7 last minute Easter getaways

14 March 2024
Vikki Harris

7 last-minute Easter getaways

It’s official. Wednesday 20th of March marks the first day of Spring.

Personally, we wouldn’t recommend that you stash away your zip-up fleece, welly boots and your anorak just yet (pessimistic perhaps, but realistic for sure). Spring tends to be a bit of a slow-burning season in the UK, but whatever the weather, we’re absolutely here for it – those bright mornings and early evenings are incoming….

And nothing’s going to stop us from savouring those glorious extra hours over Easter. We say, let the chips (and the rain) fall where they may, and let’s head off on an adventure.

And so (if you will) take a peek at some of our favourite places for a last-minute Easter getaway. Places that’ll make you wanna slip on those boots and go a-rambling. Then, head back to the pub and warm your (potentially soggy) feet by an open fire – or sit outside admiring the spring sunshine (we’ll have to wait and see on this one).

people walking along the beach on a sunny day

The Canford, Poole

Now, this is a heck-of-a-holiday destination.

Perched in the heart of Canford Cliffs, this pub with rooms is literally a 5-minute stroll from mind-blowingly beautiful (and blue flag accredited, no less) beaches.

It’s particularly gorgeous for a seaside-y stroll in early spring, before the summer lovin’ bucket-and-spade brigade are in town. Wrap up warm, folks. You’re going to love this one.

person unpacking luggage in a luxury hotel room

The Bridge, Chertsey

If you’re entertaining the kids (or you’re a big kid yourself) then this is a spot-on stopover for you.

With Legoland, Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures all within a 30-min drive of the pub, you can look forward to rollercoaster-ing your way through the Easter hols. But, don’t forget to pack your poncho.

The pub itself it a big ‘un, with 47 rooms (all kitted out with hotel-style mod cons), a handful of rolltop tubs,  and a some gorgeous riverside views too. Perfect for chilling out after a day of adventure.

The City Gate pub with a walled garden in Exeter

City Gate, Exeter

This Devon pub with 20 rooms is a firm-favourite with locals and weekend-away-ers alike.

Only a few minutes away from the pub (not even time to put up your brolly) you will find Exeter Quay. Cobbled paths meander between former warehouses converted into quirky shops, cool cafes and eateries – perfect to dive in and avoid a shower.

Whether you fancy a dilly-dally, or something more active (think: splishy-splashy boat rides and bike hire) there’s lots of ways to get your fancy tickled in Exeter.

spacious garden with picnic tables, umbrellas, and Muskoka chairs

Griffin Inn, Fletching

Boy-oh-boy. This has got to be the best pub garden in Sussex (nay – the world). It overlooks the Ouse Valley – or the Sussex Serengeti as the locals call it. And honestly, it’s special.

If the weather holds off (or if you’re brave enough) this is an absolute gem of a place to spend a weekend.

With eye-bogging-ly breath-taking views across the countryside (ideal for enjoying with a glass of something lovely) and serious space to kick-back in the Great Outdoors, you can enjoy an Easter break without ever leaving the pretty-as-a-picture village. Nuff said.

spacious hotel room with a king-size bed and a separate seating area

White Lion, Tenterden

There’s no place better place to witness the good-looking greenness of our fine country than in Kent – the (very aptly named) Garden of England.

The White Lion is a perfectly placed pub for pulling on your wellies and having a whatever-the-weather walk.

Stomp your way round the Small Hythe or St Mildred’s Loop, then head back to the pub for a restorative supper in the bustling (and terrifically traditional) pub bar that’s smack bang in the middle of the high street.

person lying in bed with a cup of tea

Worplesdon Place

This newly renovated pub with rooms stands oh-so prettily amongst two-acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. It even has its very own lake (complete with a pair of black swans, no less.)

This lovely pub is the bees-knees for lazy mornings (with a cuppa) in bed.  With an assortment of rooms (whether you’re a big family, travelling with your dog, or simply a solo vacation-er) this has got to be one of the best choices for an Easter getaway.

black Labrador sitting at a pub table with a pint of beer and a pastry

Rose & Crown, Wimbledon

Last on our list (but by no means least) is this ultra-dog-friendly pub in the heart of Wimbledon Village.

Pub dog Freddy is happy to share his treats (he’s the good-est boy) and he recommends nearby Wimbledon Common as a great place for dog walking.

Oh, and the hustle-and-bustle of the village is delightful too. Local farm shops (with English wines, plenty of cheese and wonky carrots galore) stylish boutiques and a handful of independent cafes. It’s a fab place for a mooch – and perhaps a spot of retail therapy as well.

So, there you have it.

More than a handful of ways to while away those exquisite extra hours that the Easter bank holidays gift us. Places to go walking, things to do on your travels, and a bucket-load of bucket-list pubs with rooms to visit.

Oh – by the way. Whether it rains or shines on you during your Easter weekend away – it’s absolutely, officially Aperol Spritz season (so tuck in).

Happy holidays.

City Gate

Exeter, Devon EX4 3RB

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A charming pub with rooms just a hop, skip and jump away from Exeter’s historic city centre and Central train station.

Griffin Inn

Fletching, East Sussex TN22 3SS

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This olde-worlde pub with rooms is nestled in the heart of East Sussex overlooking the beautiful Ouse Valley (or Sussex Serengeti as the locals call it) in the chocolate-box village of Fletching.

Rose & Crown

Wimbledon, London SW19 5BA

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Landlady Nicky welcomes you to her traditional village pub with rooms standing proudly by Wimbledon Common.

The Bridge

Chertsey, Surrey KT16 8JZ

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Perfectly perched along the banks of the River Thames with a stunning backdrop of the seventh-grade arch Chertsey bridge, home to 47 characterful bedrooms.

The Canford

Poole, Dorset BH13 7JF

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A beautiful coastal pub with 11 rooms nestled in the heart of Canford Cliffs, on the Dorset Coast.

White Lion

Tenderten, Kent TN30 6BD

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This beautiful proudly Grade-II listed pub in the heart of Tenterden has been feeding and watering locals and housing weary travellers for almost 500 years.

Worplesdon Place

Guildford, Surrey GU3 3RY

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Weddings

A stunning Surrey pub with rooms, standing proudly amongst two acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, overlooking its very own swan lake with two (rare) black swans.

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