Has this bank holiday taken anyone else by surprise? All of a sudden May has crept in and a lot of us have the day off on Monday. Perhaps you’re like me and want to avoid the regulation DIY but what to do with that well earned day off?

Trip to A Bluebell Wood

I think it’s good to be reminded the bluebells are in season. Last year I finally made it to the spectacular wood at Coton Manor the very last week of the season. The flowers were just beginning to turn and I’m hoping to go back earlier this year to see them in all their glory. The Woodland Trust have a guide on their site of what they view to the best bluebell woods across the country.

Take A Trip To The Fringe

Rock My Wedding’s Alice is off to the coast this weekend to The Brighton Fringe festival, England’s largest arts festival. If the Edinburgh Fringe in August is too far to travel then do check out the festival in the south of England instead. Running until 3rd June there are lots of free events as well as tickets for shows starting from £4.

Star Wars

If you’re a Star Wars fan (there’s a real split in the team at Rock My Towers) then you could kick off the long weekend with a trip to The Space Centre in Leicestershire. The ‘May the 4th Be with You’ event promises to be a “very special adult-only evening of music, art, science, fashion and food, that will be dedicated to celebrating the Dark Side of the Force, with maybe a hint of the Rebellion.”

Head To London

TimeOut share their round-up of ten things to do this bank holiday including Brockwell Lido Fair (dealers selling furniture and clothing around the pool) and the al fresco bar at Skylight.

National Trust and Other Stately Homes

I’m still debating whether to get National Trust membership as my beloved Chatsworth is a private owned estate but maybe it’s about time I started to visit a few more places. What better way to spend the bank holiday than immersed in history soaking up some culture?

Netflix Binge

If you’d rather relax and kick back indoors then maybe you fancy a Netflix binge. As usual there’s lots of new (to Netflix) releases coming this month including old favourites such as Sliding Doors and Amelie. For a full list check out Vulture.

Get A Late Deal

A few years ago James and I booked a spur-of-the-moment trip one morning and got a last minute hotel booking to stay in Windsor. The hotel was slightly dubious I have to admit but the weekend was one to remember as we were pretty pleased with ourselves for being so spontaneous. If you’re like me I prefer to research your trip to minute detail it’s probably best to go to a town you’re already familiar with or throw caution to the wind and live in the moment. Check out our archives for a few tours from towns such as Brighton, Leeds, Liverpool and Bath.

Cheltenham Jazz Festival

The annual Cheltenham Jazz runs until the 7th May and includes the biggest names from jazz, blues and world music. Combine with a trip around the rest of the Cotswolds and it’ll be a fab recipe for a long weekend. On the subject of music festivals, with Glastonbury taking a break this year then check out the Evening Standard for their pick of the best summertime festivals.

Pack A Picnic

My husband detests alfresco dining but he humours me every so often and we go on an annual picnic. The weather forecast looks pretty good from where I’m standing so maybe we won’t be needing our cagoules.

Food Lovers

Alice’s family head to the Easton Castle Chilli festival in Herefordshire which sounds very intriguing! With cookery classes, stalls , music and dancing and plenty of veggie food too. There are also heaps of other food festivals and Farmer’s markets going on around the country to get your taste buds going.

How are you spending the bank holiday? Anyone else planning on a day with friends and family? Are you off visiting anywhere interesting?