The Easter weekend is a special time in the British calendar: not only is the weather on the up, meaning that we might finally be able to enjoy a bit of sunshine, but it’s also the middle of the school holidays, making it a great time to get out and about with the family.
As Easter is the only four-day weekend we get in the UK (unless there’s a Royal Wedding, of course), there’s plenty going on across the country. So whether you’re staying at home or embarking on a city break, we have some tips about what’s on for Easter 2015.
Manchester
Cardiff
London
Newcastle
Belfast
Thinking of heading abroad this Easter?
Check out our top 5 family-friendly getaways.
Manchester
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Photo courtesy of Castlefield Artisan Market
When it comes to shopping trips this Easter, Manchester has it covered. Explore the Castlefield Artisan Market on Deansgate for the best in food & drink and vintage or head to the beautiful grounds of Tatton Park in Knutsford for the annual Easter Crafts and Country Shopping Fair, where little ones can enjoy Lindt Story Time in the gardens.
If shopping isn’t your bag, you can take some time to study the other great love of Mancunians at the National Football Museum. Don’t forget to take any budding Beckhams to the Skills Sunday sessions, where kids can learn footy tips from professional coaches.
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Photo by joeyknoxart
If you haven’t had your fill of arts and crafts, head to Oklahoma for lunch, where gifts and knick-knacks share space with a bustling café serving up great light bites and unbeatable milkshakes. In the evening, try one of Manchester’s best-known burgers at Almost Famous (but book ahead unless you don’t mind queueing). For something different, try the Friday Food Fight at B.EAT STREET MCR, where eight different pop-ups serve up their best fare in an atmosphere that’s akin to a warehouse rave.
For drinks, head to the Northern Quarter, where you’ll find everything from hipster hideouts to cosy cocktail bars. Kosmonaut is a personal favourite.
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For the ultimate stay in Manchester, check into The Lowry, one of the city’s premier residences. This centrally-located five-star hotel has played host to plenty of touring celebrities and offers a spa, a chic bar and restaurant and a range of well-furnished rooms and suites. Standard double rooms for the Easter weekend start at £250.
To search for more hotels in Manchester over Easter, click here.
Cardiff
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Photo credit: Cardiff Castle
There’s plenty going on in Cardiff this Easter, with something to suit all ages. Tots and little ones will love the range of activities on at Cardiff Castle over the weekend, where you’ll find egg decorating and a special Easter-themed trail with clues hidden around the grounds. (Exploring the beautiful and romantic medieval interiors is fun for Mum & Dad, too!)
Schoolkids will get a lot out of a visit to Techniquest, where ‘Amazing Eggsperiment’ science workshops will run throughout the holidays, while teens shouldn’t miss a trip to the free Mermaid Quay Music Fest, a four-day celebration of music covering everything from folk and opera to funk and rock.
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Photo credit: Fabulous Welshcakes
If you’re looking for great places to eat in Cardiff, make sure you check out our ultimate foodie’s guide.
Have a craving for something sweet? Why not go traditional and opt for Fabulous Welshcakes in Mermaid Quay? Home made using local ingredients, these are the best Welsh cakes in town. And if the sun is shining, you can’t miss a visit to the unique Science Cream, where you can watch in awe as ice-cream is made using liquid nitrogen before your eyes – just don’t ask us how it works…
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Perched on the edge of Cardiff Bay, St. David’s Hotel & Spa is the place for those seeking rest and relaxation over the Easter break. The spa is regularly listed as one of the best in the UK, while the hotel’s luxurious rooms feature elegant and comfortable furnishings. Standard double rooms for the Easter weekend start at £206.
Click here to browse Cardiff hotels for the Easter weekend.
London
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Photo credit: London Mystery Tours
There’s plenty for both families and couples to do in the capital this Easter weekend. Kids will love what’s on offer at the Discover Children’s Story Centre in Stratford, a creative hub where they can make an Easter basket, find sweets on the Easter Bunny’s trail or explore the exciting garden.
