Easter

Easter - Silly Sheep Round Up

Name: Easter - Silly Sheep Round Up
Start: 2026-04-03
Location: Kirkstall Abbey

Kirkstall Abbey

Date

3 Apr

Ages

All ages

Join in the fun this Easter with a family trail around the historic grounds of Kirkstall Abbey, where the children can hunt for and round up a collection of silly sheep dotted throughout the site. It's a lovely way to get the kids outdoors and active during the Easter holidays, combining a bit of gentle adventure with the chance to explore one of Leeds's most interesting historical landmarks.

The trail is designed for families with children aged 0-16, so whether you've got toddlers or teenagers, there's something to enjoy. You'll be walking around mostly open abbey grounds, so it's a good idea to check the weather beforehand and dress accordingly. The activity works well as a half-day outing, and many families like to bring a picnic to make a full afternoon of it, settling down on the abbey grounds with a break between activities.

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes or wellies, as the abbey grounds can be muddy or uneven in places
Waterproof jackets and layers, as Easter weather in Leeds can be unpredictable
Sun cream, a hat, and sunglasses for when the sun comes out, as there's limited shade on the open grounds
Snacks and a refillable water bottle to keep energy levels up during the trail
A small bag or backpack if the children will be collecting items along the way
A camera or phone to capture photos of the sheep and the abbey ruins as memories

Top tips

Arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and give yourselves plenty of time to explore the trail without feeling rushed
Wear layers and check the weather forecast before you go. Easter can bring anything from sunshine to showers, and the abbey grounds offer little shelter
Take a break halfway through to sit down and have a snack. The historic ruins and grounds are beautiful, so it's worth pausing to soak in the atmosphere
Combine the sheep hunt with a proper exploration of the abbey ruins themselves. The site has fascinating history, and older children often find it interesting
Bring a blanket and a picnic to make it a proper half-day outing rather than rushing through. Many families settle in for lunch on the grounds after completing the trail

Practical details

Age range

All ages

Suitable for families with children of all ages. Younger children may need adult supervision on the trail, whilst older children will enjoy the interactive nature of the sheep round-up activity.