This year, the Easter holidays take place in April when spring is really coming to life. With (usually) warmer days and brighter evenings, the Easter break offers the perfect opportunity to explore a new part of the UK. With so many brilliant places to explore, let’s look at where to go in the Easter holidays in the UK.
When are Easter school holidays 2025 in the UK?
In the UK, the Easter school holidays are usually two weeks long, with the Easter weekend taking place during that period. In England and Scotland, most Easter school holidays are starting on Monday 7th April this year, but this can differ from school to school. The half term in Wales will run for two weeks from April 14th and in Northern Ireland, half term is a week from April 17th.
What are the dates for the Easter bank holidays for 2025?
This year, Good Friday is on April 18th and Easter Monday is April 21st – both of these are bank holidays, creating a four-day weekend for many full-time workers. This is a great opportunity to book a break away within the UK without having to use up any of your precious annual leave allowance.
10 great destinations to visit in the Easter holidays in the UK
April is a great time of year to book a long weekend away in the UK – or even longer if you have children and half term. The days are longer thanks to daylight saving time starting from the last weekend of March, and we usually see warmer weather. It’s also when spring comes alive in the UK, which is a great time to get out in nature. Here, we list where to go in Easter holidays in the UK for every type of traveller.
1. The New Forest
The New Forest is famous for its free roaming ponies, heathland and its national park. There are endless forest trails to wander as well as the chance to go horse riding or even a few hours at the beach at Lepe Country Park.
For some Easter family fun, head to the picturesque village of Beaulieu for a hot drink and a slice of cake. Then, head down to the water and canoe along the Beaulieu River before jumping into action for an Easter egg hunt with a twist. It’s arguably one of the best Easter holiday destinations for families!
2. Inverness
Inverness is often overshadowed as a place to visit by its Scottish city sisters Edinburgh and Glasgow – but there’s lots to see and do here in spring as a standalone visit or as part of a road trip. As the capital of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness has both the joys of a bustling city to explore and endless nature to explore just a stone’s throw away.
Hire bikes (or simply take a stroll) around the beautiful Ness Islands, or take a boat cruise on Loch Ness and see if the kids can spot Nessie. In the city, join The Great Easter Egg Hunt and search for eggs hidden in shop windows – and find the golden eggs adorned with a letter that reveal the Easter Bunny’s name. Remember, you don’t need your passport to fly domestically in the UK if you are a citizen.
3. Portrush
Open to hopping on a plane for Easter holiday ideas? For a slice of the seaside, head to Portrush on the northern coast of Northern Ireland. Take a stroll with ice cream in hand along East Strand Beach or, just a little further out, visit White Rocks Beach too. If you’re feeling a little more energetic, take the 10km coastal route west to Portstewart.
For whiskey fans, a tour of Bushmills Irish Whiskey distillery is one not to be missed. Feeling peckish? Head to Shanty, a restaurant within a disused boathouse built in 1900, and get the steak – you won’t regret it.
4. Cardiff
Whether you’re a couple looking for a bank holiday escape or a family looking for half term fun, Cardiff can tick all the boxes. Head to Cardiff Castle for a step back in time and walk the bombardment walls for sweeping views across the grounds. There’s lots to keep children entertained too – who doesn’t want to try on chain mail and wield a sword?
The National Museum Cardiff is one that can’t be missed by art lovers (and there’s an Easter trail for those with little ones in tow too). The Cardiff Market is a great pitstop for food and architecture fans alike, with a carefully maintained Victorian structure calling it home. Head to the Cardiff Bakestones stand for delicious Welsh cakes in lots of different flavours.
5. The Peak District
Walkers, this one’s for you. The Peak District is near both Manchester and Sheffield, making it the perfect day trip from either city – but I would opt to stay in the District itself for maximum hiking time. Opt for Bakewell as your base for the Monsal Trail, which spans 8.5 miles and is a traffic-free hike. The route offers sweeping views of the limestone dales and the perfect vantage point for Headstone Viaduct.
No trip to Bakewell is complete without a taste of its namesake cake – the Bakewell tart. Head to The Bakewell Tart Shop and Coffee House for a slice of the sweet stuff and a big cup of tea to wash it down.
6. Bath
What isn’t there to do in Bath? Long scenic walks, bars and restaurants, bustling city life and a big dose of history –there’s something for everyone. For a relaxing taste of luxury, book in it at Thermae Bath Spa. The spa is adults only and has the most incredible rooftop pool.
Sticking to the water theme, the Roman Baths is a great half-day trip for the whole family. Taking you back 2,000 years, grab a audio guide to learn about the site’s rich history as you wander around, or book your children in to dig for replica Roman artefacts this Easter.
7. Wells-next-the-sea
On the north coast of Norfolk, this port town is home to one of my favourite beaches in England. The beach spans 40 miles of sand and shallow channels to paddle in, making it the perfect day out for every visitor. Pack a picnic, a book and a bucket and spade and you’ll have hours of fun. Bird lovers should bring their binoculars to spot shorebirds from the sand too.
Behind the dunes, don’t miss out on the circular walk through the pinewoods – it’s a magical spot. From the beach, walk the one-mile raised path with a view all the way to Wells Crab House seafood restaurant. Order the fish pie and you won’t be disappointed!
8. Penzance
Are you wondering where to go in the Easter holidays in the UK for families? You can’t go wrong with a trip to anywhere in Cornwall, but Penzance is a particular favourite. Wander down Chapel Street to gaze at its eccentric buildings, take a dip in the seafront Art Deco-style lido, or wander around the abundance of art galleries like the Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange.
For some Easter fun, head to the National Trust Trengwainton Garden for a good old-fashioned Easter egg hunt from April 6-21. On Good Friday, watch the traditional Easter custom of Fenton Bebibell – toys being ceremonially dipped into a well that is believed to have magical powers.
9. Isle of Skye
Everyone should visit Skye at least once in their life – hiking, nature, boat trips, rich history and so much more await you. For fans of being out on the water, a sea kayaking session is a must to admire Skye from a different point of view as you paddle along the picturesque coastlines.
For some of the best seafood you’ll ever try, head to Michelin-starred Loch Bay restaurant. It only has six tables, so remember to book ahead. Looking for something a little more casual? Try Café Cùil for an all-day brunch – the Highland shakshuka with slow roasted tomatoes, veggie haggis and a fried egg is my choice.
10. Canterbury
Canterbury is a city packed with history, food spots, shopping and incredible architecture. No visit is complete without a trip to the majestic cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk the medieval city walls, wander Westgate Gardens and pop into the independent shops that make up so much of Canterbury’s shopping scene.
There’s always lots going on around Easter, from egg hunts at Strode Park House to the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Easter address. Book a table for lunch at The Goods Shed overlooking the farmer’s market. It has stunning high ceilings, a rustic brick interior and candlelit dinners. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu too, all made with local produce.
How did I put this guide together?
With the back-to-back bank holidays over Easter weekend, I always make the most of the opportunity to book a few nights away somewhere new in the UK. You’ll usually find me walking miles in nature with a picnic in my rucksack, but sometimes I can’t say no to a few days exploring a new city and all the wonderful local bakeries that call it home! This guide was compiled using my personal experiences of exploring the UK.
