Things to do this bank holiday: all you need to be prepared for the long weekend

A bank holiday weekend is the chance to build some great memories with your family. But all too often, the demands of everyday life mean we’re spending less time together and fewer hours outdoors.

With sunshine looking more likely this bank holiday weekend, there is no better time to get outside together. But how do you make sure you’re prepared and ready to enjoy those precious hours when the chance for some family fun arrives?

Here’s some inspiration if you are looking for things to do this bank holiday – and some handy tips from Halfords to help you make the most of the days ahead…

On your bike

A bank holiday is the perfect opportunity to get out on two wheels, and right now you can get 20 per cent off a range of bikes at Halfords.

On top of that, this bank holiday weekend (ending May 7), there is also a spend and save event across bikes and accessories, where you can save up to an extra £100 on top of the 20 per cent discount. The more you spend, the more you save.

Halfords, the UK’s largest kids’ bikes retailer has in-store experts who will help you find the right sized bike for your young cyclist and will build it too – for free.

For little ones new to the saddle, Halfords has a range of bikes and accessories to help kids build confidence on two wheels.

We love the Apollo Police Patrol Kids Bike, which can help make learning to ride fun, especially when the children are riding along beside you.

And remember: If taking to the saddle is a little too ambitious, Halfords has a range of scooters, too.

Charity Sustrans is helping make it easier for people to walk and cycle – with lots of advice and cycle routes to give you an idea of where to head. 

If you’re a more experienced cyclist looking to get some miles under your belt, the bank holiday weekend is a great time to get out there. (Tip: With an extra day off you can ride on Sunday and recover on Monday.)

Cycling is a great way to take in some of the UK’s sites of natural beauty, from Thorpe Bay, Essex, to Wiltshire’s Castle Combe.

For off-roaders, the Carrera Valour Mountain Bike is great for high performance handling – all the while giving you a comfortable ride.

Meanwhile, road bikers inspired by the Giro d’Italia will love the Carrera Virtuoso Road Bike. It’s perfect for any aspiring road cyclist to beat their personal best.

If your bike has been languishing in your garage or shed for the last six months, then now is an ideal time to check you have the right equipment to make your next adventure stress-free – and that the kids haven’t outgrown their bikes, of course.

Halfords’ team can carry out a free bike check and offer a range of services to ensure that your bike is in tip-top condition.

And if you’re travelling with your bikes, a cycle carrier like the Halfords Rear High Mount 3 Cycle Carrier can be fitted to your car to help you get your family on the move.

Of course, Halfords has a range of roof bars and boxes to transport all your gear. Halfords’ colleagues have loads of experience when it comes to fitting accessories like this (a small charge will apply) – and showing you how to fit them at home, too.

Pitch a tent

What better way to bond as a family than under canvas? Whether it’s a woodland retreat to Hickling, Norfolk, or kicking back at Cheltenham Jazz Festival, this bank holiday weekend is a great opportunity to spend quality time together in the fresh air.

For a relaxed, hassle-free trip you’ll need to make sure your camping gear is up to scratch. (Plus, having a tent ready to go means you’ll be able to spend a night under the stars on a whim later this summer.)

After a quick, simple, two-person pop-up? The Halfords Guaranteed Sun Tent should do the trick.

A Halfords Camping Mat or an Urban Escape Airbed with Built In Pump, can add comfort and extra insulation during the night.

Oh, and to keep off the ground, get comfortable in a Halfords Camping Armchair – a useful addition to any trip, whether it’s a long weekend or a day out.

With Halfords’ half-price offering on a range of camping gear, it’s the perfect excuse to stock up on all the essentials for the long weekend and the summer ahead.

You can reserve via Click and Collect, meaning you can shop from home and pick up at your leisure. 

Check out Halfords’ Buyers’ Guides  when picking out your kit – there are also some helpful How To Guides and Camping Hacks if you’re unsure about unleashing your inner Ray Mears.

Hit the road

We are all used to the cries of “are we nearly there yet?” which can accompany any car journey with small children.

But with a little preparation, a trip on the open road with your clan can be a wonderful time to spend with the family.

Whether you’re negotiating traffic on the M8 or avoiding a diversion on the M11, a sat nav like the TomTom Via 53 Car Sat Nav with live traffic updates will make for a smoother journey.

Keeping your little ones quiet with a Nextbase Car 7 DVD player could also make for a peaceful trip.

Why not spend some time this bank holiday making sure you’re ready for any future road trips at the drop of a hat? A free Halfords Summer Car Check will ensure that you’re not making any surprise pit stops en route.

Book online and trained colleagues will carry out a free car bulb check and check your battery, wiper blades, engine oil level, air conditioning and check for any windscreen chips. They’ll even give you a free screenwash top-up.

Halfords’ in-store experts can also fit anything from wiper blades to batteries for a small fee. Pop in-store or find out more about WeFit, Halfords’ fitting service, here.

Make sure you are Really Ready For Summer with Halfords. Visit www.halfords.com or go in-store for full details on all offers and services.

This article was written in partnership with Halfords for express.co.uk