Bank Holiday ideas
Bank Holidays have been around for centuries. They allow many of us 'bonus' time off work and are ideal for making the most of opportunities for day trips, visiting friends and relatives or attending special events. A great number of events around the country are timed specifically to enable us to take advantage of this time.
To learn more about the history of Bank Holidays click here. To discover what's going on in, around or outside of your area, use this site! Below are a few ideas to get you thinking...
Eggstra Special Easter Events, 10-13 April 2009
Be one of the first to visit the new Gorilla Kingdom at London Zoo. You will encounter the serenity of the African rainforest in the heart of London and get close to a colony of western lowland gorillas. Visit www.zsl.org for more info.
Discover the new adventure playground, built entirely in wood at Leeds Castle. Let off steam in a full-scale model of the castle, climb the Maiden’s Tower, joust along aerial runways, and take part in the Easter dragon’s trail. Complete this successfully and you will be rewarded with an Easter surprise!
Go back in time and capture the atmosphere of the 1940's at Crich Tramway Village’s special 1940’s Easter weekend 9 April. Visit www.tramway.co.uk for more info.
Put your artistic talents to good use at a special Easter china painting and clay modelling workshop at the Coalport China Museum, Shropshire. Workshops run from over the Easter period. Visit www.ironbridge.org.uk for more info.
May Day, 5 May 2008
Celebrate spring’s arrival and bluebell bloom by taking part in a Bluebell Trail with specialist walking company Foot Trails in Wiltshire. This guided walk will lead you through stunning woodlands of wild bluebells as well as medieval villages and picturesque countryside.
Celebrate the acclaimed British novelist and playwright, Daphne du Maurier, in May by visiting the Daphne du Maurier Festival in Fowey, Cornwall. You’ll be spoilt for choice with guided walks, talks, drama, local events and free entertainment.
Take the Harry Potter train - North Yorkshire Moors Railway - from Pickering to Whitby. From the 9-11 May the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s 2008 Diesel Gala takes place, visiting locomotives include Class 55 ‘Deltics’ Nos. 55019 Royal Highland Fusilier and D9009 Alycidon and star attraction Cass 52 ‘Western’ No. D1015 Western Champion!
Spring Bank Holiday, 26 May 2008
Explore Bewilderwood, the curious tree-house adventure in the Norfolk Broads. Fly down the crazy slides and zip wires, climb the trails and take part in themed events and storytelling - a totally new dimension to this part of Norfolk.
Witness displays from Europe’s Premier Monster Truck Display Team at Northumberland County Show, Hexham on Monday 26 May, along with RAF Falcon displays - a great family day out.
Join the massed ranks of the world famous Ermin Street Guard as the imperial Roman army is put through their training at Birdoswald Roman Fort, Cumbria. Observe the Roman soldiers as they practice their combat skills, battle tactics and artillery firepower. Visit www.english-heritage.org.uk for more info.