Active Holidays in the UK and France for a Memorable Easter

Guest post by Dakota Murphey

Thanks to the warmer spell of sunnier weather sweeping across the UK and the Continent, anyone planning an Easter staycation at home or a week away in the South of France with the kids or as a couple will know that the temperatures are ideal for active holidays. 

With the school holidays in full flow, spring is the ideal time to combine invigorating outdoor adventures with cultural or wellness retreats in England or a new region of France that you’ve always fancied seeing. From hiking through bluebell-carpeted woods to participating in French festivities, these two neighbouring destinations provide all the benefits of travel without the stress of long-distance flights or tiring journeys.

1. Varied Walking Trails

Easter is arguably the best season if you’re after an adventurous holiday, thanks to the warmer weather, vibrant displays of flowers and the musical sounds of birds chirping as they nest. If you’re a nature lover, no doubt you’ll love discovering new trails around England or visiting unknown areas of France if you’re hoping to hop across via the Eurotunnel, by ferry or on a quick flight.

If you’re planning to stay closer to home for your Easter outdoor trip, there are numerous areas to choose from, the heritage sites in Wiltshire to walking trails in Yorkshire, or coastal hikes around Devon and Cornwall. Whichever places you choose, you’ll find a great selection of unique places to stay in cosy cottages with hot tubs to soothe tired limbs or private houses with pools for a relaxing post-walk swim.

If your preference is for all things near water, the Lake District has a fabulous network of wonderful walks where you’ll be met with rolling hills perched atop stunning lake vistas and picturesque scenes around every corner. The Borrowdale Valley, for instance, offers routes suitable for all abilities and the likes of Catbells Lakeland Walk, providing panoramic views over Derwentwater. 

2. Inspired Spas and Thermal Baths

For those who love being pampered with a spa-like swim, a wellness retreat might be one of the most relaxing ways to indulge yourself during Easter. The UK’s historic spa towns, famously including Bath and Harrogate, date back centuries for thermal experiences in magnificent Romanesque or grand Victorian settings. Contemporary wellness centres like Aqua Sana in resorts across the UK combine forest bathing with spa treatments for blissful rejuvenation. 

Meanwhile, if you’re heading to France, their renowned thermal spa tradition offers numerous options, from the luxurious Évian-les-Bains to the historic thermal baths at Vichy. For sumptuous places to stay, the Loire Valley is not only famed for its impressive chateaux but is transformed into a tapestry of colours during spring and into the summer. For stunning hiking trails near water, follow the river through blooming gardens and past rustic villas with private pools to dip into. For a more challenging expedition, the Cévennes National Park offers rugged terrain where you might spot golden eagles soaring overhead.

3. Water Sports in Coastal Retreats

As the warmth of the sun continues to make a welcome appearance, it’s not surprising that people might be tempted to choose the coast for active holidays. If you’re travelling with children, there are plenty of water sports to look forward to as the beaches open for outdoor adventurers for those who enjoy outdoor swimming, surfing, fishing, sailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. 

If you’re tempted by Ireland, there are some incredible wild swim spots, while the Pembrokeshire Coast in Wales provides excellent conditions for sea kayaking, with the chance to explore caves and spot seals emerging from winter hibernation. On the Norfolk Broads, peaceful waterways invite sailors to navigate through wetlands teeming with birdlife.

Similarly, if you head to France’s Atlantic coast, particularly around Biarritz, the beaches here are a magnet for surfers with some of Europe’s best conditions thanks to healthy swells that are perfect for both beginners and experienced wave-riders. For a more serene experience, the calm waters of beautiful Lake Annecy in the French Alps provide ideal conditions for paddle boarding against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.

4. Cycling Routes for All Abilities

If you crave combining a cycling holiday with sightseeing, Easter is a great time to dust off your bike and explore the countryside on two wheels. In the UK, the National Cycle Network includes family-friendly and diverse routes like the Camel Trail in Cornwall, winding through woodland alongside the river. For more experienced cyclists, the South Downs Way presents a challenging 100-mile route with breathtaking views across the rolling hills.

In France, cycling enthusiasts can explore the Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers both leisurely rides past vineyards and historic villages as well as trickier routes. For those seeking either an easy cycle or who prefer a challenge, the country’s vast cycling network caters for all levels. From exploring the stunning Dordogne to enjoying activities in and around Provence, families, groups or solo travellers can look forward to spectacular scenery, especially when the French lavender fields are in bloom.

5. Easter Traditions and Local Celebrations

Easter remains a significant cultural celebration across both countries, with unique regional traditions offering authentic experiences for travellers. In the UK, English Heritage lists a multitude of events in small villages like Hallaton in Leicestershire to larger communities of celebrations everywhere from Sussex to Newcastle. Easter is also a great opportunity to explore museums in London or regional treasures, including York’s Jorvik Viking Centre, Stonehenge or Bath’s Roman highlights.

Likewise, France’s Easter celebrations often centre around elaborate church services and processions, particularly impressive in regions like Provence, where the Procession of the Santons features intricate figurines. In Bessières near Toulouse, locals maintain the tradition of cooking a giant omelette using more than 15,000 eggs each Easter Monday. As Easter traditions go, food is an essential aspect of both countries. In the UK, farmers’ markets showcase spring produce like asparagus and early strawberries, while traditional treats such as hot cross buns and simnel cake appear in bakeries nationwide.

Over in France, culinary treats include chocolate bells (rather than eggs), and the Easter Sunday meal is also very much centred around lamb as it is in England. Visiting local markets during this period provides an authentic glimpse into regional food culture, with areas like Burgundy, Aquitaine and Normandy offering cooking classes focused on seasonal specialties.

6. Family-Friendly Easter Adventures

Families with children will find a wealth of organised Easter activities across both countries. In the UK, properties managed by the National Trust and English Heritage host elaborate egg hunts in historic gardens and woodland. Adventure farms like Willows Activity Farm in Hertfordshire create immersive Easter experiences with rabbit meet-and-greets and egg-themed adventures.

Similarly, French chateaux and parks organise “chasses aux œufs” (egg hunts) in spectacular settings. The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte near Paris transforms its formal gardens into a wonderland of Easter surprises, while Paris’s Jardin d’Acclimatation combines egg hunts with springtime funfair attractions.

This Easter, whether you’re seeking adventurous active holidays, cultural immersion, family fun, or wellness retreats, the UK and France provide all the benefits of travel without extensive journeys over Easter. Choose Oliver’s Travels for an energising staycation or a place to stay in France to suit your group size or to celebrate a special occasion. When you’ve picked your ideal stay, contact our concierge team to help plan extras for your trip.