Last Easter, I jetted off to Norway to surprise my mum and my twin nieces for their big birthday. (They share the same date.) This year, my family came to visit me. My nieces are real tight with the Norwegian Easter Bunny, who had been in touch with his English cousin on their behalf. Together, the bunnies had arranged no less than three egg hunts for my nieces in Devon! The best of these was undoubtedly…
The Cadbury egg hunt at the Killerton Estate
Despite a somewhat uninspiring weather forecast, Killerton was bathed in sunshine when we arrived.
Bluebells covered the fields and were moments away from reaching full splendour.
We signed up for the Easter egg hunt and ambled past enchanting flowers in our search for clues.
Signs informed more adventurous explorers of sights just off the main path, and our first discovery was this stunning chapel. It dates from 1738 and is a copy of the Norman chapel of St Joseph of Arimathea at Glastonbury.
Stunning stained glass windows at the top create an amazing light inside the chapel.
Looking up towards the rose window…
… and down at the spectacular floor.
We frequently passed enormous trees who may very well have been Ents.
Time for a lunch break
Halfway through the egg hunt, we came across the charming Dairy Café.
Obviously, it was the perfect location for some coffee and a sandwich.
Or in my case, a herbal tea and a gluten free chocolate fudge cake. So delicious!
My nieces took the opportunity to study the map and try to figure out what the solution might be.
After which they were coerced into a rhododendron photoshoot by their snap-happy auntie.
Cute as a button!
The rhododendron trees were incredible.
So I just had to take a rhododelfie.
Afterwards, we explored the bear’s hut, which used to be the home of a black bear called Tom.
The bear’s hut is beautiful inside and out – just like my nieces.
Always look up!
Tom the Bear must’ve had a brilliant interior designer. We were in awe of the intricate and detailed designs.
On we walked, past more romantic rhododendron trees…
And then we found this beauty; a five-person tree! We were told it was around 350 years old – can you imagine?
We enjoyed the scenery to our heart’s delight.
However, the buildings were every bit as beautiful! I made a mental note to come back when this wisteria is in full bloom.
Sister selfie in the sun.
Cuddle attack selfie!
And a compulsory group selfie taken with my sister’s amazing wide-angle camera phone.
My nieces had no problem completing the egg hunt, even though they’ve only been learning English for a year! We can’t reveal the answer, because the egg hunt is still on – click here to find out more!
Thank you so much to Cadbury and Killerton for the most eggciting egg hunt of the season!
Love, Neens xx