Where to head on April 12th?

Outdoor accommodation, spa days, have-a-go archery and family attractions

With Step One of the government’s reopening strategy now underway and children back to school, the race is on to make the next date on the roadmap of 12th April. However, confusion still remains about where will be open and what we can and can’t do. 

To make your life easier, we have rounded up some activities which you can do after 12th April , ranging from family days out and outdoor breaks to weekend activities for all the family. And for those looking for some much-missed pampering (or an escape from the children after months of home-schooling) there are relaxing spa days for a wellness boost.

Top camping and glamping picks

Of 4,746 camping and glamping sites across England currently listed on Pitchup.com, the first ones to open will be those with self-contained loos and washrooms – generally those with ready-made accommodation in the form of camping pods, cabins and lodges.

Swap the view from your window for woodland and grazing ponies with a stay in the well-equipped camping pods at Sweetings Wood Glamping in Hertfordshire. Each pod comes complete with its own ensuite toilet and shower, as well as a kitchenette, king-sized bed, indoor and outdoor dining furniture to make the most of a rural break. This adults-only site is a sweet spot for couples to revel in self-contained splendour, and still has availability for the weekend of 16th April.

From £180 for 2 nights (based on 2 sharing, 2 night minimum stay). Book online at Pitchup.com.

Chrisdee’s Suffolk Pods (no prizes for guessing which county they’re in) are large enough to fit the family, sleeping 4 in two doubles. Each pod has all you need for a self-contained holiday with its own shower and loo, kitchenette, barbecue and patio. There’s a great outdoor play area on site as well as free-range eggs that the kids are welcome to collect. A distinctly rural site, if you’re itching to see the sea, it’s only an hour from the iconic pier and beach at Southwold, and currently has availability for the weekend of 16th April.

From £270 (based on 4 sharing, 2 night minimum stay).

Soothe away lockdown stress with spa days

With many spas across the UK opening their doors on the 12th April for day visits and treatments*, soothing spa experiences will once again be on hand to help reduce stress and boost wellbeing. Head to Spabreaks.com to explore a range of spa days suitable for all budgets.

Mottram Hall

Tranquil elegant and a real treat for the senses, Mottram Hall is the perfect place to seek a refreshing wellness boost. Spabreaks.com recommends the Morning or Afternoon Spa Experience, which includes one soothing 50-minute treatment from a choice of Revitalising Facial, Body Radiance, Luxury Manicure, Luxury Pedicure or Champneys Face and Body Ritual. Guests can enjoy use of the spa facilities between either 9am-1pm or 2pm-6pm, with robe, towel and slippers provided. From £89 per person.

Take the family on a medieval adventure to see Zog at Warwick Castle

Children around the world know and love Zog, created by award-winning author Julia Donaldson and brought to life by Axel Scheffler’s irresistible illustrations. From 12 April 2021, the lovable young dragon will be the star of a new 3D interactive trail at Warwick Castle, where guests can also enjoy a unique sleepover in the Castle grounds with its Medieval themed Lodges**.

Enjoy the delightful interactive trail and five fun lessons from Madame Dragon’s school, helping children of all ages learn new skills, just like Zog. The trail will be available every day until September, so there’s plenty of time over the course of the year to visit and earn a golden star.

Highlights along the trail include soaring in front of the Castle without actually leaving the ground, testing out the Roar-o-meter to find the loudest dragon and putting out Zog’s dragon-breath steam, with children collecting a stamp for every task they complete. After joining in with the Sir Gadabout Knight Training School as a final challenge, Zog will be there for a meet-and-greet where children can collect golden stars and pose for a souvenir storybook photo.

For more information, head to www.warwick-castle.com

**Single household stays only, in line with government guidelines. Each Lodge sleeps between five and seven people and features its own self-contained bathroom and toilets.

Try something new with Have-A-Go archery

Draw out competitive sides with a family test of skill and precision. There are perhaps few sports that are as inclusive and diverse – open to all genders and ages, and one of the only sports in which non-disabled and disabled participants as well as widely different ages can compete against each other, archery is the perfect way to enjoy time with all the family. Find local centres and clubs at www.archerygb.org – outdoor ranges are set to reopen from 29th March, with archery at leisure and entertainment sites set to restart from 12^th April.

Try a family session at Adventure Pirate, Lychett Minister

Learn to draw, aim and shoot with Archery GB qualified instructors on a fun family course at Adventure Pirate. Sessions take place in the purpose-built, covered 25m archery and air rifle range, protecting participants from the elements as they compete against each other to see who can shoot the bullseye.

Price: From £85 for a family session – 2 adults 2 children or 1 adult and three children.

For more outdoor inspiration