August bank holiday ideas for a brilliant long weekend
With the May bank holidays now over, we're already thinking about the UK's next long weekend and are ready to plan an August bank holiday weekend to remember.
Summer will be in full swing, which means alfresco evenings, long days at the beach and catch-ups with friends in the sun for three whole days. If you're looking to make this August bank holiday one you'll never forget, a long weekend away or taking a few days' annual leave for an extended break is the answer - whether you've got a staycation or trip across the continent in mind.
Looking for inspiration? We've rounded up some brilliant ideas for August bank holiday weekend, from renting out the Love Island villa with a few of your mates to escaping to a romantic Rapunzel-esque tower with your other half.
WE EARN A COMMISSION FOR PRODUCTS PURCHASED THROUGH SOME LINKS IN THIS ARTICLE
Check out our pick of the best ways to spend the UK's next long weekend...
Visit the most affordable city in Europe
Vilnius was recently named the cheapest city for a weekend away in a Post Office Travel Money survey. Two nights at a hotel for two in the Lithuanian capital, entry into a top museum, a cup of coffee, a glass of wine and the average cost of a meal for two comes to just £147.35, making it a terrific option of the pricey summer months.
While there, enjoy the long days, hip culture and lush green spaces on a city break off the beaten path. Check in to the four-star Artis Centrum Hotel in the old town, which has a swimming pool, from £71 per night or the fun Downtown Forest Hostel from £7.20 per night.
Grab some girlfriends and stay in a cool European hostel
Hostels have come a long way in recent years and are no longer just a place to dump your bags and get some shut-eye. Many are now super-stylish, social hotspots, which rival luxury hotels when it comes to Instagrammability.
CHECK OUT MORE HOSTELS FOR A GIRLS' TRIP
There are some that are ideal for a girls' trip too as they come with chic female-only dorms. Unite Hostel in Barcelona, St Christopher’s Inn Canal in Paris, Lucky Lake in Amsterdam and We Love F Tourists in Lisbon are fun places that have the likes of their own bars, home-cooked meals and Instagrammable interiors.
Soak up the sun in the cheapest summer holiday destination
Why not turn the three-day weekend into a longer break to really make the most of the last bank holiday of the year? Skyscanner recently named Kalamata the best-value summer getaway spot and if you haven't heard of the Greek location before, you'll want to.
It's close to some of the dreamiest beaches in the country and great nightlife. British Airways has seven-night flight and hotel holiday packages from £350 this summer, while On the Beach has trips from £400. Olympic Holidays, TUI and Love Holidays also offer Kalamata holidays from as little as £183 for seven nights.
Go on an exotic city break from just £13 a night
Marrakesh may be a city that attracts A-listers to its five-star hotels but you don't have to be a millionaire to experience luxury in the Moroccan hotspot as one incredible riad is a travel influencer's dream and costs from only £13.86 a night.
A post shared by Rodamón Marrakech Hostel (@rodamonmarrakech) on Feb 12, 2019 at 4:42am PST
Rodamon Riad is made up of blue and white tiles, an incredible pool surrounded by tropical plants and white washed bedrooms. It's just a 10-minute walk from Jamaâ El Fna Square and offers a rooftop terrace and bar with views of the Atlas Mountains. Now that's an affordable way to experience an August bank holiday like a celeb!
Get a bargain last-minute deal
Can't decide where to go or who you're travelling with yet? Be spontaneous and book a last-minute escape. Some of the best holiday deal websites are On the Beach if you're looking to hit the sands, lastminute.com as a one-stop shop for last-minute booking and Secret Escapes for amazingly affordable luxury trips of up to 60 per cent off.
BA Holidays also offers surprisingly good deals to Europe and beyond, while SpaBreaks.com has some excellent deals if you just want to relax without breaking the bank.
Sleep in a quirky Airbnb
Treehouse? Liveable sculpture? An actual plane? You name it, we've found it and we can't think of a more perfect time to stay in an unusual Airbnb than the August bank holiday weekend.
From Rotterdam's iconic Cube Houses to a penthouse with views in Madrid, an offbeat holiday rental offers the ideal alternative to a hotel. Many of them are found in places that are just perfect for a short break this summer, too.
('You Might Also Like',)
