Ideas for enjoying an Active Easter weekend

Easter doesn’t have to be all chocolate, bunny rabbits and egg hunts. It’s a spot in our diaries that lends itself to free time to explore the outdoors, both near or far and getting away from it all, but so often sees people falling into the same routines.

If you don’t fancy a bank holiday that’s over before you’ve so much as shifted off the sofa, here’s how you can make the most of Easter this year.

Make use of the time

Most of us will have two bank holidays to enjoy, with a four-day weekend opening up many options.
Sure, you’ll want to chill out at some point across the weekend, but with so much time on your hands, get the diary out and start making plans and they don't have to cost much at all.

We have already put together a small bucket list of things we want to do and experience over this year such as hiking different mountains and hills in the Brecon Beacons, cycle paths we want to explore, villages we walk to wander through and long weekends are the perfect time to do that.

You can also use this time to reconnect and catch-up with friends and family as well as quality time with yourself or your children.

Get out of your comfort zone

A short break overseas, or in a spot you’ve never visited before in this country will open up your horizons and could well provide memories that last a lifetime. Making use of the extra time to discover a new passion could give you extra impetus for the rest of the year – those four-day working weeks won’t last forever!

Or perhaps you want to give a new experience and with so many taster sessions on offer in the UK why not try out indoor rock climbing, surfing or stand-up paddleboarding? Last year I did a few stand-up paddleboarding sessions and it's such a fun activity that is perfect for all ages and why not make the Easter holidays a time to give it a go. 

Rediscover an old passion

When was the last time you went did a hike, visited a country house, or took a trip to the coast?
As spring starts to really kick into gear, the natural world can offer plenty of hidden gems, while satisfying the inner child inside might keep the grown-up going through to summer as well.

Last year for the first time in over 10yrs I picked up my skateboard again and it was one of the best things I've done in a long time - not only for my physical wellbeing as it's a great work out but also for my mental health as it's a great way to clear my mind and also I have made so many friends, it's increased my social circle, so you never know what rediscovering an old passion will take you.

Treat yourself

OK, so Easter isn’t all about filling your face, but a delicious treat can’t certainly isn't off the table.
Enjoying an Easter dinner with all the trimmings is a great way to spend quality time together as a family or with friends and maybe even you can share the cooking responsibilities?

And let’s be honest, Easter wouldn’t be Easter in 2020 without the chocolate eggs, but you deserve a real indulgence, and chocolate Easter eggs are the perfect way to treat yourself and your loved ones.

Give something back

Seen as you’ve got all this time to yourself, why not use it to pay something back to the community? Volunteering opportunities are everywhere, whether official or informal.

You might be able to help clear up a public space, assist with a charity’s work or make a lonely neighbour’s day by stopping for a cuppa and a chat. It’ll all give you a sense of self-worth and could really make a difference in your community. If you don't want to meet up as a group you could head out and do a beach clean which is a lovely refreshing way to get outdoors and do a little good in the process.