Despite having a few days of rainy and blustery weather recently, it is still summertime, which means lots of exciting activities around the country. So don’t waste the holidays! Rather than sit inside and watch the days slip past, why not use the August Bank Holiday as an excuse to get out and enjoy some quality time with the family? If you’re not sure what to do (or what to do first!), we have some suggestions for you…
Notting Hill Carnival
There is nothing that can immerse you in London’s rich culture and celebrations quite like the Notting Hill Carnival. Thrown by London’s Caribbean communities, the carnival is a colourful, vivid and thrilling event that cannot be missed. The carnival takes place over 2 days, and includes a parade, live music, steel bands, Caribbean street food and lots of things to do and games to play. Why not discover a new culture this bank holiday?
Morden Park House 90s Outdoor Cinema
If you’re a film buff who’s not sure what to do with their day off, we have the perfect event for you This year Morden Park House is throwing an all-day outdoor cinema over the bank holiday, showcasing every 90’s film you could imagine. This eclectic selection of films (including children’s cult classic Jumanji and Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction) are all entering or in their third decade, and guarantee something for everyone. So if you want a day of nostalgia – this is the event for you!
Pick Your Own Event
Want something a little more subdued to do with your August bank holiday? Try your hand at picking your own fruit and vegetables for dinner! There are a wide variety of farms in and around London where you can pick up your own fresh fruits, veg and even meat, all while ditching the plastic of the supermarkets and taking in some nice clean air. Many have petting zoos and animal experiences as well, making it a fun day for all the family.
Stranger Things Bowling Party
Do you love Stranger Things? Were you like us and binge-watched the entire new series as soon as it came out? Then venture into the Upside Down at a bowling party with a difference this bank holiday. Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes will be giving the venue a Stranger Things themed makeover, complete with 80’s synth music all night long. Why not fire up those mind powers and get yourself an Eleven-level strike?
Tackle The Monster
If you’re feeling active and up for a challenge, you could head over to the Alexandra Palace to take on ‘The Monster’. This 300-metre long inflatable obstacle course has over 40 hazards for you to navigate before you cross the finish line, from the wobble, an 18 metre-long mega slide and even a unicorn ball pit. It takes around 20 minutes to do one lap of the course, and of course, you’re welcome to tackle it as many times as you like to improve your time! You can also stock up on craft beer, cocktails and street food, or stay to join in Drag Queen Karaoke, play beer pong or boozy bingo, and be made fabulous at the wheel of glitter’ stations. In case it wasn’t obvious, this is a strictly adults-only event!
Of course, if you don’t fancy travelling up to London, there are a few things you could do that are a bit closer to home.
Wellington Country Park
If you’re in the Berkshire area, then you may have visited Wellington Country Parkin the past. Every year they have a calendar packed full of great events, ranging from dinosaur safaris to weekends dedicated to unicorns, fairies and pixies (17th & 18th August this year). This bank holiday they’ve decided to tap into one of the most primal desires of both the young and the old – bouncing! Alongside all of their usual attractions, dozens of inflatable and bouncy entertainment will be provided. This includes:
- A bouncy castle (for children 4 and under)
- A ball pond (for children 4 and under)
- A big castle (for children over 5)
- A mini bouncy obstacle course (for everyone)
- A big bouncy obstacle course (for everyone)
- A bungee run (for everyone)
Flower Fairies Summer Garden Trail
The Flower Fairies are making a return appearance at the St Harold Hillier Gardens this year, and they’ve brought some friends with them! This year the Alphabet Fairies can’t wait to meet you and share some of their magical kingdom with you. Inspired by Cicely Mark Barker’s classic illustrations, this interactive fairy trail is suitable for all ages. So if you’ve got little ones who love fairies, don’t miss this one!
Explore At Marwell
Not to be outdone, Marwell will be getting involved with the bank holiday celebrations as always. With explorer trails to help you move around the park and The Brickosauraus trail in full swing, there is more to do than ever! Marwell is the first attraction in the world to host a display of life-sized dinosaurs made entirely of Lego, so this certainly isn’t one to miss!!
Fly A Kite
If Mary Poppins Returns has inspired you to fly your own kite, this event is perfect for you. Head down to Maidenhead and enjoy a workshop where you can design, make and fly your very own kite. Run as drop-in sessions, you can pop in anytime and have the experts teach you the best way to build a flight-worthy kite and watch it take to the skies.
Paddle Boarding In A Castle
This year you can get out and get active with the family at a truly unique event. The New Forest Paddle Sport Company are putting on a range of castle experience tours, which includes a 2 hour stand up paddleboard or kayak along the Keyhaven river, through the salt marshes and up to Hurst Castle. Once you arrive, you can explore the Henry VIII coastal fortress (complete with Tudor castle and updated battlements), enjoy complimentary lunch and enjoy a relaxing ferry ride home.
But most importantly – whatever you do with your August Bank Holiday this year, we hope you have a great time!
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