For the first time, The Hardmans’ House - the Georgian home of photographer Edward Chambre Hardman - will be the venue for an Easter Trail for younger visitors.

The trail will be based around photos which the famous Liverpool photographer took that have an Easter theme – so rabbits and spring flowers will feature highly!

Sarah Jane Langley, the house custodian explains: “We really wanted to organise an Easter event for children – and after much thought, we decided to use some of Hardman’s wonderful photographs with Easter associations. Both Hardman and his wife liked animals – Margaret Hardman had three dogs during her lifetime, and we have lots of images of dogs, cats, sheep and other assorted animals,with their owners captured.by Hardman.

"For example, one of the pictures on the trail has the title ‘Mrs Taylor’s Dog and Rabbit’ taken in 1939 – obviously the animals featured must have been well used to living with each other, otherwise the rabbit wouldn’t have survived to be in the photo!”

“These are some of Hardman’s less familiar images – so it’s great to be able to bring out a selection to be enjoyed over the Easter weekend. The trail will form part of our usual tours around the house, and children will be given a trail sheet with questions relating to each photograph.

"The photographs are scattered through the house and each child gets a Cadbury chocolate Easter egg when they’ve completed the trail – so lots of incentive there!”

The Easter Trail at The Hardmans’ House runs daily, 22 – 25 April, 11am – 3.30pm and forms part of house tours . Booking in advance is advisable. To book call 0151 709 6261. Normal admission rates apply (National Trust members free) plus an additional £1 for the trail.

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Meanwhile over at Speke Hall, there are Easter Trails running in the grounds and garden, and you can also make your very own Easter bonnet and wear it in Speke’s Easter parade.

Anne Inskip, who’s organising Speke’s events, said: “We’re delighted that Cadbury is supporting our Easter activities – so in addition to the trails and bonnet making, we have storytelling, face painting, and giant games including ‘Nest Ball’ and space hoppers!

Children can also take part in Cadbury’s ‘design your own Egghead’ competition. It should be a great weekend so we hope lots of families will come and enjoy what’s on offer – which of course includes lots of delicious chocolate eggs!”

There are Easter Egg trails and bonnet making events at Speke on Sunday 24 and Monday 25 April, 12 noon – 4pm. Normal admission rates apply, plus a small additional charge for some activities.

For further details call Speke Hall on 0151 427 7231 or go to www.eastereggtrail.com