What to do this Bank Holiday weekend
Last weekend I took this photo in a park. The UK has lots of parks and nature reserves and so there are lots of picnic areas. Going somewhere and perhaps taking a picnic blanket, food and drink and even a small radio for a little music; could make for a nice afternoon out. Others might go shopping and take advantage of the sales on this weekend. You’ll find those bargains on Monday.
Most people have enough stress and need the Bank Holiday for a break from it. Do you really need traffic jams and queues that shopping on a Bank Holiday entails? The picnic in the park seems much more inviting. I do have a voucher for Matalan for 20% off that runs out on Monday. I don’t want the traffic or the queues and I could go another day next week. Why do they have vouchers that only last through the busy period? It’s stupid. Why have clothes for just teenagers, when many of their customers are much older? I read somewhere they have young female designers and buyers. They would sell more stuff, if I could find a decent coat in there. I’m actually shopping for saucepans a frying pan this time. I went to a local shop, but couldn’t find a parking space. I doubt if I’ll find one at Matalan this weekend either.
I’m a fan of Google maps, they even give you some idea of the traffic conditions. You don’t have to drive far to find that picnic place. We have lots of canals in the Midlands, but there is the river too and a few lakes and pools. You want somewhere with a nice view to look at, while you enjoy your picnic.
The weather forecast here is sunny, but cloudy for Sunday and Monday. I shall probably take photos on both days. I have a plastic box that I can fill with food and I bought some handy little drinks too. I have chicken drumsticks and ham for my little picnic. I don’t eat bread, but sandwiches are a good idea and most salad is cheap now. Make sure you pack lots of fruit too. I bought peaches and 400 grams of grapes this week.
This is Sandwell Valley Country Park in West Bromwich. That pathway is used by horse riders and cyclists, as well as dog walkers and runs for miles. It goes down the side of the River Tame and around the lakes and pools. This photo was taken near Forge Mill farm. You can go down the river in either direction for miles.
There are museums at the Manor House and Oak House, not far from there. I went to the Manor House last weekend and had a guided tour. Don’t forget to take your camera. I got nearly a gigabyte of pictures last weekend!
Why not check to see what local places you have for a day out this weekend? What will you choose, a relaxing picnic or shopping at Ikea? Please share your thoughts in the comments box. You can also follow me on Twitter.
Related articles
- Warnings of heavy traffic in Britain over bank holiday weekend (theguardian.com)
- Searing 86F today then Bank Holiday mix of sun and rain (express.co.uk)
- Bank ‘Holidays’ (tforfifteen.wordpress.com)
- Bank Holiday Fun at The Fleece (livemusicsceneblog.wordpress.com)
- Bank Holiday Lawn Care Tips (grassclippings.co.uk)
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You mentioned Sandwell Valley but didn’t mention the valley festival!
Wished they were on when i was living there. 🙂
26, August 2013 at 1:21 am
Hi Tia,
Yes, I was wondering about that. They have the Sandwell Show and a rock concert on in the same place at the same time and two tiny car parks fed by one road with humps all the way down it. I think you have to pay to use that tiny car park in Salter’s Lane now too. I suppose it’s OK if you walk down that narrow lane. Try not to get run over.
It’s typical Sandwell. Couldn’t organise a picnic in a brewery!
26, August 2013 at 9:22 am
lol I never thought of that road with the bumps!
But everyone who attended said it was an amazing weekend, so they they finally got something right 😉
28, August 2013 at 7:24 pm
It seems people going to the rock concert enjoyed it. I think the Sandwell show was good for some and not others. Someone said Wednesbury carnival was better! 🙂
28, August 2013 at 8:44 pm