The time of bank holidays is almost upon us and we eagerly await weekends where we can really make the most of the longer days. We’ve rounded up some of the best destinations to spend a bank holiday weekend in.
Florence
Italy is a country full of great cities and Florence is one of the finest. Without the hordes of Venice or Rome, but no less of the charm Florence has plenty to offer the weekend visitor. Take a trip inside the dome of the famous Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, visit the Galleria dell’Accademia to get a glimpse of Michelangelo’s David or drink away the evening at one of the many bars around the piazza Santo Spirito.
The flight time from London to Florence is just under two-and-a-half hours, making a weekend getaway incredibly easy. The low-cost airlines fly into Pisa rather than Florence but it’s easy enough to catch a flight between the two.
Dublin
Famed for its beer, but loved for its spirit, Dublin is a great choice for a bank holiday weekend. Families will love The National Leprechaun Museum and Imaginosity, Dublin Children’s Museum. Whilst friends will want to check out the Irish Whisky Museum and the Guinness Storehouse.
With a flight time of under an hour from Manchester this city makes a great destination for a weekend away.
Palma
If you’re looking for a weekend beside the seaside look no further Majorca’s pretty capital Palma. It’s not only Barcelona where you can see glimpses of the great Gaudi’s work – Palma’s very own cathedral had some of its interiors redesigned by Gaudi in the 20th century. When you’re not gazing up at the roofs of cathedrals go food shopping at the Mercat de l’Olivar or hire a bike to explore the city.
Flights are around two hours and 35 minutes in length from London.
Brussels
Brussels is the capital of Flanders and Belgium and is home to the European Union’s headquarters, and as such is a melting pot of cultures. Comic lovers will adore the Belgian Comic Strip Centre which showcases the journey from creation to shop shelves for a comic. Tin Tin has a dedicated section here which will delight both adults and children alike. The daily flower market at the Grand-Place often hosts free concerts for passers-by to enjoy.
Flights to Brussels from London are around an hour and a quarter long.
