Spring has officially sprung! 🌼
April is bursting with sunshine, flowers and a basketful of things to do!
Whether you’re making the most of the longer daylight hours, exploring family-friendly activities this Easter break or searching for new things to do this Spring, we’ve got you covered with our monthly guide.
Discover the best things to do in the UK in April 2026 here!
1. York Chocolate Festival
1st – 5th April 2026
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April in the UK is a time for new beginnings, longer days and of course, Easter! And what better way to celebrate the season than with a visit to the iconic York Chocolate Festival? Wander through the historic streets of York with the aroma of delicious chocolate wafting through the air. This unique food festival is a chocoholic’s dream come true, with stalls overflowing with artisan chocolates, decadent treats and innovative creations.
Sample unusual flavours, learn about the chocolate-making process and maybe even pick up a few Easter gifts for your loved ones (or yourself!). From chocolate-making workshops to tasting sessions and family-friendly activities, the York Chocolate Festival has something for everyone. So, if you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to spend a day in April, be sure to check out the York Chocolate Festival.
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2. Easter Eggstravaganza at Blenheim Palace
3rd – 6th April 2026
Looking for an ‘egg-citing’ family-friendly activity this April? Be sure to head to Blenheim Palace in Oxford for a perfect Easter day out! While Spring is a lovely time to visit this gorgeous 18th-century estate, Blenheim Palace is also offering a whole host of Easter activities this April. Get ready for plenty of outdoor activities and experiences, as well as an Easter egg hunt throughout the Walled Garden that is sure to keep the little ones occupied.
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3. The Boat Race 2026
4th April 2026
Get ready for a classic British showdown this April. Prepare to witness the Thames rumble with excitement as Oxford and Cambridge universities clash in the iconic Boat Race. This annual race, a tradition stretching over two centuries, pits the UK’s most prestigious rival universities against each other in a thrilling battle of oarsmanship.
The Boat Race is the perfect excuse for a fun day out in South West London! And what better way to soak up the atmosphere than from a riverside pub garden? There are loads of great pubs along the river, but we especially love The Blue Anchor and The Crabtree Tavern. Come on down and cheer on your favourite team!
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4. Explore the world of Winnie the Pooh at Ashdown Forest
April is a magical time to explore the UK’s countryside, especially as we celebrate a major literary milestone: the 100th anniversary of Winnie-the-Pooh. If you’re looking for a nostalgic escape, head straight to Ashdown Forest in East Sussex, A.A. Milne’s real-life inspiration for the Hundred Acre Wood.
This stunning 6,500-acre nature reserve is located in the High Weald National Landscape, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The forest offers over 80 miles of footpaths to explore and plenty of Winnie the Pooh landmarks to uncover – from Poohsticks Bridge (Originally known as Posingford Bridge) to The Heffalump Trap. It’s no wonder the New York Times officially named ‘Winnie-the-Pooh’s England’ as one of its 52 Places to Go in 2026!
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5. Gin & Rum Festival Birmingham
11th April 2026
Calling all gin and rum lovers! If you’re on the search for fantastic spirits this Spring from the finest producers in the UK, then look no further. The Gin and Rum Festival will be arriving at Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham, this April.
This lively event is a true celebration of all things gin and rum, featuring an exquisite lineup of over 120 British spirits as well as plenty of international favourites. Sample outstanding gins and indulge in hand-picked rums whilst award-winning DJs and live entertainment play throughout. Each ticket includes entry, a reusable stainless-steel straw and your own G&R branded cup and carry satchel.
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6. Catch the Northern Lights in Galloway Forest Park, Scotland
Eager to tick the Northern Lights off your 2026 bucket list? International Dark Sky Park, Galloway Forest Park, is one of the best spots to catch the Northern Lights in Scotland. With reports of more and more Northern Lights displays in recent years, Galloway Forest Park is a top-tier UK location to spot this spectacular natural phenomenon.
