Whether you’re after ways to keep the kids entertained over the holidays or just eager to make the most of the lighter and brighter days, there are some great free events to choose from in April
Spring is officially here: days are getting longer, buds are bursting into colour and migratory birds are on the move, signalling warmer and brighter times ahead. From food festivals to admiring beautiful blooms, there’s no shortage of free activities to lure you out into the fresh spring air this month. And in the event of those pesky April showers, we’ve also got you covered with a whole host of indoor and online events.
Free nationwide events
Be wowed by the night sky
Lyrid meteor shower, 22 & 23 April
There’s a spectacular free light show happening this spring – and all you have to do is look up. The annual Lyrid meteor shower is set to illuminate UK skies throughout the second half of the month, but your best chance of witnessing this dazzling display falls on 22 and 23 April – providing it’s not cloudy. Simply head to the darkest location possible, wrap up warm and sink into a reclining chair. Then let your eyes adjust to the dark (you’ll need to wait at least 15 minutes) and wait for the magic to unfold. The best sightings are often in the wee hours.
Stroll through a sea of flowers
Bluebell season, throughout April
This month, bluebells suddenly blanket our woodlands with their vibrant hues, and there’s something seriously magical about losing yourself amid these swathes of violet. Some of the UK’s best bluebell spots include Norfolk’s Blickling Estate, Woolley Wood in South Yorkshire, Coed Cefn near Abergavenny, Perthshire’s Kinclaven Bluebell Wood, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and Wakehurst.
Boundless membership gives you access to year-round savings, including free entry to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and Wakehurst. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Free events in London & the South East
Catch some rays
In the Spring Garden, London, 3 April
A haven for over 200 wild native plants, the rooftop garden crowning London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall is somewhat of a hidden gem. As the garden awakens from its winter slumber, a suitably fun-filled day of activities and performances is in store to celebrate its reopening. From then on, you’re invited to visit at your leisure – it’s the perfect retreat to lose yourself in a book, sip on sunny cocktails inspired by the garden’s herbs and flowers, or simply sit and watch the world go by.
Get movin’ and groovin’
The Ceilidh Jam with Folk Dance Remixed, London, 7 April
As warmer, brighter days put a spring in our step, the Southbank Centre’s family folk dance workshops are the perfect way to channel all that extra energy. On the sunny Riverside Terrace, you’ll learn traditional dances with a modern twist, from funky ceilidhs to hip-hop-infused maypole moves. The revelry kicks off at midday and runs until 6pm, with DJ sets in between workshops to keep your spirits up. However, you’re free to come and go as you please.
Cheer on some long-distance runners
TCS London Marathon, London, 21 April
You needn’t brave the gruelling 26-mile race to get in on the action at the world’s biggest fundraising event. Head to almost anywhere along this iconic route, where you can cheer on these incredible athletes and soak up the electric atmosphere. The best – and therefore busiest – viewing areas tend to be by Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge and near the finish line around St James’s Park, so you’ll need to plan ahead and get there in plenty of time to secure these top spectator spots.
Celebrate a dragon slayer
St George’s Day, London, 21 April
Renowned for curing diseases and slaying dragons, St George was a pretty impressive guy. While England’s legendary patron saint is officially honoured on 23 April, the capital’s celebrations take place the Sunday prior, with lively street performers, musicians and family fun taking over Trafalgar Square from noon. Whether you believe the myths or not, it's a wonderful excuse to celebrate everything English and have a bit of a knees-up.
Admire some classic motors
InCarNation, Brighton, 27 April
From vintage vehicles to exotic supercars, a myriad of motors are set to roll into Brighton’s iconic seafront road for the 13th annual InCarNation, hosted by Ace Cafe London. There’s bound to be something for every motor fan, and the live entertainment on the Ace stage will certainly get your engines roaring.
Take a fragrant stroll
Cherry blossom season, across London, throughout April
Japan may be the epicentre of Sakura season, but you don’t need to fly halfway across the world to experience the magic of these brilliant blooms. From Greenwich Park’s marvellous magenta archway to Kensington Gardens, London boasts some fantastic hotspots bursting with these picture-perfect pink and white petals.
At the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, you can stroll along the Cherry Walk behind the iconic Palm House, where Japanese cherry trees are in full bloom. Visit between 23 March and 14 April for Sounds of Blossom, where you can enjoy this stunning display accompanied with a specially commissioned soundtrack.
