As the calendar flips to 2024, it’s time to start planning those all-important UK bank holidays. There’s more to these precious days than just a break from the daily grind. They’re a chance to explore new places, have fun, and indulge.

Overview of upcoming UK bank holidays 2024

29 March, Friday – Good Friday
1 April, Monday – Easter Monday
6 May, Monday – Early May bank holiday
27 May, Monday – Spring bank holiday
26 August, Monday – Summer bank holiday
25 December, Wednesday – Christmas Day
26 December, Thursday – Boxing Day

How to spend the UK Bank Holidays 2024

Why not take your bank holiday experience to the next level with a stay at a Park Plaza hotel this year? Located in some of the most exciting cities across the UK and Europe, Park Plaza offers access to new adventures, delicious food, and, most importantly, comfortable stays. Let’s dive into each 2024 UK bank holiday and explore how to make the most of them.

Good Friday & Easter Monday, 29th March – 1st April

A long weekend in London

The long weekend from Good Friday to Easter Monday in London is a great time to dive into a four-day city exploration. Start your stay at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London, where the style of the hotel complements the city’s historical charm.

Consider the following activities on Good Friday:

• Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, or Southwark Cathedral for a special service.
• Many of London’s museums and galleries remain open on Good Friday – the British Museum, Tate Modern, and the National Gallery are some great options.
• Watch the famous Oxford vs. Cambridge boat race – a quintessentially British event. You can catch glimpses of it from Bishops Park or Hammersmith Fan Park.
• As it’s a tradition not to eat meat on Good Friday, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some of London’s best fish and chips. We recommend trying Sutton and Sons or Oliver’s Fish & Chips.

Spend the next day exploring London’s many attractions, such as:

• Browsing through the markets of Camden Town
• Exploring the beautiful Kew Gardens
• Hopping on a sightseeing bus and enjoying historical landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge

Easter Sunday is all about good food. And in true British style, one must enjoy a roast. So celebrate with a traditional roast at the Old Bull & Bush in Hampstead, followed by a stroll around the Heath, enjoying a more laid-back side of London.

Finally, on Easter Monday, take a break from the city by staying in and enjoying the amenities of our Mandara Spa. Swim in the pool, treat yourself to a traditional Balinese massage, and unwind in the relaxation lounge.

Or for something a little different…

Escape to Amsterdam and Utrecht

If you fancy a quick trip abroad, set off on an exciting Easter journey, starting in Amsterdam and ending in Utrecht. Begin your adventure on Good Friday at Park Plaza Victoria Amsterdam.

You could spend this day doing the following:

• Wander through the historic streets, perhaps visiting Vondelpark.
• Enjoy a peaceful and scenic boat tour along the canals.
• Take a bike tour – after all, Amsterdam is famous for its cycling culture.
• Visit traditional pubs, known as ‘brown cafés,’ which offer cosy atmospheres and delicious local beers.

On Saturday, indulge in Amsterdam’s art scene. We recommend visiting:

• The Van Gogh Museum
• Rijksmuseum
• The Anne Frank House
• Stedelijk Museum

Then, explore the city’s tasty culinary offerings. Make sure to stop by Winkel 43 for the best apple pie!

After two days of exploring the best of Amsterdam, travel to Utrecht on Easter Sunday, staying at Park Plaza Utrecht. Here, experience a change of pace with a visit to the charming Dom Tower and a stroll along the quaint canals.

And Easter Monday in Utrecht is a great time for relaxed exploration – perhaps a bike ride through the city’s picturesque streets or a visit to the famous flower market.

Early May Bank Holiday, 6th May

Cardiff’s beauty is at its peak in the Early May Bank Holiday. And Park Plaza Cardiff, located in the heart of the city, becomes your perfect bank holiday sanctuary. Try some of the following activities:

• Take a day trip to the breathtaking Brecon Beacons National Park.
• Explore the historic Cardiff Castle.
• Discover St Fagans National Museum of History – an open-air museum that explores the historical lifestyle, culture, and architecture of the Welsh people.
• Dive into the arcades – Cardiff is famous for its Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades, great for browsing boutiques and enjoying local cafes.

After a long day of exploring, pamper yourself at the hotel’s Laguna Health & Spa, where you can swim in the 20m stainless steel swimming pool, exercise in the two-story gym, or indulge in a range of treatments.

And if you are hungry, head to the Laguna Restaurant, which serves a delicious fusion of flavours created by award-winning chefs using the freshest ingredients from Welsh suppliers.

