With Easter weekend being the next set of bank holidays on the horizon parents are already slapping on their thinking caps for ways to amuse all ages while not breaking the bank
The age old parental phrase of ‘what shall we do with the kids over the holidays?’ is springing back into action in full force in households across the country as Easter school holidays approach at lightening speed.
But with even the average day out costing and arm and a leg, it’s difficult to find things in the UK to do. If you’re considering taking them away for a change of scenery though, then there are smart choices to make – and some will surprise you.
If not breaking the bank and pulling at purse strings are high on your agenda then set your sat nav for a city closer to home than most would expect because new research has revealed that London has come out on top as the best British city for a budget-friendly city break for Easter weekend.
Looking at the other British cities in the top six, Birmingham follows in second place, then Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and Glasgow in sixth place.
New research from Leisure Lakes Bikes, a leading UK mountain bike supplier, has ranked 10 British cities to reveal where you can enjoy the most budget-friendly break this Easter.
The research measured important city break metrics for families, including number of budget hotels nearby with availability, number of budget restaurants nearby, average hotel price for Easter weekend, number of bike tours and number of cycling routes.
And as it turns out, England’s capital city is the place to head for.
Ben Mercer, director at Leisure Lakes Bikes has some great ideas to keep the kids fit and amused while demolishing Easter eggs, all at the same time. He said: “Easter weekend is an ideal time to soak up another British city and be a tourist for a couple of days, especially while the cities are alive with people.
“With a monthly average of 27,100 online searches made for ‘bike hire’ in 2024, across the UK, we are a nation that loves to jump on a hired bike for our short journeys. Cycle share schemes have popped up across all our cities, offering a quick and handy way to travel around, while at home or away. And at a low cost per ride, hiring a bike could help you save on your holiday budget too.
“Why not hire a bike for the morning and seek out a mapped cycling route?
“Cycling through a greener part of the city or along a waterway is a great way of enjoying some serenity for a few hours. You might find an unexpected coffee stop or a place to grab a bite. Quick pit stops and spontaneity are wonderful benefits of being on a bike.
“If you prefer a guide to help you explore, most cities have some good options to join a guided bike tour. From the bog standard city bike tours to the more bespoke foodie bike tours, you can discover your surroundings in a more social way. Pedalling around with others is certainly a great buzz and makes for a fun shared experience!”
Budget Hotel Availability
London leads the way with an impressive 328 budget-friendly hotels available for Easter weekend breaks, offering visitors the widest choice of affordable accommodation.
In contrast, Bristol’s options are more limited with just nine budget hotels, making advance booking essential for cost-conscious travellers.
Budget-Friendly Dining Options
The capital city maintains its top position when it comes to wallet-friendly dining, boasting 2,741 budget restaurants and vast choice of different cuisines.
At the other end of the scale, Cardiff offers a more modest selection with 166 budget-friendly eateries, however this still provides ample choice of affordable dining options for a city break.
Average Hotel Prices
Birmingham offer the most economical choice, with average hotel prices at just £39 per night for Easter weekend, making it an attractive option for a budget-conscious getaway.
Edinburgh, holds the highest average room rate at £164 per night, reflecting its popularity as a tourist destination for city breaks.
Bike Tours
Supporting sustainable tourism, London rises to the top with 34 different bike tours available, perfect for those looking to explore the city’s landmarks on two wheels.
However Leeds offers just one bike tour, providing limited options for tourists enthusiastic about exploring the city on a guided bike tour.
Cycling Routes
For those keen to explore independently, London again is positioned at the top with 113 mapped cycling routes throughout the city.
Cardiff on the other hand has only five designated cycling routes, offering fewer options for visitors looking to explore the Welsh capital via bike this Easter.
