Make the most of awesome April...
LOOKING for inspiration for a break in April? Why not attend a food spectacular in Devon, celebrate Shakespeare in his home town, or join a walking festival on the Isles of Scilly, says Katie Rowe…
DEVON
IF you’re a food fanatic, look no further than the exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink from April 22 to 24. Nibble and savour produce from more than 100 exhibitors at exeter Castle and Northernhay Gardens, chomping on wood-fired pizzas and stocking up on everything from awardwinning cheddar to traditional scrumpy cider. In between all the eating and drinking, be sure to attend one of the festival’s cooking demonstrations led by well-known chefs, including Michael Caines, and don’t miss the Festival After Dark events, where live music is combined with tempting street food, real ales and cider.
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
PULL on your ruff for a special Shakespearean knees-up as Stratfordupon-Avon celebrates the Bard’s birthday, and also commemorates the 400th anniversary of his death on April 23. Along with a street party on that day – which this year will include a New orleans jazz procession – there are plenty of attractions to enjoy. See where his imagination was first sparked at the 15th Century King edward VI School, and peek inside the world-renowned costume store for the very first time at the RSC’s newly reopened theatre, The other Place.
And from July, visitors can see the playwright in a new light as a father, husband and businessman at New Place, the site of the Shakespeare family home for 19 years.
WEST YORKSHIRE
HEAD to West yorkshire on April 22 and 23 for the annual Marsden Cuckoo Festival. Heralding the arrival of spring and the return of the cuckoo to Marsden, it’s one of the quirkiest events in yorkshire. Along with a colourful village procession, enjoy watching – and perhaps even taking part in – maypole and morris dancing, artistic workshops, and lively evening entertainment, all to celebrate the village’s love for its feathered friend.
ISLES OF SCILLY
SPRING comes early to the Isles of Scilly, so make the most of sandy beaches such as Pelistry Bay and this Area of outstanding Natural Beauty’s sub-tropical climate by visiting during Walk Scilly, which runs from April 9 to 15. There will be a wide range of guided walks covering everything from wildlife-spotting to foraging.
each of the walks is led by a local expert, so you are sure to discover a side of the islands that most visitors never get to see.
CORNWALL
PORTHLEVEN Food and Music Festival on April 16 and 17 will see thousands of foodies gather in a picturesque harbour setting in West Cornwall to gorge on the finest Cornish produce around. Pick up top tips while watching cooking demonstrations, browse more than 90 food and craft stalls, and dance to live music.
And if you’re looking for somewhere to stay, Warner Leisure Hotels has spring covered. In addition to saving up to 40 per cent on all 2016 breaks, when you make a new booking for April or May before April 1, you can save an extra £20 per room. For details, visit warnerleisurehotels.co.uk.
Find more ideas at visitengland.com.