Spring has definitely arrived. The buds on the trees have appeared, blossom is decorating the paths and the birds are back with their music.

Unfortunately the responsibilities that come with adulthood mean that this short and sweet, sweet time of year can pass us by before we’ve had a chance to savour it.

For those of us living in the UK, the beloved Spring Bank holiday will be upon us in less than four weeks. If you haven’t booked a getaway already, don’t think it is too late. We have found some great accommodation deals across the country that won’t break the bank. So go on, book yourself a treat!

1.Bristol

Voted the best place to live in the UK in 2017, this city has all the amenities you need while maintaining a small-town atmosphere. Nearby attractions include the iconic Victorian-era Clifton Bridge, conservation zoo and 12-acre gardens with a Gorilla Island, seals, penguins, reptiles and lions. If you fancy some sea air or the green hills of the British countryside, hire or take your car, as both are within less than an hour of the city.

Over Easter weekend Berkeley Castle is holding ‘Easter Eggcitement’, which will include a Chinese dragon procession, egg hunt and arts and crafts.

Better yet, hotels over Easter are eggstremely (couldn’t help myself) affordable. See below – less than £55/night!

2. The Cotswolds

…need no introduction. Chocolate-box English villages, cherry blossom and cream tea make this place a beautiful destination whatever the weather. This also means that accommodation is often on the more expensive end. What you can do is stay in Cheltenham – providing good access to supermarkets as well as halal and vegetarian restaurants – and spend the day exploring the Wolds. Again, we advise you to take or hire a car to have the flexibility of exploring wherever you want.

Road trip!

3. London

The Big City is surprisingly welcoming in Spring. While London can be overwhelming, it has a great many parks that bloom come March. Hire a Boris Bike for less than £3/24 hours and explore the royal parks. Regents Park has a stunning display of flowerbeds and plenty of blossom to sate your Japanese-cherry-blossom-desires. You could also visit the Japanese curated Kyoto garden in Holland Park, spot the deer in Richmond park or feed the swans in Hyde Park.

Over Easter weekend the Muslim Lifestyle Show will be on at the Kensington Olympia, with pre-order tickets reasonably priced at £10 for adults (kids go free!).

We’ve found some very reasonably priced accomodation for your stay:

4. Blackpool
Long a British-seaside favourite, Blackpool is still a great weekend escape from your routine. Do all the things you loved as a child; ride rollercoasters, Ferris wheels and swings. Eat fish ‘n’chips, lick ice-cream and play along the seafront. Bliss.
Accommodation is also surprisingly very affordable:

5. Edinburgh

A beautiful city that mixes the old with the new, Edinburgh offers so much potential for a weekend break. Visit the medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings. Take a tour of the 16^th Century Holyrood Palace or climb Arthur’s seat.

Indulge your sweet tooth at some of the country’s most unique chocolatiers; sip hot white chocolate with lavender and lemongrass at Coco Chocolate and sample chocolate desserts on a conveyor belt at The Chocolate Lounge. If sweets aren’t your thing (or you already have too many fillings), enjoy no frills curries at The Mosque Kitchen.

Accommodation is a bit more expensive than the locations above, but if you are willing to stay in a village outside the city (such as Kirknewton) you will probably find something cheaper.

Of course, these offers were accurate at the time of publishing (well, just before) so there is no guarantee they will be there tomorrow. In the spirit of making 2017 the year you try something new, go forth and explore!

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