May Bank Holiday ideas

Updated

The warmer weather is on its way, the woodlands are bathed in the fresh green of new leaves and Britain's wild flowers are in bloom. Happily the May Day bank holiday provides us Brits with a long weekend in which to relax, have fun and enjoy the (hopefully) mild weather and sunshine.



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However, with the Easter holidays only recently past and another bank holiday fast approaching, it's possible that ideas for things to do could be thin on the ground.

Never fear! From May 5 through to May 7, events, festivals and fun days out are in abundance so get your warm weather gear ready and take a look at just a few of the activities the UK has to offer.

Festival fun
Across the country there will be music, art, food and more traditional May Day events to keep you entertained throughout the bank holiday.

On the music front, Aberdeen hosts its new festival, The Big Beach Ball, at the Beach Promenade on Sunday May 6. Tickets are priced at £24.50 and the festival promises a mix of indoor and outdoor fun.

Alternatively music fans can take in some of Manchester's finest new bands at the Sounds from the Other City festival. Check out the city's up-and-coming musicians on Sunday May 6 in Salford. Tickets cost £18.

Those with a taste for all things arty should head down south for the start of the 46th Brighton Festival, which runs from Saturday May 5 through to Sunday May 27. Music, dance, visual arts and theatre are all on offer and there is also plenty to keep the kids entertained.

Foodies will no doubt descend on the glorious setting of Hampton Court Palace for the Food Festival. This celebration of all things gourmet runs throughout the bank holiday weekend.

For a more traditional May Day weekend, try Mayfest on the Isle of Wight. Maypole dancing, Morris Dancing, live music, games, stalls, ale and cider, it's a great way to celebrate the start of summer in traditional British fashion... and best of all it's free.

Countryside or seaside
Countryside lovers and walkers should make the most of this wonderful time of year. The bluebells will be in full flower and a woodland walk provides the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy some fresh air amidst Britain's wildlife. Breathtaking carpets of blue can be seen at Blakes Wood in Essex, 106 acres of ancient woodland, Blickling in Norfolk, where the wilderness garden and woodland of the park are renowned for their beautiful display, and Lanhydrock in Cornwall, where the Great Wood and Avenue Walk is famed for its carpet of spring colour.

Further north, Hardcastle Crags in Yorkshire bursts into life with a wonderful display near Hebden Bridge, while visitors to Calke Park and Abbey in Derbyshire can explore 600 acres of parkland, marvelling at the flora within this National Nature Reserve.

If countryside walks aren't your thing though, why not take the whole family for a day out at the beach? Granted some fine, warm weather Britain has some fine beaches. Try Saunton Sands in North Devon, Walberswick in Suffolk, beautiful Bamburgh in Northumberland or the National Trust-managed Marloes Sands in Pembrokeshire, Wales, where the water is crystal clear.

Adrenaline junkies
If you're more about action and adrenaline than relaxing countryside walks, the UK has plenty to offer. For rollercoaster addicts, Thorpe Park in Surrey, Alton Towers in Staffordshire and Blackpool Pleasure Beach offer thrills galore.

Beach bums can get their hearts pumping by catching a few waves at Croyde Bay in North Devon, where things are a little less crowded than at Newquay in Cornwall, or, if you're an experienced surfer looking for more of a challenge, try Three Peaks at North Gower in Wales.

Alternatively for a fun, family day out, book yourself a Tree Top Adventure, courtesy of GoApe. Available at locations up and down the country, you'll be swinging, climbing and zip-lining through the forest and varying levels of difficulty mean there's something for every member of the family.

Of course, some of you may prefer to escape the UK for a few days and with Europe just a short hop across the Channel, you can enjoy a city break in France, Belgium, The Netherlands and beyond. Paris in the springtime, anyone?

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