Things to do this Bank Holiday

Looking for Covid-safe ideas about how to spend this Bank Holiday weekend – without overspending? Look no further: we’ve rounded up a reminder of some of your options in each part of the UK, and where to find great ideas for fun family activities.

What are we allowed to do?

First, a quick reminder of the rules…

England

• Most outdoor attractions and settings are open, including outdoor hospitality venues, zoos, theme parks, and drive-in cinemas.
• Outdoor socialising like picnics, barbecues and garden parties are allowed as long as you stick to the rule of 6.
• And as you may already have experienced, ‘hospitality venues’ like restaurants and bars are allowed to serve people outdoors.
• There is no specific restriction on how far from home you can travel, but the guidance suggests you should keep travel to a minimum.
• Visit the UK government’s website for a full list of the rules and restrictions.

 

Scotland

 You can meet in groups of up to 6 from 2 households in an indoor public place such as a café, pub or restaurant.

• You can meet in groups of up to 6 from 6 households outdoors, in a private garden or a public place like a park or an outdoor area of a café.
• Under-12s do not count towards the total number of people or households meeting outside but do count towards the household numbers indoors.
• You can travel anywhere in Scotland.
• Cafés, pubs and restaurants can provide full outdoor service, subject to local licensing, and serve food indoors without alcohol until 8 pm.
• Tourist accommodation, all visitor attractions and drive-in events can all open.
• Visit the Scottish government’s website for the full list.

 

Wales

• A maximum of 6 people from 6 households can meet outdoors including in private gardens
• Outdoor visitor attractions and entertainment venues (including funfairs and theme parks), self-contained accommodation, outdoor hospitality and some organised outdoor activities can open.
• Visit the Welsh government’s website for the full list.

 

Northern Ireland

 From 30 April:

• Up to 15 people (including children) from no more than three households can meet up outdoors in a private garden, but you should maintain social distancing.
• Overnight stays are permitted in self-contained tourism accommodation (such as self-catering houses, caravans and motor homes).
• Outdoor areas at hospitality venues (cafes, restaurants, bars, pubs, social clubs, including members’ clubs) can reopen.
• Outdoor visitor attractions, activity centres, parks, play areas, outdoor areas of properties operated by the National Trust and the outdoor areas of stately homes, historic homes and castles are permitted to open. This includes drive-in cinemas and performances.
• Visit the NI government’s website for full details.

Where to find out what’s on

• Visit the National Trust’s directory of days out
• Find historic sites to visit at English Heritage, Historic Scotland, Cadw and Heritage Ireland
• Get ideas for family days out at dayoutwiththekids.co.uk.
• See if your nearest city has listings on TimeOut.com
• Take a look at your local council’s website to find out what’s happening in your area
• Intrigued by the idea of a drive-in cinema? Find recommendations here and a directory at driveincinemas.co.uk.

How not to overspend

Make a budget

Most of the fun places to spend money have been closed for most of the last year – it’s understandable if your budgeting skills are a little rusty! Plan a budget for the weekend or, better still, for each day. Don’t forget to include food and travel costs.

If you’re spending the weekend with children, get them involved in budgeting too. Give each child a daily budget for snacks, treats and activities. If you have older children and you think they’re ready, you could give them the cash so they get the experience of managing their own money.

Don’t pay full price!

Great websites to check include Wowcher and Groupon for vouchers, and cashback sites like Quidco and TopCashBack. You can also find paper vouchers (retro!) in the newspaper, on food and drinks packaging, at local tourist offices if there’s one near you, and sometimes just in the post. And if you have a supermarket rewards card, keep an eye out for any offers you can get with your points.

Look for free or low-cost activities

Most libraries are back open, and many are offering fantastic free, socially distanced activities. They’re often also a great source of information about where you can find free swimming, free sports coaching, family-friendly events, and other free or low-cost activities in your town or city.

There’s always the park!

 If it’s a sunny day and you have no other ideas, why not go for a classic: that’s right, a picnic! We love the easy tips and recipes in this Tesco article.

Have fun at home – even if it rains…

While browsing the National Trust website we came across this great guide to family activities you can do at home or in your local area – including some baking ideas for a rainy day!

It’s important to stay active: Change4Life on the NHS website has an A-Z of sports and activities, ideas for indoor games, and some Disney-themed ‘10 minute shake-ups’ to keep everyone moving.

And if the weather stays good enough for a barbecue, we love these budget recipes from the BBC.

 

Whatever your plans for the Bank Holiday weekend, have a good one – and stay safe!