If you’re planning a romantic break in the capital over the weekend, try the Chocolate Tour from London Mystery Walks, where you’ll visit some of the best chocolatiers in London and – most importantly – get to take part in some tasting sessions.
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Photo credit: Honest Burgers
Of course, you’re hardly short of options for great places to eat in London, but a few places jump out. If you’re with the little ones, why not head to the Rainforest Café in Piccadilly Circus, a very family-friendly dining experience, which brings you animatronics, tropical fish tanks and the sights and sounds of the rainforest.
For good honest British food with your significant other in the evening, head to your nearest Honest Burgers, where you’ll find an affordable range of exciting burger combos made with responsibly-sourced ingredients.
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To add a touch of luxury to your London stay, check into the Town Hall Hotel in Bethnal Green. Found in a grand and lovingly-restored building, this boutique hotel combines chic modern design with quality comfort. Guests can also enjoy a stylish cocktail lounge and gourmet restaurant. Standard double rooms for the Easter weekend start at £178.
Compare hotels in London for the Easter weekend here.
Newcastle
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Photo credit: BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art
A thriving creative hub in the North, Newcastle is an ideal destination for art lovers and artisans. Pay a visit to the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, where you can view exhibitions, performances and even attend workshops and family events. If you prefer getting your hands dirty, why not show off your own creative flair with gourmet cupcake making at Cake Poppins (for grown-ups only).
For something a little different, you can also try broomstick training at Alnwick Castle – on the very spot where the world’s most famous wizard had his first lesson in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. A must for any Harry Potter fans – of any age.
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Photo credit: Alvino’s Bar
For a quintessentially Geordie dining experience, head to Quay Ingredient. A small independent coffee shop tucked under the iconic Tyne Bridge, the café serves up tasty sandwiches and light bites perfect for brunch. For a hearty evening meal, try the best Thai in town at The Old Siam, where you can treat yourself to flavoursome, traditional Southeast Asian food in the heart of the city.
For evening drinks, Alvino’s Bar in town is a great starting-off point. Here you can enjoy a range of home-grown and European beers and spirits in a relaxed atmosphere. Check their website for the latest events, which regularly include cocktail masterclasses and table football competitions.
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A classic luxury hotel in one of the most sought-after locations in the city, Jesmond Dene House is a great addition to any weekend break in Newcastle. Impeccably furnished, the traditional hotel offers individually-styled rooms and suites, as well as afternoon tea and gourmet dining options. Standard double rooms start at £133 for the Easter weekend.
Head to trivago to browse more hotels in Newcastle.
Belfast
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Photo credit: Railway Preservation Society of Ireland
There’s plenty going on in Northern Ireland’s booming capital. On Easter Sunday, why not head to the city’s premier attraction, Titanic Belfast, for a spot of afternoon tea served in the opulent Titanic Suite. Then on Easter Monday and Tuesday, it’s all aboard the Easter Eggspress for a steam train adventure to Whitehead, an idyllic coastal village, courtesy of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland.
You can read more on the city’s best free attractions here.
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Photo credit: Titanic Belfast
When it comes to the best budget eats in Belfast, we know what we’re talking about: check out our guide to cheap and cheerful places to eat here.
If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth in Belfast, you can get your fix at Treat Boutique, a café and patisserie specialising in cupcakes and pastries. But if you’re looking for something truly unique, there’s only one place you need to go: forget London’s hipster cereal café and welcome the world’s first crisp sandwich café instead, Simply Crispy. The perfect opportunity to try the famous Irish Tayto’s.
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For an extra-special stay, check in to the Malmaison Belfast, close to the heart of the city. The hotel is found in a former seed warehouse, which has been fashionably converted into one of the city’s hippest hotels. Its stylish interiors are complimented with interesting design features, such as free-standing baths, chic fireplaces and exposed brick walls. Rooms start at £112.
Click here to find your perfect hotel in Belfast for Easter.
When are you planning on spending your Easter weekend?
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