10 Ways to Make the Most of Your Bank Holiday

Excited for an upcoming long weekend?

This is the perfect time for you to unwind, relax and enjoy your well-deserved time off.

But wait, before you start binge-watching your favourite shows or tending to your garden, we have a few ideas that will help to make the most of your time, while creating some unforgettable memories.

In this article, we’ve put together a few exciting ways to spend your time during the next Bank Holiday! From exploring unfamiliar places to trying new activities and spending quality family time.

1. Visit a Theme Park or Adventure Park

Visiting a theme park or adventure park is always a great option for a family day out. You can enjoy some adrenaline-pumping rides, eat some delicious food, and enjoy shows and attractions together, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

In the UK, you have plenty of options, such as Thorpe Park in Surrey, Alton Towers in Staffordshire, Drayton Manor in Tamworth, LEGOLAND in Windsor, Chessington World in Chessington, and Blackpool Pleasure Beach in Lancashire.

2. Plan a Picnic in the Park

Grab your picnic blanket, some fun outdoor furniture, and your favourite snacks, and head to your nearest park. Or, a budget-friendly option can involve purchasing a tent and building a camping experience in the garden! Get some marshmallows, a bunch of pillows, blankets, and some fairy lights. It’s the perfect way to spend a sunny bank holiday with your family; enjoy some frisbee, play catch or just relax in the sunshine. (Hopefully, the weather will be on your side!)

You can pack some games, activities, and have a fun-filled day outdoors. Some of the best parks in the UK for picnics include Hyde Park in London, Kelvingrove Park in Glasgow, and Sefton Park in Liverpool. But let’s be honest, any park will make the perfect location for a family picnic!

3. Take a Family Bike Ride

If you’re looking for an active bank holiday, taking a family bike ride might be the best idea for you!

You can explore the beautiful UK countryside, take in stunning scenery, and get some exercise at the same time. Some beautiful places for a family bike ride in the UK include the Camel Trail in Cornwall, the Tissington Trail in Derbyshire, and the Forest of Dean Family Cycle Trail in Gloucestershire.

Alternatively, find a lovely park near you, or a lake, and have fun cycling together as a family unit. Set up races like parents vs kids or parent vs parent, friendly competition can always be fun when you’re with the family. Read our bike size guide to choose the right bike.

4. Go Camping or Glamping

Camping or glamping is a fantastic way to spend time with your family.

You can disconnect from technology, enjoy the great outdoors, and bond with your loved ones.

In the UK, you have many options for camping and glamping, from traditional campsites to luxury pods and yurts. Some suitable places to consider include the Lake District, the Peak District, and the Scottish Highlands.

Or a budget-friendly option can involve purchasing a tent and building a camping experience in the garden! Get some marshmallows, a bunch of pillows, blankets, and some fairy lights.

And taa-daa you have yourself a camp that the children will remember forever.

In need of some outdoor toys to bring extra fun to your trip, well look no further! Read our camping tips with the family to make the most out of your time.

5. Visit a Zoo or Wildlife Park

Visiting a zoo or wildlife park is an excellent way to spend a bank holiday with your family. You can learn about distinct species, get up close with animals, and have an educational and fun experience (don’t forget the camera).

Some great options in the UK include London Zoo, Chester Zoo, Edinburgh Zoo, and Bristol Zoo Gardens.

Do you have a mini zoologist on your hands? Or just a curious child who is in love with animals? Have a look at our wide range of animal toys!

6. Explore a New City

The UK has so many beautiful cities to choose from, such as Edinburgh, Bath, Oxford, Brighton, Portsmouth, York and many more.

Take a guided tour, visit historical landmarks, and enjoy some delicious food. Don’t forget to take lots of family selfies to add to the memory book.

7. Go to the Beach

There’s nothing like a day at the beach to make the most of your long weekend. The UK has some stunning beaches, such as Brighton Beach, Bournemouth Beach, and St. Ives Beach.

Build sandcastles, fly a kite along the shore, and enjoy a picnic on the sand (watch out for the hungry seagulls). Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, lots of water, and a spare change of clothes.

Unable to get to a beach? Bring the beach home with our range of sand pits and sand tables.

8. Have a Movie Night

If the weather isn’t on your side, then having a movie night with your family is the perfect indoor activity. Choose a family-friendly movie, make some popcorn, and snuggle up on the sofa.

You could even create a homemade cinema experience by setting up a projector in your living room. The kids will love it! Read our advice for creating a toy-themed movie night.

9. Host a BBQ

If the weather is on your side, you could host a BBQ. You can fire up the grill and cook some tasty food while enjoying each other’s company, you can also invite some guests over that also have children and turn the day into a family gathering. You may as well make it a garden party.

If you don’t have a BBQ, you can always look at purchasing a disposable BBQ or renting one to use at your local park (if you do not have access to a garden). Don’t forget that you can bring fun into this beyond the food, with bubble toys and other play activities to help keep the little ones entertained.

10. Board Games Night

If you prefer to stay at home, playing board games is a wonderful way to spend quality time with your family. You can choose from classic games like Monopoly and Scrabble or try something new like a fun thriller game or murder mystery. For board games ideas read, games the family can share together at home.

Alternatively, you could visit a board game café like Draughts in London or Thirsty Meeples in Oxford, which offers a wide range of games to choose from and enjoy with your loved ones.

So, there you have it – ten fun and engaging ways to make the most of your bank holiday with your family and children. Which one will you choose?

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