In the UK, May is blessed with two bank holidays (4th and 25th in 2009), and it seems a shame to waste these precious days at home doing DIY or tending the garden, when there’s so much more to see and do! May's Bank Holidays offer a rare chance to explore the fantastic cities, beaches and countryside Britain has to offer, without dipping into your annual holiday allowance.
The origins of the May Day Bank Holiday, lay in pre-Christian Europe, where traditional celebrations such as crowning a May Queen and a Maypole were common place. The Whitsun (or Spring) Bank Holiday was fixed as the Monday after Pentecost, but now falls on the last Monday of the month. Many towns and villages still celebrate Bank Holidays with traditional events such as cheese-rolling and Morris dancing, but if you’re looking to make the most of these holidays, read on…
Weekend breaks in Britain are more popular than ever this year, and fantastic bargains are there to be found. Hotels are offering cut-priced deals, even over the bank holiday weekends, making a break away in Britain even better value!
Explore the many faces of Britain.....
Relaxing Britain - A sumptuous Spa break in Yorkshire. Take time out from the 9 to 5 and immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings of the 17th century Hellaby Hall Hotel in South Yorkshire. With rates from just £55* per night, you can treat yourself to an indulgent Pamper day package while you're there.
Urban Britain - Shop 'til you drop in Manchester. With its vibrant town centre neatly packed together and a Harvey Nicks to boot, Manchester is becoming one of the best places to shop in Britain. Feel like a local in loft-style apartment at The Place Apartment Hotel in the heart of the city, with rates from just £87*.
Seaside Britain - Stroll along the Prom..Prom..Prom in Brighton. When the sun shines in Brighton the Promenade is all you need for entertainment. With street dancers, outdoor basketball, bars with live music and much more. The Royal Albion Hotel, from just £109*, is a perfect starting point to take a stroll along Brighton's world-famous Prom and Pier.
Natural Britain - The Great Outdoors - Explore the Cotswolds. The Costwolds is an area of natural beauty the UK can really boast about. A perfect destination for those who love to explore quaint villages set amongst rolling countryside. Stay in the beautiful Hare and Hounds Hotel in Westonbirt near Tetbury from just £85* set in acres of well tended gardens with outdoor tennis courts and surrounded by a cool woodland area.
Whatever you do with your May Bank Holidays, make the most of your time off and let's hope for some sunshine!
*All rates quoted are the total cost per room per night, for 2 people sharing either a twin or double room in May 2009.
I think its great UK destations are encouraging more domestic travel with cheap deals.
Posted by: Kimberley | May 20, 2009 at 01:58 PM
FDR's first act as President was to declare a national bank holiday
Posted by: dress up games | May 12, 2010 at 08:12 PM
I have come to london its pleasant to celebrate holidays out there and love to come again for this summer
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