Our last holiday feels far too long ago. The Easter bank holiday is coming up, and it’s definitely needed. This long weekend is the perfect opportunity to embark on an adventure. The weather is on the cusp of getting better, and you won’t need a dozen layers to be able to enjoy yourself outside.
So what are you waiting for? Hire a motorhome and head out on the open road! Oh, you need to work out the best Easter holiday destinations? Well, we can take care of that part. We’ve rounded up the best places to spend your Easter bank holiday in 2024, all of which are located within the UK.
1. Aberystwyth, Wales
Travelling with little ones this Easter break? Then we recommend packing your campervan and heading straight to the charming town of Aberystwyth. Known for its natural beauty, quaint streets, historic sights, and picturesque beaches, this is the perfect way to combine relaxation and adventure on your holiday.
This is also ideal for sneaking a bit of education into your trip with kids, as Aberystwyth is home to the National Library of Wales and the largest Arts Centre in Wales.
Things to do in Aberystwyth:
-Explore the region from your seat aboard the Gwili Steam Railway. This Welsh heritage railway operates along the former Carmarthen to Aberystwyth line. It’s considered to be one of the UK’s most picturesque preserved lines.
-Travel back in time at the majestic Aberystwyth Castle. This was the first true castle built in Aberystwyth and has changed hands numerous times over the centuries, particularly when the Normans warred with the native Welsh. You can explore the ruins of this huge fortress, and imagine what it once was.
-Aberystwyth is one of the stops on our Wales road trip itinerary, so if you have the holiday time to spare, why not combine this with a larger adventure?
2. Belfast, Northern Ireland
You’ll find some of the best Easter holiday destinations in Northern Ireland. The weather is a bit better by the time Easter rolls around, but it still saves your summer for somewhere gorgeous and sunny. In particular, we recommend heading to Belfast if you haven’t already. This bustling city is known for its grungy atmosphere, which people seem to either love or hate.
Belfast is shaped around its difficult history and all of the challenges its citizens have overcome over the years. From this troubled past, Belfast has grown into a home for arts, culture and knowledge. So head there for the bank holiday to experience it all for yourself.
Things to do in Belfast:
-Is there a foodie in your travelling party? Head to St George’s Market. Situated in a stunning Victorian building, this market is filled with fresh local produce, arts and crafts, live music and more.
-We won’t even ask if you’re a fan of Titanic, and instead, we’ll just recommend heading to the Titanic Experience to learn the real story behind this infamous ship. Follow it with a stroll through the Titanic Quarter, where you can experience a large-scale waterfront regeneration, consisting of historic maritime landmarks, film studios, entertainment services and more.
-Many think that a trip to a capital city will always be expensive, but that really doesn’t have to be the case in Belfast. For example, you can take a free walking tour to learn more about the history and culture of Belfast. Let a local teach you all about this vibrant city, and experience the places you wouldn’t think to visit.
3. Norfolk, England
This is a perfect weekend trip from London, making it ideal for the Easter bank holiday in 2024. The 280 miles of protected coastline have been classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You’ll find rare flora, fauna and wildlife scattered throughout.
Norfolk's wide open skies have inspired poets, artists and writers for centuries, and now they can inspire you. This unspoiled coastline will have you feeling a million miles from home, and you’ll get the most rest possible from your short getaway.
Things to do in Norfolk:
-A rainy day can easily be spent in the Museum of the Broads, which is filled with unique and interesting exhibits. You can dive into the rich history of the region, including the First World War, the M&GN Railway, and the thriving brewery industry.
-You can easily spend a day in the bustling city of Norwich. Its remote location caused it to miss a lot of the Industrial Revolution, so the Tudor ambience of the town largely remains. Take your time exploring the many Medieval churches here, as well as the renowned Norwich Cathedral and Norwich Castle.
-Norfolk is likely most famous for the man-made Broads. This National Park is filled with over 125 miles of navigable lock-free waterways, so what better way to explore it than by boat? You can either rent a boat or book a tour, and see Norfolk from a new perspective.
4. Glen Affric, Scotland
Many consider Glen Affric to be one of the most beautiful places in Scotland, and you’ll quickly see why this is the case. Glen Affric is located deep in the Highlands, southwest of the village of Cannich and about fifteen miles away from Loch Ness. This makes it the ideal destination for a relaxing getaway or as part of a larger road trip in Scotland.
Along the length of Glen Affric runs the River Affric. This area feels magical, and the mix of native pinewoods, lochs and moorland offers an almost haunting type of beauty.
