According to the latest Trip Tracker survey from national tourist board VisitEngland, 6.5 million adults – 13 per cent of the population – have already made plans for day trips, with another 13 million saying they might get out and about over the Bank Holiday weekend.
“Easter is a fantastic time of year to spend a short break or day out with the family exploring the wonderful destinations in England,” said VisitEngland’s chief executive James Berrersford.
“The industry has rallied following the severe weather earlier this year - it’s business as usual for tourism with a full line up of events and offers across the country, and destinations ready and waiting to welcome visitors this Easter break.”
Staycation nation
The figures reflect reports of positive forward bookings for Easter from many destinations across the country - but the trend for late bookings remains ever-strong. This follows a report from Travelodge, which discovered that hospitality businesses across the UK are set to benefit from a £2bn boost to the economy as British parents will fork out an average of £478.25 over the Easter holiday.
A survey of 2,500 parents by the budget hotel chain discovered that over a third (35 per cent) of British households will take a short Staycation break this Easter, spending an average of £321.53 on that staycation.
Featured in our interactive map below are the top 10 UK locations where families are spending above the national average and will be splashing out the most money to keep their children entertained over the Easter holidays.
Interactive map: Highest average spend staycations
Proof that the staycation trend is here to stay is also given by the latest stats from Trivago. According to the price comparison website, London is the most searched-for destination this Easter weekend. Only three long-haul destinations make the top-25 list (Dubai, New York City and Las Vegas). In fact, Brits seem to favouring the ‘staycation’ option this year, with 13 out of the top 25 destinations located in the UK.
Top 25 Easter holiday destinations
When compared to the weekend directly after Easter (25th to 28th April), hotel prices increase for Easter by up to 31 per cent in some destinations. Among the worst offenders is Brighton, with prices up by an average of 20 per cent to £136.
Easter 2014: What you're doing...
- Quintessentially Italian neighbourhood restaurant Lardo has created special menus for the Easter weekend. On Good Friday it will be serving traditional Pasqua Seabass baked in salt, Saturday they will have the traditional Torta Pasquale and on Sunday, anchovy crusted lamb! Delicious desserts include Cream egg ice cream.
- Galvin La Chapelle and Galvin Bistrot de Luxe will be serving specially created classic French Prix Fixe menus. Toys, board games and an Easter egg hunt, as well as a children’s menu, will be also available.
- The Magazine restaurant at The Serpentine Sackler gallery in Hyde Park will be holding a giant easter egg hunt on their grounds in Kensington Gardens on easter Sunday, along with hot cross buns, and prizes for the largest eggs found. Easter Lunch will follow at the Magazine, where head chef Oliver Lange has created a three-course spring menu for £35 and a two-course children's menu for £15.
- Chino Latino Leeds is running a special kids menu to coincide with the rise of families visiting the restaurant during Easter. Throught the Easter holidays, kids dining with a full-paying parent will eat from the kids menu for free.
- The Cavendish London is offering a special Easter promotion rate of £179 per room. The special Easter promotion includes one night’s accommodation per room, bed and breakfast and includes VAT.
- Selected bars across ETM Group are serving up Easter Egg Choctails. The collection of three boozy, dessert-inspired concoctions are served up in hollow chocolate Easter eggs. Available from 14 – 21 April, customers can enjoy Raspberry Brûlée, Tiramisu and Passionfruit and Vanilla Martini cocktails, each priced at £10.
What's your business planning for the Easter weekend? Are you expecting an increase in sales in-line with last year? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below.