7 lovely ways to spend the Bank Holiday weekend

The UK plays host to some fantastic events over the coming May Day Bank Holiday, so we've picked a few of our favourites to help you make the most of the long weekend!

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1. Go foraging Take a walk on the wild side and go in search of some freshly grown garlic and other wild foods on one of these lovely guided walks held across the country. Find out what foods are in season and take some delicious fresh goods home for your evening meal.

wild garlic with wooden basket

(Image credit: TBC)

2. Visit the MADE London Design & Craft Fair Based in the historic 19th-century Mary Ward House in Bloomsbury, London, this innovative and exciting design and craft fair which runs until 1 May, sees over 100 makers showcasing and selling an eclectic range of wares including ceramics, textiles, wood and glassware. It's the perfect opportunity to pick up a beautiful gift for yourself, your home or friends and family.

tea kettle with cups and flower vase and white wall

(Image credit: TBC)

3. See an exhibition with the National Trust
This year as we celebrate what would have been Beatrix Potter's 150th birthday, why not take a visit to Wordsworth House situated on the edge of the picturesque Lake District National Park, and visit a collection of original artwork by the author herself. The Two Bad Mice: Mischief in Beatrix Potter's Tales is open daily, apart from Fridays, until the end of June.

 

wordsworth house and house exterior

(Image credit: TBC)

4. Explore bluebell woods
Bluebells are in full bloom at this time of year and start to disappear mid May, so it's important to strike while the iron's hot and visit a woodland area near you to enjoy these beautiful flowers at their best.

woods with bluebells

(Image credit: TBC)

5. Experience a dawn chorus
The countryside is alive with birdsong in spring, and sunrise is the best way to experience the summer migrants back from a winter in warmer climates, and the unique mating calls and songs ringing through the air. The 1st May is International Dawn Chorus Day, so get involved and experience nature in its full glory.

dawn with sunset and tree

(Image credit: TBC)

6. Visit a food festival
Famous for its scrumptious cakes, Bakewell is holding its annual food festival this year. Featuring plenty of delicious treats to feast upon, entertainment for everyone and a Farmers' Market on Sunday, this is not one to be missed! The breathtaking backdrop of the famous Peaks adds to the ambience of this quintessentially British event.

cake with knife and napkins

(Image credit: TBC)

7. Celebrate May Day
There are plenty of national May Day events to take part in this coming weekend, but we love the family-friendly 'Obby 'Oss day held in Padstow, Cornwall. Watch a procession through the town, followed by traditional dancing and singing, all in the beautiful surroundings of this quaint Cornish fishing village.

padstow with boats

(Image credit: TBC)
Tamara Kelly
Contributor

Tamara was Ideal Home's Digital Editor before joining the Woman & Home team in 2022. She has spent the last 15 years working with the style teams at Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, both now at Future PLC. It’s with these award wining interiors teams that she's honed her skills and passion for shopping, styling and writing. Tamara is always ahead of the curve when it comes to interiors trends – and is great at seeking out designer dupes on the high street. 

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