Easter isn't just for children.  Factor in the free time off to enjoy early spring sights and events around the UK.

 

CAMRA Larbert Real Ale Festival, Falkirk:  It's not unkind to say there are few reasons for visiting Larbert.  However, from 3rd to 5th April, under the auspices of CAMRA's Fourth Valley branch, this seventh celebration of proper beer sees over 50 Real Ales, Real Ciders and perrys on offer, including those from eight local breweries.  Expect to meet some pioneers in craft and micro brewing and taste some memorably weird brews.

Channel Islands: Flights from Glasgow, Edinburgh or Aberdeen to Jersey or Guernsey simplify travel for an early taste of Easter sunshine.  Explore by car, by bus or on foot.  At 45 and 24 square miles respectively both islands manage a surprising wealth of history, stunning coastlines and deserved reputations for excellent seafood.

Charter a Trawler:  Varnished wood, polished brass, en suite cabins and good food in abundance…  Taking a converted trawler to explore Scotland's west coast lochs is getting easier.  Two companies, Majestic Line and Argyll Cruising now explore from Great Cumbrae to Bute, Arran, Mull, Ailsa Craig and beyond…  Private charters available.

Cornwall:  As Poldark returns to our TV screens, Cornwall is sure to experience a surge in tourism.  The question remains, why has is taken so long?    With almost 300 miles of rugged coastline, outstanding surf and watersports beaches, foodie hotspots such as Padstow, hiking trails across Bodmin Moor and some of Britain's most beautiful gardens and villages, there's more to Cornwall than a meat pie.

John Muir Way:  Named after the pioneering Scottish conservationist this 134 mile path stretches from Helensborough to John Muir's Birthplace Museum in Dunbar.  The route highlights the natural beauty of central Scotland, reflecting Muir's pivotal roll in protecting far away wild places such as Yosemite in the US.  Suitable for cyclists and walkers the path may be tackled as whole, taking seven to ten days, or in sections.  Accommodation lists are available on http://johnmuirway.org

Leicester:  Hardly a front runner in the race to be Europe's most beautiful city, the discovery of Richard III's remains under a council car park in 2012 is reason enough for a second look.  A visitor centre has opened on the site where Richard lay for over 500-years, whilst at Bosworth it's possible to walk the ground where he was killed in battle in 1485.  A new tomb in Leicester Cathedral awaits the King's re-interment at the end of March.  It's rumoured Richard never liked children.

London:  Avoid museums, Easter egg hunts, the Tower of London and circus skills and the city soon seems emptier.  Take advantage of properties such as Z Hotels offering affordable, if tiny, well designed rooms in prime locations.  For couples in search of a romantic comedy, Shakespeare in Love at the West End's Noel Coward Theatre runs till 18th April.  And for a novel dining experience, Dans La Noir restaurant near the Barbican sees blind waiters serve diners seated in pitch blackness - just don't lose your wallet…

Newcastle/Gateshead:  Not many years ago Newcastle's Quayside was a silent and sad reminder of former industrial greatness.  Today the view from the Tyne's bridges is transformed.  Alongside the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead's curvy Sage concert venue stands glittering by the river - Radio 6 star, Stuart Maconie appears 4th April.  On the Newcastle bank, customers at restaurants and bar spill outside, whilst up the hill The Bodyguard is playing at the Theatre Royal.

Santa Pod Festival of Power, Northamptonshire:  If conspicuous consumption of fossil fuels is your poison, Santa Pod Raceway hosts three days of excessively smoking rubber from 3rd April.  Vehicles guaranteed to frighten horses and small children include Top Fuel Dragsters, Nitro Funny Cars and Monster Trucks.  Camping and glamping available on site, B&Bs and hotels a short drive away.

The Bell Rock Tavern Easter Folk Festival, Tayport:  An established musos' haunt overlooking the Tay river, four days of free acoustic folk commence 3rd April, featuring traditional and contemporary performers along with occasional open mike slots.  Real Ale and pub food is on offer.  Hotel, B&B and self-catering accommodation is best found across the bridge in Dundee.