Things to do in Glen Affric:
-This is a paradise for hillwalkers, and you’ll have your choice of walking trails. Personally, we’d recommend the traditional Glen Affric Circuit, which should take you over around eleven miles in five hours. It consists mostly of accessible paths but does require some experience and a strong fitness level.
-While walking, keep an eye out for local wildlife. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot many of the residents of Glen Affric, including ospreys, otters, black-throated divers and deer.
-Finally, another recommendation for nature lovers is the charming Dog Falls. Don’t fret; no dogs were harmed for it to get this name! This stunning waterfall is definitely worth a visit, and it’s a great location for a picnic or a short stroll.
5. Isle of Wight, England
Summer can be a busy time to visit the Isle of Wight, which makes it one of the best Easter holiday destinations. You can enjoy the island without the additional crowds and at a cheaper cost. You’ll get to see why the Isle of Wight was so popular with Lord Alfred Tennyson, Charles Dickens, Queen Victoria, and many, many more people.
If you’re going to visit, we recommend going all-in on our Isle of Wight road trip itinerary. It’ll allow you to explore the whole island, including the best beaches, spooky caves, historic sights, and more.
Things to do on the Isle of Wight:
-Head to the south of the island to visit Catherine’s Lighthouse in Niton. There are many spooky legends surrounding this lighthouse, including ghostly animal sightings, unexplained footsteps and vanishing items. After you leave, take a walk to Steephill Cove, a hidden beach that is only accessible by foot, to regain your wits.
-The Isle of Wight is also known as the ‘Dinosaur Capital of Britain.’ It featured the perfect habitat for dinosaurs, and they’ve found almost every type of dinosaur fossil there. Learn all about this at the Dinosaur Isle Museum. Don’t forget to go digging yourself while here, as new fossils are still found yearly.
-Thanks to its sunny, warmer-than-average weather, the island’s also home to plenty of exotic plants, which is why it is often nicknamed the ‘Garden Isle’. You’ll see plenty of wildlife while here, such as dolphins, seals, birds and more.
6. Anglesey, Wales
We can’t stop recommending Anglesey to people, so we’re going to do it just one more time. This gorgeous little island will make you feel like you’ve crossed the world to a remote place. You can easily drive a circular route around the island with our Anglesey road trip itinerary.
On a clear day, you’ll be able to see all the way over to Ireland. For an unbeatable view of the island, hike up Parys Mountain. It features rock formations that span four eras and 12 geological periods, which cover over 1,800 million years. You’ll be able to visit the ancient burial mound of Bryn Celli Ddu, which is believed to be over 5,000 years old, before hiking back down.
Things to do in Anglesey:
-It might not quite be swimsuit weather (unless you’re very brave), but it’s still worth visiting some of the great beaches in Anglesey. There are six Blue Flag Beaches: Benllech, Llanddwyn, Church Bay, Trearddur Bay, Llanddona and Porth Dafarch. Be sure to follow it with a cup of tea or hot chocolate in a cafe!
-One of the most famous landmarks on the island is the South Stack Lighthouse. It’s perched on the summit of a small island and was built in 1809 to warn sailors of the rocky waters below. Tackle the 400 steps to the top for a view that’s more than worth the effort.
-Don’t leave Anglesey without visiting Cwyfans Church. Only accessible during low tide, this remote church is a magical place. Just make sure you leave before the tide rises once more, and relax at Aberffraw Bay.
7. York, England
You’ll struggle to find a place as quintessentially British as York. Filled with winding streets, delightful shops and restaurants, and a rich history, York is filled with things to do over the Easter break.
Aside from the glorious city of York, the surrounding region is easily one of the most beautiful places in the UK, filled with rolling hills, winding rivers, and lush forests.
In 2023, York was voted the UK’s second most walkable city by CityDays, making it the perfect trip for active holidaymakers. Grab your boots and stretch your legs; it’s time to head to York!
Things to do in York:
-Any Harry Potter fans around? If so, be sure to visit the Shambles, which many believe to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley. You can follow this with a visit to York’s Castle Museum or climbing Clifford’s Tower.
-If you’re not scared of the dark or what might be hiding within it, sign up for the Ghost Trail of York. York is considered to be the most haunted city in the world, with over 504 recorded hauntings, according to the Ghost Research Foundation International, so it’s only fitting that you indulge in a bit of terror while here.
-Pack a picnic and head over to Spurn Point in East Yorkshire. Described by the Wildlife Trust as ‘Yorkshire’s very own Land’s End,’ this constantly moving peninsula in the North Sea is never the same on two trips. You’ll find solitude like no other, simply listening to the screech of sea birds and gently lapping waves.