Spring Bank Holiday, 27th May

This bank holiday is the ideal time to take part in Berlin’s quirky culture and history. Staying at Park Plaza Wallstreet Berlin Mitte, with its unique design inspired by the New York Stock Exchange, places you right in the city’s centre.

Here’s how you can spend your Spring Bank Holiday in Berlin:

• Start with the city’s most iconic landmark and visit the Brandenburg Gate.
• Explore Museum Island, which is home to five world-renowned museums.
• Walk the Berlin Wall memorial and gain insight into the city’s divided past along this preserved stretch wall.
• Visit Potsdamer Platz and experience the modern heart of Berlin with its striking architecture.
• Enjoy the view from Berliner Fernsehturm, the TV Tower that offers amazing views. You can even book lunch or dinner and eat as the restaurant slowly rotates, offering you a 360-degree view of the city.
• Experience Berlin’s famous nightlife and visit trendy bars and clubs, especially in areas like Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain.

For a long weekend in the city, we recommend arriving early on Saturday, 25th May – enough time to get a feel for the city without feeling rushed.

Summer Bank Holiday, 26th August

For those seeking a last bit of sunshine before the arrival of Autumn, take advantage of the Summer bank holiday and spend a week in Croatia. Picture yourself at Park Plaza Histria Pula, a stunning resort along the Istrian coast. This location offers a perfect mix of historical charm and modern leisure, making it an ideal choice for a late summer getaway.

Begin your trip by exploring the ancient Roman ruins in Pula, including the magnificent Arena, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. Spend your afternoons basking in the Adriatic sun at one of the nearby beaches, or take a boat tour to explore the Brijuni National Park, a group of islands known for their natural beauty and historical significance.

For a day trip, consider visiting the picturesque town of Rovinj or the hilltop town of Motovun, famous for its truffles and spectacular views.

Christmas & Boxing Day, 25th – 26th December

A festive celebration in London

Experience the magic of Christmas and Boxing Day in London. Park Plaza Riverbank, with its impressive views of the Thames and the city, could be your ideal base for a festive holiday escape.

Here’s how you can spend your Christmas Day in the city:

• Attend a Christmas service at one of the city’s iconic churches like Westminster Abbey or St. Paul’s Cathedral.
• Enjoy a festive walk through the beautifully decorated streets and areas, such as Covent Garden, which is usually less crowded on Christmas Day.
• Watch the King’s speech – usually broadcast at 3pm – either back at the hotel or at an open pub.
• Then head back to Park Plaza, where a traditional Christmas dinner awaits, complete with all the trimmings.

And start Boxing Day in London by diving into the lively atmosphere of the city’s shopping districts like Oxford Street and Regent Street. For those looking for a more relaxed day, many of London’s museums and galleries, such as the Tate Modern or the British Museum, remain open.

Or if you fancy something different…

A traditional German Christmas

Embrace the traditional charm of a German Christmas by spending your holiday in Berlin. Park Plaza Berlin is an excellent choice for getting lost in the renowned Christmas markets and festive activities.

Here’s how you can make the most of Christmas Day in Berlin:

• Attend a traditional Christmas service at one of Berlin’s historic churches, such as the Berliner Dom or Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church.
• Although the Christmas market may be closed on Christmas Day, the area around Gendarmenmarkt is beautiful to explore with its stunning architecture.
• Explore Charlottenburg Palace. The exterior of this baroque palace is a beautiful sight, especially with its festive decorations.
• As the day winds down, return to Park Plaza for a cosy evening, perhaps retreating to the on-site Factory Bar which offers modern international food and a unique cocktail menu.

Boxing Day in Berlin, known as “Zweiter Weihnachtstag” (second Christmas Day) in Germany, brings yet another day of festive activities.

There are several ways to spend Boxing Day in Berlin, including:

• Visiting the Christmas markets! Many of Berlin’s markets remain open on Boxing Day. Check out popular ones like the WeihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt or the market at Charlottenburg Palace for festive treats and last-minute holiday shopping.
• Taking advantage of the holiday period to visit Berlin’s famous Museum Island. Pergamon and the Altes Museum are typically open and less crowded.
• Going shopping and enjoying the Boxing Day sales. Visit areas like Kurfürstendamm or the Mall of Berlin for post-Christmas shopping.

There are plenty of Park Plaza locations to choose from – whether you are looking for an adventurous and exploratory break or a more laid-back staycation. So, plan ahead, book your stay, and get ready to explore, relax, and indulge during the 2024 UK bank holidays.