Ideas For An Easter Break That Are Just Off The Beaten Path

The weather may not have been very springlike so far, but Easter is just around the corner and hopefully the daffodils will be out and the sun will be shining very soon. If you need something to look forward to at the moment, why not plan an Easter getaway to shake off those winter blues. Here are some top suggestions that are slightly off the beaten track!

Whitby, North Yorkshire

Whitby is a classic English seaside town with a rich cultural legacy to explore. It has a picturesque harbour and a charming sandy beach that is suitable for children. It’s also surrounded by beautiful countryside with multiple opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and horse riding. 

The dramatic ruined abbey on the clifftop is the focal point of the town. It was constructed in the 13th century, around the year AD 657 by King Oswy of Northumbria, and it became an important religious centre of the north of England. It was partially destroyed during the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century, but it’s still an impressive ruin today. 

If you are a fan of the goth subculture, then Whitby is your spiritual home! The town hosts the twice-yearly Whitby Goth Weekend, which next takes place on 26-28 April. There’s also a repeat performance on 1-3 November. It’s a celebration of alternative music, culture, and fashion held over three days.

The focal point is the Bizarre Bazaar Alternative Market with over 100 stalls selling unique gifts, curiosities and of course lots of goth clothing. It spans three venues, including the Spa Pavillion, Whitby Leisure Centre, and the Brunswick Centre. The event attracts thousands of visitors each year and generates millions of pounds for the local economy. 

The town was chosen as the location for the festival due to its association with Bram Stoker’s classic gothic novel Dracula. It is said that the author took the name of his protagonist from a book he found in Whitby Library, and in the novel the ship carrying Dracula is wrecked off Whitby coast and the vampire takes cover in the ruined Abbey.

Somerset

Somerset can be overlooked as a holiday destination in favour of Devon and Cornwall to the west and the Cotswolds to the east. However, it is a country that is packed with interest and you will never be short of something to do. 

To the north of the county, you have the historic city of Bath to explore, with its famous Roman baths to sample the thermal spa waters; Jane Austen Museum; the National Costume Museum, and a range of high end shopping and dining opportunities. 

Just a few miles further is the vibrant city of Bristol, with the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge that was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and built in 1836. It is 250 ft high and 702 ft long, and spans the Avon Gorge between Clifton and Leigh Woods. 

You can also visit the historic harbour and tour Brunel’s SS Great Britain, which is now a museum but in the mid-nineteenth century it was the largest passenger steamship in the world. Somerset is also home to the compact city of Wells, where you can tour the mediaeval Bishop’s Palace and Gardens and visit the magnificent cathedral. 

It’s a short journey from Cheddar Gorge, a spectacular limestone gorge cut through the gently rolling Mendip Hills. There are nearby caves to explore, including the site where Britain’s oldest complete human skeleton was discovered in 1903. The skeleton, known as Cheddar Man, is estimated to be around 9,000 years old.

Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire in south west Wales is an exceptionally beautiful county for a peaceful and soul-restoring getaway. There are hundreds of unspoilt sandy beaches to explore, including the three-mile long Newgale Sands and the idyllic and secluded Barafundle Bay. It’s part of the Stackpole Nature Reserve, which is a haven for wildlife.

At Bosherston Lakes you’ll find a thriving aquatic ecosystem and you may even be lucky enough to spot otters. Take a walk at dusk and see if you can spot rare Greater Horseshoe Bats, who tend to hang out in barns, church halls and old buildings. 

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