8. Antrim Coast, Northern Ireland
Make 2024 the year you visit Northern Ireland, and consider heading straight to the Antrim Coast for this. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of our favourite destinations for motorhome holidays.
This county is filled with stories to tell, and locals who will gladly tell you all about them. It’s a great starting place for a larger trip through Northern Ireland, or ideally fitted in a bank holiday getaway.
Plenty of Game of Thrones scenes were filmed here, such as the Lordsport Harbour, which Theon Greyjoy returns to in season two. You can even take dedicated tours, which will bring you to all of the filming locations.
Things to do on the Antrim Coast:
-Ready to visit the town that was named the ‘Best Place to Live in Northern Ireland’ in 2016 by the Sunday Times? Ballycastle is a delightful town, filled with lovely cafes, boutique shops and picturesque houses. You can finish it off with a stroll on Ballycastle Beach, and gaze out at the sparkling blue waters.
-You can’t leave the Antrim Coast without visiting the renowned Giant’s Causeway. Spread over an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, this is one of the most unique sights in the entirety of the UK. The Giant’s Causeway is the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption, although others will claim witch — or giant? — craft was involved. It’s free to visit and an exciting day out for the whole family.
-If you’re looking for a challenge, embark on the Gobbins Coastal Walk, which clings to the cliffs of the scenic Islandmagee peninsula. People have been tackling this route since the early 1900s and offers unparalleled access to the rugged Antrim Coast. It’s an exhilarating path, with suspension bridges, caves, steps, and tunnels.
9. Galloway Forest Park, Scotland
This is one of our favourite weekend breaks from Edinburgh, or anywhere in Scotland. Galloway Forest Park is often referred to as the ‘Highlands of the Lowlands,’ and it is filled with stunning beaches, endless hiking trails, and stunning forests.
If your dream Easter bank holiday in 2024 includes an incredible sunset on the beach, then look no further than Galloway Forest Park.
Things to do in Galloway:
-The Whithorn Story is a delight for all ages. This museum and visitor centre brings history to life, as you learn all about the arrival of pilgrims and the Reformation, and even see the remains of Iron Age settlements.
-Galloway Forest Park is the only Dark Sky Park in Scotland and is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights. So find a great place to pitch your motorhome, roast some marshmallows and eagerly await for the stunning aurora borealis.
-Galloway Forest Park is filled with some of the best cycling routes in the UK. In particular, people flock here to tackle the National Cycle Route 7, which is over 540 miles long. Don’t worry, you can focus on a smaller section of it, or tackle one of many other cycle routes in the area.
10. Portmeirion, Wales
Would you like to visit the Italian Riviera without hopping on a flight? Don’t worry, we’re not going to suggest a ferry or the Eurotunnel; this Italian Riviera is a lot closer to home.
Portmeirion is the brainchild of eccentric architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, and it’s truly unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Filled with pastel-coloured Mediterranean-style buildings and manicured gardens, this village looks slightly out of place in the UK, but that’s the beauty of it. Despite its eccentricity, it’s still a bustling village with some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.
Things to do in Portmeirion:
-The simplest, and perhaps best, thing to do in Portmeirion is simply to stroll through it. Portmeirion has been referred to as “a gorgeous visual poem” by The Rough Guide to Wales. You can walk past all the homes and their neat gardens, and head to the Central Piazza. You’ll find a larger-than-life chessboard, the Gothic Pavilion, Bristol Colonnade, Hercules Hall and Belvedere, and more.
-Hike through the Gwyllt, a ten-hectare woodland and Edwardian wild garden designed by Caton Haigh. He was a world authority on Himalayan flowering trees and exotic plants, so you’ll be able to spot camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolia trees and maidenhair trees. This incredible garden looks different each season and always brings something new and colourful.
-You can take the famous Cambrian Coast Railway as well as the lesser-known Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, to explore more of the local area through a steam train. The nearby town of Porthmadog has a delightful harbour with many independent shops, cafes, and galleries. You can also visit the Porthmadog Maritime Museum and the nearby Glaslyn Wildlife Centre.
We hope that one of these ten Easter holiday ideas is exactly what you’re looking for! Will you spend your Easter bank holiday in 2024 exploring a new city, hiking up a mountain, or strolling along a tranquil beach? The choice is yours, and with a motorhome, you have the freedom to go anywhere and everywhere. So why not take advantage of this long weekend to visit somewhere nearby and explore more of the beautiful UK.
Need a hand with your motorhome packing list? Or tips for your first campervan trip? We’ve got everything to get you on the road.
