Our favourite UK Easter weekend breaks for Gen Z, millennials, families and empty nesters across the UK
THE Easter weekend is nearly here and whether or not you have kids, you are probably wanting to make the most of the four-day weekend.
Whether you want to escape crowds of families or just discover something new away from your hometown, the Sun Travel team has recommendations for every generation and every type of person.
Gen Z
Gen Z Travel Reporter, Jenna Stevens is used to jet-setting off around Europe and further afield, but when it comes to doing things in the UK for Easter, her first recommendation is to head to Norwich.
She said: “The artsy city of Norwich in Norfolk was just voted the best place to live in the UK, and in my opinion, it’s one of the best spots for a city break, too.
“This city moves at a slower pace, split up by the River Wensum’s scenic canals, gardens, Tudor buildings and bookshops that give it a quaint feel.
“Norwich is full of easy-going creatives and young people who prefer a chill pint by a waterside pub than a groggy night out clubbing.
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“My top spots are the Red Lion Bishopgate, which juts out over the water, and the Playhouse Bar with a colourful beer garden and affordable pints.”
And instead of just heading shopping, Jenna recommends strolling the city’s cobbled streets to “dip into vintage shops and grab a new jacket or pair of shoes”.
She added: “Visiting during Easter means flowers at the Plantation Garden will be in full bloom, plus it’s the perfect time for literature and history walks (yes – that’s what Gen-Z are into nowadays).”
Alternatively, Jenna recommends heading to Cornwall for a dip in the sea.
She said: “Cornwall really is a crowd-pleaser UK destination for all ages.
“My dad loves a coastal walk and a pint of local ale in a pub steeped in history, whilst I seek out cider and beer festivals and the best beaches for watersports.
“One of my top Easter holiday activities would be to have a go at surfing.
“April is the prime time to shake off the cold and make use of the increasingly sunny days to grab a wetsuit and head out into the water.
“Newquay is the surf capital of the UK, so there’s no better place to try it – whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth.
“Fistral beach has prime waves that reach 6-8ft, but don’t worry if you’re a beginner like me; there’s plenty of classes for first-timers.
“Escape Surf School have been teaching beginner classes for over 20 years, and they start at £43pp for a group lesson.
“There’s also Hibiscus Surf School, which was Europe’s first women-only school, where sessions start at £35pp.”
Millennial
Having travelled to more than 50 countries, Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey has had her fair share of memorable travel experiences.
But when it comes to Easter, the UK holds some real gems for her.
She said: “Living in Kent, I love the trail along the White Cliffs of Dover, which if you can brave the blustering winds, has some of the most beautiful views in the UK.
“The circular National Trust route is just over three miles, so you can easily do it in less than two hours.
“Then end with a cuppa and cake at Mrs Knotts Tearoom or grab a pint at The Coastguard Pub which has a great pub garden at the front.”
But coastal country walks aren’t for everyone, so if you prefer something a bit more bustling, Kara suggests to head to Manchester.
She said: “Manchester is one of my favourite cities – and one you will always have a good time at.
“And by this, I mean embracing your inner child with a day of games and experiences.
“Start at Chaos Karts, an indoor race track (£30pp) where you can pretend you are in Mario Kart, before grabbing some Barbie-esque skates to whizz around Archie’s Atomic (£8.50).
“End the evening at NQ64, a gaming bar with all the old classic machines and some very fun themed cocktails, before a stint at K2, a karaoke bar open until 4am (£10pp).
“Followed by some chips and gravy of course…”
Families
Having a seven-year-old son, Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire knows exactly what makes a good family day out.
Having tried and tested tons of spots across the UK, Caroline recommends dropping by The Outernet in central London.
She said: “When it comes to free attractions, few are as popular in my house as The Outernet next to London’s Tottenham Court Road station.
“Now, my son and I will make a 25-minute detour to spend even 20
minutes there, whenever we’re in central London.
“The huge, multi-screened space screens artist-made short films
throughout the day, and you can walk in from the street and spend as
little or as much time there as you want.
“With screens covering the sides and ceiling, you really do feel like
you are inside the films.
“Yes, you wouldn’t spend the whole day there, but the British Museum is
a short walk away, as is the walled playground Coram’s Fields.”
But if you are looking for a getaway and don’t want to head into the city, Caroline suggests booking into Haven Hopton Holiday Park in Norfolk.
