In this post we start thinking about Easter breaks in the UK.
Easter breaks in the UK offer the perfect opportunity to experience the beauty of spring and everything the new season has to offer. With blossom, lambs, and, hopefully, a touch of sunshine, it’s a time of renewal and positivity. And with a long Bank Holiday weekend, it’s a great time to escape your routine and explore the best of the UK.
So, whether you’re looking for a weekend city break, a coastal retreat, or an escape to the countryside, I’ve compiled a range of ideas to inspire your Easter holiday and make this spring break unforgettable.
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When is Easter 2025?
If like me, you love planning ahead, it’s worth noting that Easter Sunday in 2025 falls on 20th April, with the Bank Holiday weekend running from 19th April (Good Friday) to 21st April (Easter Monday).
School holiday dates vary across the UK, but in most areas, they cover the two weeks leading up to Easter. This makes it a perfect time to plan an Easter weekend away or even a longer break to make the most of the spring season.
Dorset: A Jurassic Adventure
I’ve always had a soft spot for Dorset, and it remains one of my go-to destinations for a holiday in the UK. We went for an Easter break a couple of years ago and had an amazing time.
Located on England’s south coast, Dorset boasts the iconic Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a stunning stretch of coastline, and we never tire of walking along the beautiful cliffs near Durdle Door or exploring Lulworth Cove.
Dorset is a haven for nature, and you can enjoy several family attractions for animal lovers, such as the Abbotsbury Swan Sanctuary, Monkey World or RSPB Arne.
Alternatively, you can explore historic landmarks, like Kingston Lacey or Corfe Castle. Owned by the National Trust, Corfe Castle often hosts Easter activities, and last time we were there you could join in with archery and other traditional games.
There is always plenty to see and do in Dorset, making it an ideal family-friendly choice for a memorable Easter holiday or weekend away.
The Cotswolds: an escape to the countryside
Located in the heart of England, the Cotswolds is an excellent option for an Easter break. It is a picturesque destination at any time of the year but looks particularly idyllic in spring. It is one of our favourite UK holiday destinations and an area we return to often. Have a look at our 5-day itinerary in the Cotswolds for an idea of how to plan your time.
Whether you choose to stroll through quaint villages like The Slaughters, Snowshill, and Bibury or explore historic market towns such as Chipping Campden and Stow-on-the-Wold, you’ll be bowled over by the place.
If you’re visiting with children, the lambing season is the perfect time to visit the Cotswold Farm Park. Plus, you’ll also find plenty of family attractions in the pretty village of Bourton-on-the-Water, including a mini replica of the village itself.
The honey-hued cottages, rolling hills, and historic market towns, make the Cotswolds one of the most appealing places to spend Easter.
London: a cultural city break
If you’re looking for a city escape, London is a fantastic destination for an Easter getaway. There’s always so much to do, regardless of whether you’re a first-time visitor, or regulars like us.
With numerous iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London, the London Eye, and Buckingham Palace, the capital offers countless attractions for visitors and with fewer visitors than the summer, it is a good time to visit. There’s also lots of cool things for teenagers to do in London.
In the evenings, you can enjoy the capital’s vibrant theatre scene or try one of the many restaurants to add a touch of glamour to your Easter holiday. Here’s a post on how to spend a weekend in London with kids.
If you’re on a budget, there’s always plenty of free things to do in London at Easter. Take a stroll through Regent’s Park to enjoy the cherry blossom trees or head to one of the many free museums if it’s raining.
The Peak District: a hiking paradise
The Peak District offers some of the UK’s most spectacular landscapes, making it a top choice for anyone seeking an active and scenic Easter holiday break. We visited last Easter and had a fantastic time.
Nestled in the heart of England, the Peak District was the UK’s first National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. It has miles of hiking trails, including some iconic trails like Mam Tor and family friendly hikes to Chee Dale Stepping Stones, Thor’s Cave, and Padley Gorge.
However, for a more relaxed Easter break, you could visit one of the magnificent stately homes such as Chatsworth House, or enjoy the family-friendly attractions, like Gulliver’s World or the Heights of Abraham. Other places we enjoyed visiting on our Easter getaway were Derwent Dam, testing location of the Dambusters Bomb, and the stunning Ladybower Reservoir.
With its mix of adventure and nature, the Peak District is perfect for a rejuvenating Easter break.
Norfolk: a seaside adventure
If you prefer somewhere to unwind at Easter, you can’t go wrong with Norfolk. This tranquil region is perfect for a low-key Easter holiday and it’s a destination we’ve visited several times.
The Norfolk Broads are ideal for a scenic boat trip, whilst the beaches are great for a coastal walk. There are plenty of things for kids to do in Norfolk, including crabbing at Cromer or the pleasure beach at Great Yarmouth.
Alternatively, you could visit some of the historic sites like Blickling Hall or Norwich Cathedral.
Whatever you choose to do, Norfolk is hard to beat when you’re looking for relaxing Easter breaks in the UK.
Edinburgh: a weekend break in Scotland
Easter is a great time to visit Edinburgh, as you’ll get to see the traditional rolling of Easter eggs on Arthur’s Seat. This is equally fun for adults and kids.
Beyond the Easter activities, Edinburgh offers a wealth of history and culture, which makes it a fantastic city to explore. From walking the Royal Mile to visiting Edinburgh Castle or the National Museum of Scotland, there’s always plenty going on.
Scotland’s capital should definitely be on your list of ideas for Easter breaks in the UK.
Dartmoor, Devon: A blend of moor and coast
A visit to Dartmoor is a great choice for an Easter holiday, combining the charms of both countryside and coast. Spend your days walking across Dartmoor’s breathtaking landscapes, with its scenic trails and picturesque villages, like Widdecombe-in-the-Moor. Spring is an ideal time to visit, as you can look out for new born foals on the moor, as you explore the granite tors and valleys.
If the sun is out, head to the coast where you can enjoy beautiful golden beaches, like Bigbury-on-Sea.
Stay near Buckfastleigh to enjoy family-friendly attractions like the local otter and butterfly sanctuary and the historic Buckfast Abbey. Or take a day trip to Totnes, known for its alternative lifestyle.
Dartmoor has a rural charm but is within an easy drive of lively seaside villages and towns.
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