Bank holiday weekends always feel like they should be packed with plans… but sometimes they sneak up on you. One minute it’s a normal week, the next you’ve got an extra day off and no idea how to spend it.

If you’re stuck for ideas, don’t worry, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t need expensive trips or complicated plans to make it a great one. Whether you’re heading out with the kids, catching up with friends, or just fancy something different, there are plenty of easy, feel-good ways to make the most of your bank holiday.

And if you’re searching for things to do this bank holiday, family-friendly pubs near you, or events happening locally, you’re in exactly the right place.

1. Go for a walk (but make it an adventure)

A simple walk instantly becomes more fun when you give it a purpose.

Try:

• A nature trail or park you’ve never explored before
• A canal or riverside walk
• A “find 5 things” challenge for the kids (duck, bridge, dog, etc.)

Make it better:

• Pack snacks or an ice cream stop halfway
• Let the kids take turns “leading” the route
• Set a finish line (more on that later…)

2. Have a “yes day” (within reason…)

Set a few boundaries (time, budget, nothing outrageous), then let them take the lead for the day.

You’ll probably hear things like:

• “Can we have pancakes for breakfast?”
• “Can we go to the park… and stay longer?”
• “Can we get ice cream even if it’s not sunny?”
• “Can we bring a football and play?”
• “Can we watch a film later with snacks?”
• “Can we go somewhere new?”
• “Can we bring my friend?”

And honestly… why not?

It doesn’t have to cost much, it’s about saying yes to the little things that make the day feel exciting for them.

3. Do something you “never get round to”

We all have those places we say we’ll visit but never actually do.

Bank holiday = perfect excuse.

It might be:

• A local market or car boot sale
• A nearby town you’ve never explored
• That café you always drive past

Nothing huge, just something different.

4. Turn your home into the plan

If you don’t want to go far, bring the day to you.

Ideas:

• DIY pancake or waffle breakfast
• Garden games (or living room games if the weather’s doing its thing)
• Movie afternoon where everyone picks one

4. Try something low-cost (but surprisingly fun)

You don’t need to spend loads to make the day feel different.

If anything, some of the best bank holiday moments are the simplest ones.

Ideas to try:

• Geocaching – a real-life treasure hunt using your phone (great for kids and adults)
• A local scavenger hunt – make your own list of things to find
• Feeding ducks or spotting wildlife
• A bike ride somewhere new

It’s the kind of thing you don’t usually think to do, but once you’re out, it just works.

No big spend, no overplanning, just something a bit different that gets everyone involved.

6. Or… make this your main plan

If you want something that actually feels like an event (without you having to plan one), this is the easiest win.

This early May bank holiday, we’ve got a Heroes & Villains weekend happening across our pubs.

It’s simple. Turn up, get involved, and there’s already something going on. And if you’ve got kids, you don’t need to overthink it.

That random costume from Halloween that’s been shoved in the back of the wardrobe?
Get it out. No pressure, no last-minute Amazon orders, just use what you’ve got and lean into it.

What’s going on:

• Fancy dress across the weekend
• Prizes and competitions
• A proper buzz in pubs all weekend
• Food, drinks, and entertainment

👉 Find your nearest pub and see what’s happening here