The utterly engrossing Winter Olympics had snow sports fans salivating at the thought of being back on the slopes, so now’s the chance to bag an Easter bargain in the French Alps.
If you prefer sunnier climes, head to the Maldives or stick to the Mediterranean for an authentic Greek Easter. Poland’s cities are a joy to explore, especially by train.
Closer to home, drive your own boat along Cambridgeshire’s rivers or explore the Peak District and Derbyshire’s attractive towns.
If this is the year for that big adventure, go on a bespoke tour of Sri Lanka and its wondrous wildlife, or get a bird’s-eye view of Namibia on a flying safari.
Whatever kind of holiday you want to take in April, you’ll find some inspiration here.
Read more: Where’s hot in April? The seven best places to visit for spring sunshine
France
You could argue that we’ve had too much snow in the Alps these past few weeks, but imagine how lovely it will be when Easter comes round, especially at high-altitude Tignes, where Iglu Ski has slashed 28 per cent off a week’s all-inclusive at Belambra Club in Val Claret, the highest of the resort’s villages. Prices for a 4 April departure start at £1,595pp, down from £2,229pp, and include flights, transfers and all-inclusive accommodation, including drinks.
Read more: I’ve found a no-fly affordable way to ski without leaving the UK
Maldives
Enjoy shoulder season in the Maldives when prices dip, but the temperatures remain just as beautifully balmy. Mercury Holidays has six nights at Kandima Maldives, which has outdoor pools, a spa and a dive centre to go with its soft white sands shaded by palm trees. Prices for an 18 April departure start at £1,573pp, including flights, transfers and breakfast, or upgrade to half-board from £1,844pp or full-board from £2,013.
Read more: I’ve been to the Maldives eight times – this is the best way to do it
Greece
This year, Orthodox Easter falls on 12 April, so that’s your cue to discover how the Greeks celebrate the holiday. Simpson Travel has the very charming adults-only Arosmari Village Hotel in the small village of Vamos in Crete, where groups of stone and wooden houses cluster around the swimming pool, lounging areas and restaurant. A week’s B&B from 7 April starts at £1,068pp and includes flights and car hire. Simpson also runs a week of Easter-themed activities including processions, walks and lunches.
Read more: I am a Greek islands expert, these are the top 21 hotels to visit
Cambridgeshire
Slow down the pace with a long weekend cruising the waterways of Cambridge on a narrowboat with Black Prince Holidays. Starting at Ely’s marina, you’ll have the choice of meandering west along the River Ouse or heading south towards Cambridge. The Duchess 4 58ft boat fits four comfortably, and it’s dog-friendly. As you’ll have full instructions before you head off, no previous boating experience is necessary. Prices for three-night weekend breaks throughout April start at £996, excluding fuel.
Poland
Explore three of Poland’s most captivating cities in this fly-rail break offered by Fred Holidays. After flying to Gdansk, you’ll spend a few days near the Baltic coast before taking the train to Warsaw and then onwards to Krakow. There you’ll also be able to visit Auschwitz and the Wieliczka Salt Mines before flying home. Prices start at £999pp and include flights, rail travel, seven nights’ B&B, excursions and two lunches. If you want, you can arrange rail travel to and from the UK.
Read more: This underrated European capital excels in old-world glamour
Derbyshire
The delightfully named Bobbin Cottage in the equally delightful town of Matlock makes a handy base for exploring this part of Derbyshire. Hikers will have the trails of the Peak District National Park close to hand and there’s also Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall to visit. The three-bedroom brick cottage has a cosy sitting room with a wood-burner, plus an open-plan kitchen-diner, front and rear gardens and a pub within staggering distance. Available through Sykes Cottages, it costs £706 for a week’s rental from 3 April. Up to two dogs are allowed.
And if you want to splash out…
Sri Lanka
Calling wildlife lovers, specifically birdwatchers: this bespoke tour by Experience Travel Group takes you into some of Sri Lanka’s most magnificent national parks, nature reserves, wetlands and rainforests. Over 15 days, you’ll travel from Negombo to Sri Lanka’s tea country by train, explore Yala, Uda Walawe and Bundala National Parks, stay in boutique eco-lodges in the rainforest and end in Colombo, all the while being chauffeured and guided by knowledgeable experts. Prices start at £5,000pp and include all flights, transfers, accommodation, most meals, guided excursions and gratuities.
Read more: Sri Lanka travel guide: Everything to know before you go
Namibia
If you want to explore Namibia’s vast landscapes but don’t want to do your own driving, try this Namibia in Style: Fly-Around Safari offered by Rainbow Tours. You’ll be transported by light aircraft – giving you jaw-dropping views – as you visit Sossusvlei and Etosha National Park, including sunrise on a Sossusvlei sand dune and the chance to climb Big Daddy dune in the Namib Desert. Prices start at £6,795pp and include all flights, transfers, accommodation, meals and a guide.
Mary Novakovich is editor at large at 101holidays.co.uk
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