Boundless membership gives you access to year-round savings – including unlimited entry to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Free events in the South West & Wales
Catch the tide
The Severn Bore, Gloucestershire, 9 & 10 April
The Severn Estuary boasts the second largest tidal range in the world, and sets the stage for one of the UK’s most spectacular natural wonders: the Severn bore. This tidal wave sweeps over the estuary around 250 times annually, but this month brings one of the year’s biggest. At WWT Slimbridge, you can climb the Estuary Tower Hide for panoramic views of the changing tide – the perfect vantage point to watch waders and their fellow feathered friends come into roost. Plus, there’ll be a knowledgeable guide on hand, offering hints and tips to identify the birds you see.
Boundless membership gives you access to year-round savings – including unlimited entry to all nine WWT centres throughout the UK. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Enjoy the best that nature has to offer
Walk with a Warden, Llanelli, 20 April
With spring in full swing, this expert-guided walk at WWT Llanelli will help you spot signs of new life flourishing across the reserve. The leisurely walk lasts around an hour and a half, but you’re welcome to dip in and out as you wish. Keep your eyes peeled for some adorable fluffy chicks!
Boundless membership gives you access to year-round savings – including unlimited entry to all nine WWT centres throughout the UK. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Join a global wildlife initiative
City Nature Challenge, Bristol, 26–29 April
Nature is all around us, but the only way to protect it is if we all work together to find and record it. That’s why you’re invited to join an epic mission to document wildlife in your area, joining forces with over 450 regions worldwide! Taking part is easy, and you don’t need to be an expert – all you need to do is photograph the signs of life you spot, then upload your snaps to the free iNaturalist app or website (or your city’s chosen platform). Who knows? You might stumble upon a rare species, or something never before recorded in your area. In any case, it’ll be a fantastic way to spend more time outdoors and connect with nature.
Celebrate a steam pioneer
Trevithick Day, Camborne, 27 April
Richard Trevithick, inventor of the steam locomotive, was no ordinary Cornishman. It’s only right he gets the recognition he deserves – that’s why on the last Saturday of April, the main streets of Camborne are swept over by a carnival atmosphere in celebration of this local legend. Expect street entertainers, vintage vehicles and fairground fun, plus a magnificent parade of steam engines from across the country.
Free events in the Midlands & the East
Soak up some Nordic vibes
Sheringham Viking Festival, Norfolk, 13 April
This rather unusual festival returns to raid the seaside town of Sheringham, paying homage to its Viking heritage. Let your imagination run wild as you journey back one thousand years to a recreated Viking village – complete with action-packed battle reenactments – before following a lively parade to the seafront for the big finale: the ancient ritual of boat burning.
Unleash your creativity
Norfolk Makers Festival, Norwich, 13–21 April
Are you itching to explore a new craft, or eager to reignite an old passion? Well, this nine-day festival at The Forum, Norwich will be bursting at the seams with all things crafty. Get hands-on with free taster sessions spanning an eclectic mix of crafts – from crochet and quilting to woodcraft and lino cut printing – plus workshops, talks and exhibitions to expand your creative horizons. You’ll also be able to see every one of ‘Norfolk Queen of Knitting’ Margaret Seaman’s huge, incredibly detailed hand-knitted installations in one place. Whether you’re a curious beginner or an expert enthusiast, you’re invited to come and get your creative juices flowing.
Free events in the North of England
Tempt your tastebuds
Bishop Auckland Food Festival, Bishop Auckland, 20 & 21 April
This hugely popular two-day food festival returns to Bishop Auckland’s picturesque open-air marketplace. Alongside the usual array of street and artisan traders, Eat Well for Less’s Chris Bavin will host a rather impressive lineup of celebrity chefs, who’ll be cooking up a storm in live demos. This year’s culinary maestros include the dynamic plant-based duo from BOSH!, Saturday Kitchen’s Matt Tebutt and renowned Indian chef Cyrus Todiwala. With a side of live music, street performers and family fun, the festival promises to be a real feast for the senses.
Delve inside a brilliant mind
Talk by Egghead Barry Simmons, 24 April, York
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be on Britain’s biggest TV quiz shows, don’t miss this member-exclusive chance to spend an evening with Egghead Barry Simmons. Beyond Eggheads fame, Barry’s quizzing credentials include Brain of Britain finalist and scooping £64,000 on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. This talk is hosted by Boundless’s York Group at the Mercure York Fairfield Manor Hotel.
