Easter is just around the corner and Horace Walpole's gothic castle in Strawberry Hill has plenty to offer for children in the holidays.

Young explorers can look around Strawberry Hill House where they may encounter the "cheeky chickens” who have travelled around the world this year.

Children will need to identify all the places the chicks have visited in order to win a chocolate prize.

A treasure trail is also on hand to explore the links between the house and Walpole's role in international trade and study.

Victoria Kew, the house's visitor services manager, says: "This Easter season promises to be very colourful and alive with magical creatures, as well as deliciously tasty with our chocolate-making workshops.

"While these events will be enjoyable for all ages, parents will especially appreciate Strawberry Hill’s newly-refurbished rooms that have not been seen by the public since the 18th century."

Other highlights include workshops where children can decorate their own chocolate treats or create colourful puppets.

Easter at Strawberry Hill; Strawberry Hill House, Waldegrave Road, Twickenham; March 28 to April 15; visit strawberryhillhouse.org.uk for further details.

Here comes the Easter bunny

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Easter would not be the same without chocolate eggs delivered by the Easter bunny and this year, Ham House is putting on a special trail leading to delicious sweet treats.

The National Trust is teaming up with Cadbury to help families unleash their inner explorer through adventure trails around some of the most beautiful and historic landmarks across the country.

Explorers at Ham House will venture through the cherry garden's archway tunnels, the maze-like wilderness, a large fruit and vegetable plot and even a place where a den can be built.

All explorers will receive a Cadbury chocolate egg at the end of each completed trail.

Easter egg trail; Ham House and Garden, Ham Street, Ham; April 3 to April 6, 10am to 4.30pm; each trail costs £3 plus normal admission charges of £10 adult, £5 children; visit nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-house.

Liz Knutt to unveil Park Lane Stables painting

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Acclaimed Teddington artist Liz Knutt will unveil a different side to her work with this Nude Studies exhibition, a collection of ethereal images which marks a departure from her usual distinctive style.

The new compositions in oil on board demonstrate life drawing at its more colourful and translucent.

Knutt will also be unveiling her latest oil work, a painting of Teddington’s Park Lane Stables. This piece will be sold privately to raise funds for the refurbishment of the stables.

1of1 will also be holding a raffle and serving a selection of wine.

Liz Knutt exhibition; 1of1 Design, High St, Teddington, TW11 8JD; March 27, from 6pm; Free admission; Call 020 8977 0080 or visit 1of1design.co.uk.