An image of 2 friends sat at a table within the exterior beer garden enjoying glasses of rose wine and bowled dishes at a Chef & Brewer venue.

The Chef & Brewer pub guide of things to do on a bank holiday

24 April 2026

Extra day off? Music to our ears! We all love a good bank holiday, don't we? Whether you're planning to relax with the family or head out and explore somewhere new, having a variety of things to do on a bank holiday weekend always helps to make things a little more exciting.

But don't worry! If you're in need of a little inspiration, we've got you covered. From drinks and picky bits in the sun to activities for the whole crew, here is our list of things to do on your next bank holiday adventure.

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When family life gets busy, weekends tend to fly by. Having an extra day to play with means you can cram in as much family time as possible, so why not organise a nice little lunchtime family reunion at your local Chef & Brewer? With plenty of delicious lunch options on offer, you can rest assured that everyone can tuck into something they like, whether it's a gooey Great British Cheese Toastie or classic Wholetail Scampi & Chips.

A romantic dinner for two

It's a bank holiday, time to treat yourself and that special someone to some much-needed alone time. A romantic (or platonic) meal for two always hits the spot, particularly when you can tuck into a range of hearty pub favourites, seasonal specials and decadent desserts. How about a bottle of bubbly, seeing as it's a special occasion? Or a couple of refreshing cocktails; up to you!

Head out on a countryside dog walk

Nothing beats getting out and about on a sunny bank holiday weekend, so lace up your walking boots, wake the dog up and take to the great outdoors. Not sure where to go? No worries, we've teamed up with AllTrails to help you search for routes by length, location and difficulty. Plus, you can easily locate the best dog-friendly Chef & Brewer pubs along the way, where you can refuel with a pint of cask ale and a bowl of water for your pooch.

Have a picnic at the park

Not really the outdoorsy type? Well, you don't have to be a seasoned hiker to enjoy a spot of bank holiday fresh air. Round up the family or call on a few pals and head to your local park with a picnic. This money-saving bank holiday activity is great for sunny days when you just want to lounge around and catch some rays.

A view from across the road of the exterior facade, signage, and beer garden seating area of the Ye Olde Leathern Bottel in Barkham, with shade umbrellas and string lights.

Take an extended trip

With a bank holiday weekend, you get three days (four if it's Easter) to fill with fun, so why not make the most of every last minute by booking a cheeky staycation? The UK is home to plenty of stunning locations, from seaside resorts to national parks, no flights or travel insurance required! Oh, and here's a little tip if you're wondering about accommodation options – many of our beautiful Chef & Brewer venues are also hotels, featuring comfortable guestrooms and just about the best pub breakfast menu around, so what are you waiting for?

Picky bits in the beer garden

Most UK bank holidays occur in spring and summer (aside from Christmas) – so cross your fingers for prime beer garden weather! Yep, providing those rainclouds hold off, there's nothing better than wiling away the hours in your local beer garden with refreshing pints and delicious picky bits, safe in the knowledge that you certainly won't be clocking on come Monday morning.

Sunday lunch at the pub

Ah, just picture it – it's bank holiday Sunday, and you've just remembered you don't have to set your Monday morning alarm. Sheer bliss! Well then, better head to your local Chef & Brewer for a celebratory roast, plus a few rounds, of course. We know a thing or two about how to make a proper roast, so you're in good hands with us. Succulent, slow-cooked meats, garlic & rosemary duck fat roasties, earthy root veg and all the rest. It's the stuff of dreams!

Do some spring cleaning

Hang on, stay with us here! You're probably thinking, "Spring cleaning? Bank holidays are for relaxing, not chores!" – and you're mostly right. However, the transformative power of a good spring clean while you have an extra day to focus, is remarkable. Plus, if you can rope some friends into helping, you can all reward yourselves with a trip to the pub afterwards to celebrate a job well done!

Spend your bank holiday weekend with Chef & Brewer

Well, if you're compiling ideas for things to do on a bank holiday, we hope that's provided a little bit of inspiration. And when all else fails, you can always head to a Chef & Brewer pub near you, where the atmosphere is buzzing, the drinks are flowing and the food is simply divine. Happy bank holiday and we'll see you soon!