarded with a chocolate treat at the end of each completed hunt, and every single Cadbury Easter egg hunt will help support special places looked after by the National Trust for future generations to explore.

Hinton Ampner

(Bramdean, near Alresford)

This pretty garden, with its different levels, winding paths and quirky topiary, is a great place for children to discover. This Easter, Hinton invites you to turn ‘Indiana Jones’ and follow the clues as you search for giant painted eggs hidden in the grounds. If you can find the surprise at the end of the hunt you’ll win a yummy chocolate prize.

Cadbury Easter egg hunt from March 25-28, 10am-4pm, normal admission plus £3 per hunt.

For more details, call 01962 793515.

Mottisfont Abbey

(near Romsey)

Ancient trees, babbling brooks and rolling lawns frame this lovely house. Crafted from a medieval priory, it is full of surprises both inside and out.

Pick up an Easter hunt sheet, full of brain teasers and craft activities. Follow the trail to discover giant eggs hidden around the grounds, and complete challenges with your family to earn a treat.

Cadbury Easter egg hunt from March 25 to April 10, 10am-5pm, normal admission plus £2 per hunt.

For more details, call 01794 340757.

Winchester City Mill

(Bridge Street, Winchester)

Winchester City Mill hums with activity all year round, making it a great family experience. This Easter, pick up a map and join in the giant egg hunt around this 17th Century working corn mill. If you can solve the riddles, you’ll receive a delicious chocolate gift.

The Easter fun continues until April 10, with lots of spring-themed family activities, from quizzes to treasure hunts and craft activities.

The Mill is well known for its baking demonstration days, and this Easter there are no less than four opportunities to find out how to make a variety of seasonal sweet and savoury treats, from hot cross buns and Welsh cakes to cheese straws and bread. Take home recipe cards (small donation) and try some baking at home using the mill’s very own flour, available from the shop.

Hot Cross bun-baking on Good Friday, March 25, 10am-4pm; Easter treats baking, March 27, 10am-4pm; Flour-milling demonstrations every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Cadbury Easter egg hunt: March 25-28, 10am-4pm, normal admission plus £2 per hunt, and seasonal baking demonstrations on March 25, March 27, April 3 and April 9, 10am-3pm

For more details, call 01962 870057.

Uppark

(South Harting, near

Petersfield)

Set on top of the South Downs, with amazing views and lots of space to run around in, Uppark is the perfect place for an Easter hunt. Track down the big eggs that the Easter Bunny has hidden in the garden, and the little ones that are hidden around the house. If you complete your search you’ll receive a chocolate gift. If it’s breezy, bring your kite and practice your flying techniques!

Spring trail: March 29 to April 10, 11am-4pm, normal admission.

The Uppark hares have hidden eggs around the garden and outbuildings. See if you can find them all then claim your free sticker.

Cadbury Easter egg hunt: March 25-28, 11am-4pm, normal admission plus £3 per hunt.

For more details, call 01730 825415.

Foxbury

(New Forest, Half Moon Common, East Wellow)

Bring your best detection skills to the ‘wilds’ of the New Forest, for a day packed with exciting woodland activities and, of course, a Cadbury Easter egg hunt, leading to a chocolate prize.

Discover nature’s hidden secrets with our rangers, find out where New Forest birds make their nests and what creepy crawlies they like to eat. Get hands-on den-building and bush craft advice from our experts, and watch chain-sawing in action.

The ranger team are even bringing along some New Forest animals for you to meet, and when you want to relax, you can toast marshmallows on an open fire and visit the on-site barbecue.

Cadbury Easter egg hunt and ‘wild play’ day: March 27 and March 28, 11am-4pm, admission £4, trail free.

For more details, call 01794 344020.