Things To Do This Bank Holiday Weekend
There’s something about the August bank holiday weekend that’s giving “treat yourself,” and honestly, who are we to disagree? With a whole extra day to fill with fun plans, it’s time to get planning! If you’re on the lookout for things to do this bank holiday weekend, we’ve got the lowdown on incred activities to fill your long weekend calendar. So whether you’re craving cocktails, culture, or countryside vibes, we’ve curated the ultimate guide to making this long weekend one to remember. Because life’s way too short to spend bank holidays in boring outfits.
Brighton Beach Bliss
Sun sea, and seagulls trying to steal your chips. Nothing says bank holiday like a good UK beach trip! Whether you’re within a stone’s throw distance of Brighton beach, or you fancy venturing to one of your local coastal hangouts, a trip to the beach is a bank holiday tradition. Start your day with a stroll down the iconic pier, where the mix of retro rides, arcade games, and old-school charm is pure nostalgia. Grab a stick of rock or some hot doughnuts (because calories don’t count on a bank holiday, right?!). Then it’s time to hit The Lanes, a labyrinth of boutique shops, record stores, and hidden cafes where you can lose hours browsing for vintage treasures and one-of-a-kind finds. After you’ve soaked up the sun (or let’s be real, sheltered from a random downpour), head to one of the rooftop bars with a view. Whether you’re sipping an Aperol spritz or enjoying a cheeky G&T, ensure your outfit is every bit as gorj as the view.
Wear This: A sage green crop-top and light wash denim jeans combo with flatform sandals. Bonus points for wind-tousled hair and a cute mini bag that fits your SPF and snacks. Essential!
Bottomless Brunching in Manchester
In Manchester, brunch isn’t just a meal – it’s a sport, and the competition is fierce. With a ton of spots and endless versatility, the dress code teeters between “I woke up like this” and “I planned this look for a week.” For polished pics and a hint of elegance, head to The Ivy. With a cool, plush velvet booth-lined interior, and yummy bottomless cocktails, it makes the perfect spot for people watching and photoshoots. Get you a venue that can do both! Located in Manchester’s answer to Manhattan, Spinningfields, if that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, there are a plethora of other interesting options in stumbling distance. For more of an edgy vibe, we recommend Evelyn’s in the Northern Quarter. With a laidback, industrial feel and drool-worthy pancakes, it’s a firm fave in any Manny girl’s roster. To top off your day, after getting your money’s worth at bottomless brunch, finish the evening at 20 Stories. With a rooftop terrace and plenty of spots for clink-worthy Insta pics with prosecco in hand, you’ll really finish the night on a high.
Wear This: A black corset top teamed with a high-waisted satin skirt. Finish the ensemble with sleek heeled mules and mini gold hoops.
London Festival Feels
Craving a vibe that’s all about beats, basslines, and late-night energy? Head to the capital city this bank holiday for killer festivals made for making memories. The music mecca has some hot lineups to help you groove your way through the bank hol. With the hugely popular All Points East returning to Victoria Park, you’ll be spoilt for choice with a mix of electronic heavyweights and indie vibes. From Bicep’s dreamy synths, to Peggy Gou dropping classic summer bangers, you’re poised for a bank holiday to remember. The bank holiday is also home to another fab festival, Eastern Electrics. With house and techno legends like Jamie Jones, Pawsa, and Joseph Capriati gracing the headliner spots, prepare for pumping basslines and all-day good vibes. Finally, for electronic music with a bit of edge, Field Day offers experimental sound and equally impressive fashion from the fans. The crowd is cool, the tunes are banging, and hopefully the weather will be the final cherry on top of an amaze event. Regardless of which festival you pick, you’ll have a blast as you dig out your best festi moves.
Wear This: Oversized slouchy cargo pants, a black strappy crop top, and chunky combat boots. Top it off with some fishtail braids and layers of jewellery for an elevated feel.
Cotswolds Countryside Chic
Sometimes, the only way to escape the chaos of modern life is to take a little detour into a Bridgerton-meets-Cottagecore fantasy–and nowhere does that better than the Cotswolds. Think rolling hills, postcard-perfect cottages, and the kind of slow, dreamy pace that has “soft girl era” written all over it. It’s like stepping into a Jane Austen novel, except with Wi-Fi and a healthy obsession with finding the perfect spot for a creamy dreamy oat milk flat white. Choose to wake up in a cute cottage Airbnb like in The Holiday, or an adorable B&B that looks pulled straight off your Pinterest board. Head out for a calming countryside walk, or tuck into fluffy scones in a cute cafe. Come sundown, finish your evening in a cosy pub for fireside chats and a cheeky drink (or three).
Wear This: A flowy floral mini dress paired with elegant thin strap heels and a wide-brimmed straw hat. Add a woven basket bag and keep the makeup glam, soft and glowing.
No matter what vibe you’re feeling, there are so many things to do this bank holiday weekend. Shop trending pieces now by heading to our New In section! Plus, show us your beautiful bank holiday outfits by tagging us on Insta @femmeluxefinery.