It’s the Bank Holiday on Monday! Whoop whoop! Long weekend and all that! Although if you haven’t got anything planned you might not be so excited. Never mind, we’re here to help and have got all sorts of ideas and summer Bank Holiday tips for you.
Let’s face it though, it’s the end of August which pretty much means the end of summer so there’s not much to celebrate. Or is there?
Things to do…
Notting Hill Carnival
If you’re stuck for things to do in London, why not visit the Notting Hill Carnival? Held since 1964, the Carnival is one of the largest in the world and attracts around 1 million people each year. The main parade is held on the Bank Holiday Monday and sees the float procession and around 60 bands performing. Make sure you head to the World Music Stage at Powis Square for the full experience.
If you’re planning on using public transport, check the Transport for London website for full details and use the Journey Planner to plan your journey.
Cornwall
I know lots of you will be in Cornwall this weekend so why not head down to the Newlyn Fish Festival on Monday? There’s lots to sample, cooking demonstrations, and loads of activities for kids and when you’ve had enough, you could even pop over to St Michael’s Mount in Mount’s Bay.
Get all the information here.
Dover
For a completely new experience, head to the White Cliffs of Dover and visit the National Trust’s Fan Bay Deep Shelter. This network of underground tunnels was built in WW2 to disrupt enemy shipping in the Channel.
Bolton
Bolton’s Food & Drink Festival runs for 4 days over the Bank Holiday weekend and is definitely worth visiting if you’re in the area. Over 150,000 people visited last year and the record is expected to be broken this summer. A dedicated children’s marquee provides entertainment if your kids lose interest in the stalls of food.
For more information, visit boltonfoodanddrinkfestival.com
Travel
If you’re planning on travelling by train, check National Rail for the latest updates on rail service.
If you’re planning on travelling by car, check Highways England for the latest updates on roadworks.
Expected Delays
The majority of traffic is expected to be day trippers heading to the coast so do bear this in mind.
If you’re heading to Cornwall, expect delays at Temple on Bodmin Moor due to the dualling of the single carriageway stretch which will cause delays until March 2017.
There are currently roadworks between Junctions 9-11 on the M5 southbound route so try and avoid this section if you can.
For more tips on avoiding traffic jams, check out our guide.
Don’t forget to check your car over before going on a long trip. Remember to check:
- Oil – at the correct level?
- Engine coolant – are you topped up?
- Battery – all charged and performing normally?
- Lights and mirrors – any lights out?
- Windscreen wipers – are they torn/damaged? Is the washer fluid topped up?
- Tyres – are they at the correct pressure? Are they legal?
- Spare tyre and jack
Make sure you’re geared up with ideas for keeping the kids entertained in the car!
BBQ
If the weather stays good, make sure you fire up the BBQ and get creative with it. Don’t just go for burgers and sausages, slow cook some baby back ribs or smoke a brisket. Don’t forget to BBQ safely and check out our BBQ tips for some easy grilling.
Finally, enjoy the weekend!
Have a great time, don’t forget the sun screen, and if you have any other tips for us, let us know below.
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