She said: “[It] is routinely named the best Haven site in the country by visitors, with 4/5 star rating on TripAdvisor.
“It was the first holiday park I ever went to, and it still ranks as my No.1.
“The park has direct access to a lovely sandy beach, which is one of its more best-loved features, but it also has stacks of indoor activities in case the weather forgets to play ball.
“There are two indoor pools, arcades, a climbing wall and a good-sized soft play, as well as some excellent evening entertainment.
“If you fancy going off-site, then it is a short drive away from Pettitts Animal Adventure Park, Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park and the Norfolk Broads.”
Or if you are just looking for a day full of fun, head to Paultons Theme Park in Hampshire.
Caroline said: “With a child under eight, Paultons Theme Park is easily my favourite theme park in the UK.
“Specifically because nearly all of the rides have been designed for younger children – so he can go on everything.
“It is best-known for Peppa Pig World, but there is so much more to the park than that.
“With several different lands, including a £12million new Viking land opening in May this year.
“At last year’s UK Theme Park awards, Paultons bagged ten gongs
including the coveted Theme Park Of The Year.
“I’d have to agree with that gong, thanks to many key factors.
“Incredibly short queues for rides, incredible customer service (employees all cheerful), the cleanliness (bathrooms spotless), and the attention to detail.
“For example, the fact that they don’t charge for parking, unlike
several other big theme parks, and that they have leaflets at the
entrance telling you all of the events that are on that day.
“It’s a family-run business and that really shows.”
Empty Nest
Head of Travel at The Sun, Lisa Minot, is an expert in all things travel having been travelling both the UK and the world for decades.
And when it comes to spend Easter in the UK, she recommends “enjoying the mellow sounds of jazz from a floating platform in London’s St Katharine’s Dock while sipping a free glass of English sparkling wine“.
She said: “Sessions on Saturday evening of the Easter weekend (April 4) catch the golden hour when the yacht lights twinkle across the Marina and Sunday afternoon will be a relaxed affair with performances Olivia Swann, Jamie Safir and Flo Moore.
“Tickets are from £27.50 and include a glass of fizz and light bites, as well as blankets to snuggle under if the weather turns.”
Our favourite UK holiday parks
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Park Holidays UK Sand le Mere, Yorkshire
This holiday park in Yorkshire is a thriving family resort, just steps from Tunstall Beach. Entertainment is what this resort does best, with costume character performances, Link-up Bingo and cabaret shows. Accommodation ranges from fully-equipped Gold Caravans to Platinum Lodges with sun decks and luxury bedding.
St Ives Bay Beach Resort, Cornwall
This beachfront resort in St Ives, Cornwall is a true beach bum’s paradise – whether you want to laze out on the sand, or take to the waves for some surfing. Activities include disc golf, a Nerf challenge and an outdoor cinema, as well as indoor activities for the colder months like karaoke, bingo and DJ sets.
Billing Aquadrome Holiday Park, Northampton
This holiday park has loads of unique activities on offer, including TikTok dance classes, alpaca feeding, a pump track for BMX riding, and taking a ride on the resort’s very own miniature railway. Throw in bug hotel and den building, pond dipping, survival skills workshops and a lake for paddleboard and pedalo hire, and you’ve got yourself an action-packed park.
Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands, Sussex
This beachfront resort is a classic family favourite. If you’re not up to swimming in the sea, there’s four fantastic pools here, as well as water flumes, underwater jets, inflatable jet skis and kayak races. Plus if you’ve got any little fans of Paw Patrol or Milkshake!, you’ll be glad to know there’s Milkshake! Mornings and Paw Patrol Mighty Missions to keep your tots entertained.
Alternatively, Lisa suggests “making the most of the spring delights of Herefordshire with their new Roasts and Rambles guide that teams up great walks with excellent country pubs along the route”.
She added: “There are more than 60 curated trails to choose from that can see you discover everything from wild mountain ponies to romantic castle ruins, ancient caves and tranquil rivers – all with cosy country pubs along the way for a well-earned pint and classic pub grub.”
For more ideas on what to do this Easter, here are the best UK family days out from £10 to completely free this the Easter holidays.
Plus, 10 of the most affordable English seaside towns for Easter holidays with £1 rides, £2 pints and mega cheap hotels.