Easter is one of the most popular holidays to secure a long-awaited break with the family. It signals the end of winter with the chance of some much-needed Spring sunshine and is one of the busiest times of the year for a staycation.
And it's not too late to secure some time away - especially as the Easter period follows so closely to this weekend's Mothering Sunday. Most popular destinations booked by travellers from across the UK during the Easter break (between April 11-22) include city breaks, country cottage rentals and seaside stays.
Here are some ideas to suit all tastes and budgets.
Holidaycottages
Holidaycottages ( www.holidaycottages.co.uk ) is offering a seven-night self-catering stay at Twenty One At Westward Ho (sleeps four, plus one dog), a delightful family-friendly house within walking distance of North Devon’s Westward Ho! and its glorious two-mile-wide beach. At The Big Sheep nearby, there is all sorts of Easter animal fun to be had, including bottle-feeding lambs, duck trials and a sheep-shearing show. Arriving April 16, the price is now £212 pp (£847 total – was £935).
Habitat Escapes
Escape to the countryside this April with a stay at Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswolds or Silverlake in Dorset. This year, Habitat Escapes is welcoming guests to take part in their biggest sustainable Easter egg hunt yet, giving families the chance to get out into nature and explore the estates as they search.
Those booking a stay at Silverlake in Dorset between April 1-24 can also receive up to £150 off their booking. The Spinney at Silverlake is priced at £1,246 for three nights from April 15. The Summer House is priced at £1,559 for three nights from April 1. For more information and to book, visit www.habitatescapes.com
QHotels Collection
Just in time for Mother’s Day gifts or Easter holiday planning, The QHotels Collection has launched its Super Spring Sale offers. There’s up to 20 per cent off stays and free spa gifts on offer in these one-time-only premium packages only available when you Book Direct. Available to purchase online, exclusively from The QHotels Collection for a limited time only.
With 21 fantastic 4-star hotels across the UK, The QHotels Collection manage some of the UK’s best staycation resorts. Hotels include, historic hideaway, Slaley Hall Hotel, Spa and Gold Resort, nestled deep in the serene North East landscape, and the stunning Crewe Hall Hotel & Spa, set in eight acres of stunning grounds in the peaceful Cheshire countryside.
Also in the collection, Norton Park Hotel & Spa, set in a parkland just outside historic Winchester, and Oulton Hall, Spa & Golf Resort set within the rolling Yorkshire countryside. With hotels, spa and golf resorts across the whole county, fine restaurants and bars to experience.
Sykes Holiday Cottages
For those looking to do something special this year, Sykes Holiday Cottages has rounded up its top five staycation spots for a weekend getaway, with each holiday priced under £500. From a cosy cottage in Cumbria, to an apartment within a Scottish castle and a traditional property in North Wales, there is something for every mum.
Court Cottage – Ripon, North Yorkshire
Located in the heart of Ripon in North Yorkshire is Court Cottage. Ideal for those looking to explore North Yorkshire, the cottage has parking on a private road, plush furniture and a small patio area with a table and chairs for enjoying a glass of wine after a day of exploring.
Visitors can discover Ripon Cathedral, and various museums and restaurants nearby, before taking a short drive to Fountains Abbey, a World Heritage Site which dates back to 1132. Price: Three nights from £379
Housekeeper’s Rooms – near Pathhead, Midlothian
Housekeeper’s Rooms is an apartment located within Oxenfoord Castle, near to Pathhead in Midlothian. A must-stay for history buffs, the apartment has picturesque views of the castle’s roaming deer, as well as a contemporary galley kitchen and spacious bedrooms.
The woodland grounds can be explored on foot and the garden has a plethora of flowers and wildlife throughout the year. There are also two tennis courts on site and Edinburgh is just a short drive away for those who want a taste of the city. Price: Three nights from £364
Coach House 1 – near Ambleside, Cumbria
Coach House 1 is a converted coach house situated on Pullwood Bay Estate near Ambleside in the Lake District. Known for its abundant woodland pathways, scenery and cycle track, the estate has 50 acres of land and is just a 10-minute stroll to Lake Windermere.
The cottage has modern furnishings but retains its original character through exposed beams. The front overlooks fields, while the back is host to a shared gravel courtyard with a picnic table – perfect for those looking to dine alfresco during the summer months. Three nights from £433.
Apartment 32 – Liverpool, Merseyside
Apartment 32 is a modern third-floor apartment in the centre of Liverpool. A great base for exploring the city, guests can head to the Royal Albert Dock on the city's waterfront or spend a day shopping.
Alternatively, the historic Roman city of Chester can be found further afield where guests can visit Chester Cathedral or wander along the River Dee. Three nights from £325
Cyffdy Cottage – Parc near Bala, North Wales
Cyffdy Cottage is a pretty cottage overlooking Snowdonia National Park, three miles from the market town of Bala. The property combines traditional features, including exposed stonework, wooden beams and a woodburning stove, with contemporary design to give visitors a home away from home.
Nearby, Bala has a great range of shops and restaurants, as well as a golf course and plenty of walking and cycling trails. Bala Lake also has excellent facilities for water sports and boating for those looking to take in the local scenery. Seven nights from £301.
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