Ah, bank holidays — a glorious gift from the calendar gods! A bonus day off to do whatever you please.
Whether you’re looking to chill, explore, or just catch up on life admin, bank holidays are the perfect excuse to break out of the usual routine. But what’s the best way to spend them?
Here’s our take on how to make the most of the next UK bank holiday.
1. get out and explore
Let’s kick things off with a bit of adventure. Bank holidays provide the perfect opportunity for a day trip, especially if you’ve been itching to explore somewhere new.
Whether it’s a nearby town you’ve never visited, a scenic walk in the countryside, or even a cheeky beach trip if the weather’s playing nice, getting out and about is a great way to shake things up.
If you’re in the UK, you’ve got some cracking options. Head to the coast for some sea air (Brighton, anyone?). Or perhaps you could check out one of our stunning national parks like the Lake District or the Peak District? You could even have a wander around a local market or a National Trust property. The trick is to feel like you’re having a mini escape from the mundanities of day-to-day schedules.
2. host a bbq (weather permitting, obviously)
Watch as the sky turns grey, and the temperature plummets as tends to be the case whenever we dare to say the word BBQ here in the UK…
But it’s undeniable! There’s something about a bank holiday that screams BBQ. So, why not gather your mates, fire up the grill, and enjoy dining outdoors this bank holiday? Burgers, sausages, a bit of halloumi for the veggies, and some meat alternatives for your vegan guests — it’s all about the good vibes and great food. And let’s be honest, is there anything better than the smell of BBQ wafting through the garden?
If you’re feeling fancy, throw in some homemade sides or even whip up a cheeky cocktail or two. If you’re dodging booze, we’ve plenty of mocktail recipes you can try out. And if not, why not add a slug of your favourite spirit to them? We won’t tell, Brownie Promise!
3. have a lazy day
Sometimes, the best way to spend a bank holiday is to do absolutely nothing. And we mean nothing. Have a looooong lie in, stay in your pyjamas all day, and binge-watch that series you’ve been meaning to catch up on! It’s your day off, after all!
Whether it’s reading a book, having a long bath, or just catching up on your favourite podcasts, there’s no shame in a day of pure, unadulterated laziness.
We all need a bit of downtime, and a bank holiday is the perfect excuse.
4. catch up on life admin
Okay, we’ll be the first to admit that it’s not the most exciting option… But bank holidays can be a good opportunity to tick off those nagging tasks that have been hanging over your head. Whether it be sorting out your finances, cleaning out that messy cupboard, or finally tackling the garden, getting stuff done can be surprisingly satisfying.
The key is to get it out of the way early, so you’ve still got time to enjoy the rest of the day. Reward yourself with a takeaway or a nice glass of wine afterwards — you’ve earned it!
5. get together with friends or family
Bank holidays are perfect for catching up with those you might not see as often as you’d like. From a family lunch to a pub meet-up with friends, or even just a chilled evening at home with your nearest and dearest, bank holidays are all about good company and good times.
If you’re feeling social, you could even plan a group activity. Think along the lines of a board game night, a picnic in the park, or perhaps a day out somewhere fun like a theme park or the zoo. Dedicate your bank holiday break to making memories and enjoying some quality time together.
6. take a mini break
If you’ve got a bit of spare cash to splash, why not turn your bank holiday into a weekend getaway? A long weekend break can feel like a proper holiday without the hefty price tag.
And working within budget is doable too. From a city break to a cosy countryside retreat, or even a quick hop over to Europe, escaping your day-to-day is a great way to make the most of the extra day off.
Top tip: Look out for last-minute deals or Airbnbs that aren’t too far from home. Sometimes, a change of scenery is all you need to feel refreshed and recharged.
7. do something you love
At the end of the day, bank holidays are supposed to be about doing whatever makes you happy. Whether that’s indulging in a hobby, trying something new, or just spending time with the people you love, the best way to spend a bank holiday is your way.
bank holidays: final thoughts
So, whether you’re out exploring, firing up the BBQ, or just chilling on the sofa with your feet up, make sure you enjoy every minute of it. After all, the next one’s a while off, and we’ve got to make the most of these little slices of extra freedom.
Whatever you decide to do, have a cracking bank holiday! Until next time, eve sleep.