Make some puppet pals
Newcastle Puppetry Festival, until 7 April
Over the school holidays, Newcastle will come to life with this enchanting puppet festival, which promises to expand your perception of these moving creations. From traditional puppets to enormous animatronic animals, an eclectic cast of characters are set to take over the city. Kicking off with larger-than-life creatures roaming Northumberland Street, the programme also includes a parade of the iconic kittiwakes that famously nest under the Tyne Bridge, a day of puppet shows, magic and face painting at Ouseburn Farm, plus six days of free puppet shows and workshops on the lawn outside the Great North Museum.
Free events in Scotland & Northern Ireland
Unleash your inner scientist
Edinburgh Science Festival, Edinburgh, until 14 April
The UK’s biggest science festival is back for the school holidays, bringing an action-packed programme of fun to Edinburgh. Will you become a palaeontologist for the day as you unearth bones, track tigers from space, or discover the future of flying?
Feast on food with a view
Loch Lomond Springfest, Balloch, 6 & 7 April
Foodies from all over Scotland will gather on the shores of Loch Lomond for this two-day feast of fresh local produce, family fun and cooking demos by top chefs. While the variety of food on offer will be impressive, the stunning lochside setting will be equally fantastic.
Discover a musical gem
Visit to St Cecilia’s Music Museum, Edinburgh, 10 April
Tucked away in a side street in Edinburgh’s Old Town, St Cecilia’s Hall is Scotland’s oldest purpose-built concert hall, and the second-oldest in Britain. Boundless members are invited to discover this historic gem on a talk and tour, hosted by the Edinburgh and Lothian Group. You’ll also discover the galleries, home to the University of Edinburgh’s impressive collection of historic musical instruments.
Interested in this event but not yet a Boundless member? Boundless membership gives you access to year-round savings, including free entry to top attractions and exclusive events. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Free online events
Fly back to the First World War
Wings of History: WW1 in Aviation, 4 April
This month, Boundless members can experience the excitement, danger and innovation of First World War aviation – all from the comfort of their armchair. In this exclusive online talk, wartime aviation expert Sally Ferrers will take you back in time for a thrilling look at the state-of-the-art aircraft that once ruled the skies, from their groundbreaking technology to the lives of those who commanded them.
Interested in this event but not yet a Boundless member? Boundless membership gives you access to year-round savings, including free entry to top attractions and exclusive events. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Take a trip to sunny Spain
The Best of Seville in Less Than 1 Hour, 9 April
Is the warming weather stirring up your wanderlust? Well, here’s a chance to embark on an online adventure around the stunning city of Seville, live streamed from Spain. With a live Q&A also on the itinerary, it promises to be educational as well as enthralling. It’s a fantastic way to get a taste of this charming city before booking a mini break.
Set sail on an online sea voyage
Get Cruising with Barrhead Travel, 9 April
Always fancied going on a cruise but yet to take the plunge? Well, if you’re a Boundless member, this exclusive online talk is for you. An expert from our partner Barrhead Travel will spill all the tips and tricks of seasoned cruise veterans, from savvy spending to making the best of life on board. You’ll be sailing off into the sunset in no time…
Interested in this event but not yet a Boundless member? Boundless membership gives you access to year-round savings, including free entry to top attractions and exclusive events. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Discover the power of nature storytelling
The Greatest Nature Photos Ever Taken, 18 April
As the curtain draws on this year’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibitions across the UK, Boundless members can gain an exclusive insight into this world-renowned competition via this exclusive online talk. A prominent figure in the world of natural history storytelling for almost two decades, Sophie Stafford will tell the captivating tales behind some of the competition’s most beautiful and poignant nature photos.
Interested in this event but not yet a Boundless member? Boundless membership gives you access to year-round savings, including free entry to top attractions and exclusive events. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
Rediscover the great outdoors
Walk Your Way
With the weather warming up, now’s the perfect time to dust off those walking boots and explore the great outdoors. In this exclusive online talk – available for Boundless members to watch on demand – Sara Murray from the Ramblers inspires you to get back outside while sharing her top tips on all things walking, from planning a fantastic walk to picking out the perfect gear.
Interested in this event but not yet a Boundless member? Boundless membership gives you access to year-round savings, including free entry to top attractions and exclusive events. Find out more about Boundless membership and how to join.
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