And breathe. The Spring Bank Holiday has arrived, and as well as a three day break we might also be treated to some sunshine this weekend with some forecasts predicting highs of up to 22°C. While it may be tempting to curl up on the sofa and binge on your latest Netflix series, the potential of some sunshine and the fact this is the last Bank Holiday until the end of August both mean that you should probably make the most of your time with your family. Lacking inspiration for what to do? No problem—we’ve rounded up the best of the Spring Bank Holiday weekend’s goings-on around the UK and picked out nine recommendations perfect for families.
As ever, there are dozens of fun events dotted in and around the capital this Spring Bank Holiday weekend. Among the standout happenings are the Crafty Fox Market at Brixton’s Dogstar, hosting an impressive line-up of over 100 designers and artists showcasing everything from jewellery and ceramics to cards and art prints. Taking place from 9am-5pm on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th May, the market will also offer creative workshops and portrait artists will be available.
If you haven’t already, the Bank Holiday weekend also presents an opportune moment to catch the new Angry Birds exhibition at London’s Madame Tussauds. Launched on 7th May to celebrate the release of The Angry Birds Movie, the life-sized heroes of the film will allow your children to see Red, Chuck and Bomb outside of the digital world for the very first time.
The North West will be rife with food and craft markets this weekend, perfect for a Saturday or Sunday morning mooch before some freshly made midday food in the sun. Leeds will host two food festivals this weekend, with the Great British Food Festival taking place at Harewood House and Leeds Independent Food Festival unfolding across the city.
If you’re in and around Manchester this weekend, we recommend popping in to Altrincham’s Market, recently named Britain’s Best Market by the Guardian’s Food Monthly Magazine. With a comprehensive range of local foods, handcrafted gifts and local ales for dad, the market has a warm, homely community feel idea that makes for a lovely, relaxing way to pass a few hours on a Bank Holiday afternoon.
MidlandsWhy head to the Med this weekend when you’ve got Droitwich Lido on your doorstep? One of the UK’s few remaining saltwater swimming pools, the outdoor pool re-opens this weekend and includes water cannons and fountains to keep the kids entertained throughout the day while you lounge in the sun. Elsewhere, Solihull’s Torchwood Centre is celebrating today’s release (27th May) of Alice Through The Looking Glass by being transformed into Alice’s Wonderland. Whether you are making your way through the Mad Hatter’s art trail or taking a selfie in the centre’s giant mirror, your day is sure to be full or weird and wonderful surprises.
With warmer weather expected on the south coast this weekend, it would be a shame not to head outdoors. Exmouth’s annual arts festival runs from Friday 27th until Monday 30th May and will feature everything from live music and arts and craft fairs to children’s activities and food and drink stands—and with free entry! Tucked away further east on the coast you will find Cornwall’s Tunes in the Dunes festival, England’s biggest beach festival. Featuring headliners Dizzee Rascal and James Morrison, the festival begins at 2pm each day and offers free entry for all children under the age of five.
Wherever may be spending your Spring Bank Holiday Weekend, the potential for sun makes a picnic a simple and fun way to keep the children occupied. Ensure you are fully prepared for an outdoor feast with The Hut’s selection of picnic wear > >
