Looking for ideas on what to do this weekend? Planning to maximize your daytrips or make the most of your annual leave? Look no further than this regularly updated blog, packed with picks and tips for fun day trips, a weekend break, or longer holidays. Discover insider tips on snagging the best travel deals, clever money-saving hacks, not to mention up-to-date sale dates for all things travel-related. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or practical advice, we’ve got you covered!
Battersea Winter Lights
Thu 23rd Jan – Sun 23rd Feb – FREE
Thu 23rd Jan – Sun 23rd Feb – FREE
The free-to-attend festival will showcase eight dazzling light art installations both inside and outside the iconic London building, created by British and international artists.
Canary Wharf Winter Lights
Tue 21st Jan – Sat – 1st Feb
Tue 21st Jan – Sat – 1st Feb
The Canary Wharf winter light trail will take you on a journey through 12 spectacular temporary installations, as well as the ever-popular permanent light artworks.
Winter Lights at Southbank Centre London
Wed 8th Jan – Sun 2 Feb 2025 – FREE
Wed 8th Jan – Sun 2 Feb 2025 – FREE
Over the dark winter nights, the site is illuminated by outdoor artworks that play with light and colour – explore to discover them all.
More information at the Southbank centre website
Bristol Light Festival
Tues 21st Jan – Sun 9th Feb – FREE
Tues 21st Jan – Sun 9th Feb – FREE
Bristol Light Festival is set to return to Bristol for 10 days of dazzling light-based artworks to brighten up the darkest nights.
More information can be found here
Burns Night – 25th Jan
Burns Night, celebrated on the 25th of January, honors the life and works of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. Many restaurants as well as bars now offer special Burns Night menus or host events featuring traditional Scottish fare and entertainment. A quick online search can help you find a Burns Night Supper near you.
Looking to save money? Firstly, pick up a haggis from your local supermarket and then invite friends over, and host your own Burns Night celebration. Check out this guide from Visit Scotland for creative ideas to make the evening unforgettable.
Not in the mood to host? Use this festive occasion as the perfect excuse for an evening walk before a couple of whiskies at your favorite local pub!
Hogwarts in the Snow
Until 19th Jan 2025
Until 19th Jan 2025
The annual Hogwarts in the Snow exhibition runs until the 19th January 2025 at the Warner Brother Studios in London.
More information at the Warner Brothers studio tour website.
What to do this Weekend – Visit a Museum
Visit a Museum January is not always the best time of year to be outside, so if you are wondering what to do this weekend there are some great museum options, including the chance to combine one with a european weekend break. This month’s museum theme is STEM. Remember many museums are free!
Techniquest in Cardiff is Wales’ premier science discovery centre featuring over 100 interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and live science demonstrations designed to inspire curiosity and learning in visitors of all ages. Entry is £13 for adults and £11 for children.
The National Railway Museum in York is a captivating museum celebrating the history of rail transport, featuring iconic locomotives, interactive exhibits, and the world’s largest collection of railway artifacts. Entry is FREE, but it is worth booking in advance. For more ideas (mainly free), read our latest post on York.
The National Space Centre in Leicester is an interactive museum dedicated to space exploration, featuring exhibits on space science, satellites, and rockets, as well as the UK’s largest planetarium. Book online and prices a £20.95 for adults and £19.95 for children.
Fancy a science weekend away, them try CERN in Switzerland, the world’s largest particle physics laboratory and home to the Large Hadron Collider. A visit to CERN is free, but check the website for details on guided tours. Flights to Geneva are reasonable and there is a decent youth hostel near the centre of town. If you stay in the city accommodation then public transport is free. Driving from the UK is also an option and you could combine it with the European Space Centre near Brussels. Read more in our Science, Chocolate and Mountains post.
What to do this Weekend and Day trip ideas
Visit a city and discover something new! A great way to do this is to use one of these treasure trails. They cost £9.99 and there are clues to solve along the route. They are available for many cities and are suitable both with and without kids.
Take a trip to the beach. If you are stuck for what to do this weekend then what better way to blow away the cobwebs and get rid of the Christmas calories than to take a walk by the sea. While options in the UK are endless, but this month’s recommendation is Whitstable, a charming seaside town in Kent. It is renowned for its fresh oysters, vibrant arts scene, and picturesque harbour. Enjoy fish and chips by the sea at our favourite place the lobster shack. With amazing beach views and lots of outdoor seating, the Lobster Shack is the perfect destination for seafood and a pint of local beer or a glass of local wine. The cosy log burner undoubtedly makes the restaurant suitable for all weathers! Please note that it is closed until January 17th
Embrace the weather and go on a winter walk! Winter may make it tough to find the motivation to step outdoors, but a refreshing walk can work wonders for both your mind and body. To make the most of your day, why not pair your stroll with a visit to a cozy local pub for a pint or a hearty lunch?
This month, we’re spotlighting recommended winter walks curated by the Brakspear pub group. Their suggestions feature picturesque routes that conveniently start and end at their welcoming pubs. You can easily download their app or print out your chosen walk to get started.
Brakspear Pubs – wrap up warm, lace up your walking boots, and discover the beauty of winter walking – with the added bonus of a rewarding pit stop along the way! Follow this link to explore their walks and app.
What to do this Weekend – Consider Booking Your Next Holiday or Weekend Break
February half term is still one of the cheaper holidays to travel, so if you have nothing booked then it worth a look with the number of sales and offers around at the moment. Check travel agents such as TUI and Jet2 for last minute deals.
Use the budget airlines and then book your own accommodation through booking.com or Airbnb. Read this post for 5 great ideas for February half term travel, be that for a long weekend break or the entire week.
Look for holidays further on in the year, or even into early next year if you want to grab the best bargains. More ideas coming next month!
What to do this Weekend – Check Flight and Travel Sales
Stuck inside and wondering what to do this weekend? Start planning your next weekend break or longer trip. Check out these travel deals!
Book your next trip or weekend break with trainline – 50% sale from 15th January
Up to 20% off flights and £400 off Easyjet holidays. This promotion covers travel between January 6 and December 14, 2025
The British Airways, January sale is live until 28th January
Ryanair big summer sale. Bookings must be made by January 31, 2025, for travel between April 1 and October 31, 2025.
Emirates Global Sale
Emirates is offering special fares to destinations worldwide. Bookings must be made by January 20, 2025, for travel between January 15 and November 30, 2025.
Qatar Airways Travel Festival
Qatar Airways is offering discounts on flights to various destinations, along with special offers on group bookings. The promotion runs until January 25, 2025, with travel valid until December 10, 2025.
Lufthansa Winter Special
Lufthansa is offering discounted fares to select European destinations. Bookings must be made by January 31, 2025, for travel between February 1 and March 31, 2025.
Singapore Airlines New Year Sale
Singapore Airlines is offering discounted fares to various destinations across Asia and Australia. The sale is valid for bookings made by January 31, 2025, with travel periods varying by destination.