Take your pick of three visitor centres throughout the 300 square mile park, Kirroughtree, Glentrool and Clatteringshaws, and discover incredible open views of the night sky. But if you don’t manage to see the lights, you’ll still be wowed by the astonishing star-lit skies.
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7. The New Forest Classic 2026
12th April 2026
For those who prefer to see the British countryside on two wheels, The New Forest Classic 2026 is an absolute highlight of South England’s April calendar. This popular cycling event offers a unique way to experience the ancient woodlands and open heathlands of Hampshire, just as the forest is bursting into spring life.
Starting from the Gang Warily Recreation Centre, you can choose from four different distances: the 127km Long route for a proper challenge, the 92km Middle or 53km Short routes, and the charming 17km ‘Rook’ ride, which is perfect for beginners or younger riders. As you pedal along the wide, flowing roads, keep your eyes peeled for the forest’s most famous residents – the roaming New Forest ponies.
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8. Harrogate Spring Flower Show
23rd – 26th April 2026
April’s glorious Spring weather can mean only one thing: flower shows! And with the Harrogate Spring Flower Show taking centre stage in the April calendar, this bloomin’ amazing event will be bursting with floral magic.
Celebrating the very best horticulture, the Harrogate Spring Flower Show features an array of floral displays and extraordinary garden designs as well as a jam-packed schedule of talks and demonstrations from the biggest names in the industry. Learn how to create your perfect garden space and even do a spot of shopping – perfect for green-fingered pros and gardening novices alike!
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9. Brick Lane Jazz Festival, London
24th – 26th April 2026
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Discover London’s dynamic jazz scene this April with the ultimate three-day music experience. Brick Lane Jazz Festival is a community-centred extravaganza showcasing some of the jazz scene’s most up-and-coming artists.
Taking over East London’s most iconic venues, including Rough Trade East, 93 Feet East, Juju’s Bar & Stage and Cafe 1001 to name a few, Brick Lane Jazz Festival is the perfect way to immerse yourself in non-stop music this April.
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10. 2026 TCS London Marathon
26th April 2026
If you weren’t one of the lucky few to snag a spot in the ballot, don’t sweat it! The TCS London Marathon is arguably even more fun as a spectator! On Sunday 26th April, the streets of London transform into the world’s biggest street party. The atmosphere is electric, with over 50,000 runners – from world-class elites like Sabastian Sawe to people in giant rhinoceros suits.
For the best experience, skip the finish line at The Mall (which is packed shoulder-to-shoulder) and head to Mile 12 at Tower Bridge for that iconic ‘goosebumps’ photo op as runners cross the river. If you want to see your favourite athlete twice without moving too much, the area around Canary Wharf (Miles 15 and 18) or the Highway (Miles 13 and 22) is perfect, as the route loops back on itself. For a real party vibe, check out ‘Rainbow Row’ near Limehouse at Mile 21, where DJs and drag performers keep the energy high just as the runners start to ‘hit the wall.’
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11. Enjoy an exhilarating day out at Alton Towers
For those seeking an adrenaline rush this Easter break, a visit to Alton Towers is a must! As one of the UK’s favourite theme parks, Alton Towers has an array of exhilarating rides and attractions for thrill-seekers of all ages.
From the iconic Nemesis Reborn to the gravity-defying Wicker Man, Alton Towers promises an unforgettable Easter adventure. And with the warmer Spring days coming up, April is a great month to visit with shorter queues and a relaxed atmosphere. Discover our ultimate guide to Britain’s best theme parks here.
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12. See blossoming bluebells in Pamphill, Dorset
Named one of the best places in the UK to glimpse breathtaking bluebells and stunning British flora, Pamphill Bluebell Wood in Dorset is a perfect spot for a delightful Spring walk this April. Filled with ancient trees and thriving habitats, Pamphill’s flourishing bluebells are truly the star of the show. Flowering throughout April and early May, the Pamphill Bluebell Wood offers designated and free parking throughout Spring and dogs on leads are always welcome.
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