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It’s time to shake off the winter blues, as April marks the first full month of spring - the season of new beginnings. The days are getting longer and warmer, flowers are blooming, trees’ leaves are growing and animals are coming out of hibernation. It’s the perfect time to get out and about and make new memories with family and friends!
Easter and Eid al-Fitr are the month’s big highlights. Whether you want to celebrate or spend your free days with loved ones outside of your home, there are plenty of fun-filled things you can do this month without breaking the bank.
From stunning bike routes, kid-friendly activities, scenic gardens, beautiful coastlines, and more, here are our top budget-friendly April days out recommendations.
Explore London or the South West on 2 wheels
Cycling around London is a great way to see the city’s sites. Lots of new routes have been added in recent years so there’s plenty for you to explore. Across the South West you can venture through woodlands, beaches, and more.
Whether you want to journey on 2 wheels through the hustle and bustle of the city, or opt for a more tranquil route in the countryside we’ve got you covered. Check out our top bike trail recommendations for London and the South West, including Big Ben to Richmond Park, Regent’s Park Outer Circle, and South Downs Way.
One for your radar: SWR passengers can get 25% off Beryl Bikes in various locations. And in case you’re travelling to Cranbrook or Honiton stations it’s worth mentioning SWR customers have access to 30 on demand eco-friendly bikes for onward journeys. It’s one worth considering if you’re planning to ride around Exeter or East Devon!
Easter weekend staycations and days out
If you’re stuck on what to do over the Easter bank holiday weekend, we’ve found some budget-friendly experiences to try in London including egg hunts, church services, and cheap eats. You can also take a look at our 48 hours in London guide to learn about the city's best galleries, museums and landmarks, or find out what you can do for free in the capital.
If you’re looking into options for a spring staycation, check out our Family Easter Breaks guide. We’ve also found some places you can stay at reasonable rates.
Easter activities for the kids
Give your little ones an unforgettable Easter weekend. There’s lots to do over the Easter holidays in Bournemouth like taking part in a treasure hunt, spotting sealife at the aquarium, and enjoying pier amusements.
Discover what ticket types work best for your family. We’ve got plenty of cheap train tickets for families to take advantage of and Railcard options, too. GroupSave train tickets could save you up to 34% off adult tickets when 3 to 9 people are travelling together.
Visit stunning wildflower gardens
The UK’s home to a myriad of beautiful flower gardens that are super stellar during the spring season. We’ve analysed a range of online reviews and looked at admission prices to find the best value places for you to take a wildflower wander this season. Adult tickets start from just £4, and in many cases kids go free! See our top picks.
You can also find which of our stations closest to you are home to wild gardens, living walls, bee-friendly trust projects and protected species.
Head to the London Marathon
The London Marathon is around the corner. Head to the city to cheer runners to the finish line on 23 April. Check out our London Marathon guide which includes the best viewing spots, pubs, and restaurants you should visit while you’re in town.
Budget-friendly seaside staycations
The South of the UK is home to some of the nation’s most glorious stretches of coastline. Portsmouth and Brighton have a uniquely charming flair that make them perfect spots for seaside staycations.
Visit the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, Spinnaker Tower, and plenty more in Portsmouth. Brighton’s got stunning beaches, a lively pier, and great shops, bars and restaurants. But which is better to visit on a budget? We’ve compared the two to help you decide where to go.
Don’t miss out on our offers and competitions!
Win a luxury UK retreat
Win a luxury UK retreat as we celebrate the paperback publication of The People on Platform 5 - the latest feel-good novel from bestselling author Clare Pooley. One lucky winner will get a Country Hotel Breaks stay for 2 worth £800. The winner, plus 5 runners up will also get a paperback copy of the book.
Enter for your chance to win!
Free tickets to Grand Designs Live 2023
We’re offering 2 free tickets to Grand Designs Live in London. The event - which takes place between 29 April and 7 May - is a must-visit if you’re keen to learn how to do your very own Grand Designs projects. Grab your free tickets.
