Bank Holiday fun for all ages

Bank Holiday fun for all ages

Two for tea in Hackney ©Land of Kids

May Bank Holiday already? Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of it come rain or shine…

London

This Bank Holiday sees the welcome return of Land of Kings to the streets of Dalston, bringing all kinds of music, culture and street food to East London’s Hipster haven. Spreading out across a variety of venues the area will become even more rowdy with the likes of Chrome Hoof, Bugged Out, Faze Action, Five Easy Pieces playing live or hosting live sets. In addition, this year will see Land of Kids – a junior complement to all of the above, taking place on the 6th. The line-up is just as eclectic featuring the likes of Punchdrunk, Lost Picture Show, Disco Disco and Moma Loves. Activities will include reggae nursery rhymes, flower seed bombing, head mask-making, a video dance party as well as family friendly raves. Glow sticks at the ready!

Leeds

This city knows how to celebrate a Bank Holiday weekend. There’s something for everyone with music from over 100 bands like The Pigeon Detectives and Everything Everything atLive at Leeds between the 3^rd and 6^th May.  Get Sunday started at The Faversham on the 5^th with DJ sets from Bicep, Futureboogie and Tale Of Us from 2pm. And for the kids (young and old), Leeds Royal Armouries are putting on a very special display between May 4^th and 6^th. Learn all about the weaponry that superheroes use and draw with professional artists. Keep your eyes peeled for Stormtroopers and Iron Man.

If you get peckish, head to the Kirkgate Farmer’s Market in the city centre for a tantalising array of artisan food stalls.

Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway steam locomotive, Northern Rock ©Ray Forster

Cumbria

All kinds of family-based fun will be kicking off in Cumbria. You can jump on board the classic vintage engine Bonnie Dundee at Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway and ride the rails between here and Dalegarth. Trains run roughly every 20 minutes, taking in some of the finest countryside scenery in the country. Over the course of the weekend you’ll be able to experience a huge range of activities at either station including storytelling, circus skills, mask making, nature trails, electric biking, owls from the Muncaster Owl Sanctuary, huskies, pony and trap riding and more. A morning waterfall themed guided walk takes place on the Sunday and Monday from Ravenglass with a ‘Horrible History Roman Walk’ leaving Dalegarth in the afternoons.

South West

Completing the whole of the beautiful 630 mile South West Coastal Path will take repeated visits – but after one visit the chances are you’ll come back. This bank holiday would make a great time to start. Pick any section and stretch your legs at your own pace along one of the most picturesque coastlines in the world as the scenery explodes with spring colours.