While some people do indeed decide to fly away somewhere during this period, many Brits decide to stay at home because it is less stressful (or should be) and the recent economic problems have meant that staying at home is thought to be a cheaper option by some. Bank holidays are traditionally very special occasions for British people, and many take great care as regards planning them so that the time is well spent.

The Lake District

Set in north west England, the Lake District or Lakes is an area typified by mountains and lakes, where the poet William Wordsworth was inspired to write some of his finest works. It is part of the Lake District National Park and attracts many people around the year for bank holiday breaks. If you are planning to take a trip here with a loved one or perhaps your entire family, then it is worth planning your break because accommodation gets booked up very quickly. Another thing to remember is that you might find it a little stressful on the road, as the motorways leading to the Lake District can get very congested. Overall though, people tend to feel it is worth the trouble.

Dartmoor

Every bank holiday tens of thousands of people travel down to Dartmoor and Devon in general. It holds a special place in many people’s hearts because they were taken there as children and so the place retains a certain magic. On top of this it is genuinely a very pleasant place to be – with a focus on enjoying the outdoors rather than the cities. Dartmoor itself has a great deal to offer, but some good hiking boots and warm clothing should be brought with you as even in warmer months it can be a windy, wet place. Some of the main attractions are the Clapper Bridge in Postbridge, the various tors, Jays Grave – the grave of a girl who committed suicide and around whom many ghostly stories are based.

Isle of Skye

This dramatic looking island offers a great deal of options for those looking for the Great Scottish Outdoors. Planning bank holiday breaks here is a little more problematic because it is harder to reach than many other areas. Many would say that it is worth it because of the scenery – the likes of which few places around the world can match.