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Spring is here, finally; green spaces are blanketed in carpets of daffodils, balmy evenings bookend the day once more, and the promise of a long weekend stretches invitingly before us. Plus, of course, spring’s Easter celebrations also present a prime opportunity for a weekend escape that doesn’t encroach on our remaining annual leave. And if you’re reading this and shaking your head at the prospect of paying a hefty price tag for a break over the bank holiday, think again, because we’ve scoured the cobbled streets, coastal paths, and burgeoning cityscapes of the UK and Europe to unearth a clutch of stylish yet surprisingly affordable Easter breaks. Forget the predictable price hikes; these are destinations where charm, comfort, and a touch of local flavour come without the premium, ensuring your Easter break is rich in experience, not expense.
From the windswept beauty of the Scottish Highlands to the sun-drenched plazas of Seville, the tree-laced canals of Amsterdam to the rugged Cornish coastline; whether you’re seeking an action-packed adventure for the whole family, a romantic retreat for two, or a solo sojourn, we’ve found a cheap Easter break for every want and whim.
The Barnsdale, Rutland, UK
Tucked away in the verdant heart of England’s smallest county, The Barnsdale – part of the award-winning Signet Collection – occupies a prime position on the edge of the Rutland Water reservoir. This refined country house hotel marries the best of British eccentricity with sophisticated cottage-core luxe in an idyllic part of the country often overlooked in favour of the glamorous Cotswolds or well-trodden Norfolk villages. What The Barnsdale and its surrounds can offer guests who stay in one of its individually designed rooms then, is all the discerning comfort of a laid-back countryside escape, without any overcrowding or familiar tourist traps.
An Easter weekend here is typically peppered with drawn-out lunches or afternoon teas out on the lawn – complemented by live music on the Sunday – laps around the heated outdoor pool or more lethargic pursuits in the hot tubs and sauna cabin, wedded with water-fringed walks and even a boat trip or two. The Rutland is dog-friendly and children-friendly, with a weekend Easter egg hunt on the cards for all to enjoy too.
Price: From £580 for a two-night stay over the Easter weekend.
Intelier Casa de Indias, Seville, Spain
Famed for its orange tree-lined streets and world-renowned tapas scene, Easter in Seville is a real cultural experience. Though it’s worth noting that some of the bigger attractions close on certain days across the Easter weekend, in their place are the famous Semana Santa festivities, an entire week's worth of processions and celebrations.
Despite the weekend being a peak draw for tourists, there are still cheap Easter breaks to be found here, including the Intelier Casa de Indias, a contemporary interpretation of Andalusian elegance, housed within a meticulously restored casa palacio. Think: sun-drenched courtyards, bedecked in fragrant jasmine and intricate tilework, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city’s iconic landmarks – ideal for a pre-dinner aperitif or a late-night digestif – and a real sense of calm and respite from the vibrant energy of Seville, despite perching right in the heart of it.
Price: From £453 for a two-night stay over the Easter weekend.
The Nici, Bournemouth, UK
The Nici, atop Bournemouth’s West Cliff, offers guests a French Riviera-meets-Miami feel just two hours from London. Its centrepiece? A 30-metre outdoor pool, fringed with pleasing pastel sun loungers, billowing cabanas and fire pits, behind which 80 rooms and suites – many with a sea view – sit alongside two restaurants, a spa, a bar, a gym and private cinema.
This stylish seaside stay is decked out for hedonistic living, and the long weekend presents as good an opportunity as any to immerse yourself in the party spirit here. Mornings bring with them boundless opportunities for renewal, from yoga classes to croquet, and a plethora of water sporting equipment on offer for those who really want to bathe in seafront life.
From £490 for a two-night stay over the Easter weekend.
Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel, Ghent, Belgium
Facing a gentle bend in Ghent's famed Muinkschelde river, the Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel has a prime setting in the high-design district of Brabantdam, just east of the city centre. Surrounded by upscale shops and cafés, this stylish address is also conveniently located a mere 10-minute walk from the historically significant Korenmarkt square and its Belfry bell tower. Infusing Belgian culture with contemporary touches, the Yalo has a playful feel, offering a vibrant urban setting for design-savvy travellers seeking to immerse themselves in the city's rich tapestry.
Ghent itself, often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours, offers visitors a less-crowded and altogether more authentic Easter experience, paired with all the fairytale charm of year-round draws, from Gravensteen Castle – with its medieval architecture – to picturesque canals and a diverse arts scene. And all this is paired with a large dose of a traditional Flemish foodie scene, family-friendly atmosphere and an easily traversed layout.
Price: From £321 for a two-night stay over the Easter weekend.
Oasis Lodges, Marrakech, Morocco
Not needing to wear a puffer jacket is all well and good, but if your heart’s set on somewhere truly warm, then Marrakech is a top (and perhaps only) contender for a truly cheap Easter break. The former imperial city, ensconced under the majestic gaze of the Atlas Mountains, weaves together a rich collage of sensory experience; it’s vibrant, unapologetically loud and a treasure trove of trinkets, street food and winding back streets to be explored.
Outside of the bustle of downtown Marrakech (though only just), Oasis Lodges sits as a bridge between the expansive mountain range’s call for calm and the pull of the medina, offering a peaceful setting from which to recharge your batteries and immerse yourself in the natural environment of the area. Families can spread out and relax across two and three-bedroom lodges, all with their own outdoor spaces, and partake in myriad workshops and activities, from yoga to cooking.
Price: From £606 for a two-night stay over the Easter weekend.
Marty Hotel, Bordeaux, France
Though perhaps best known for its famed French wine, Bordeaux is a much more multifaceted region, and with a flight time of well under two hours, it’s a top contender for a cheap Easter break. Meander the galleries, grand vintage buildings and contemporary bars of The Old Town, drift along the River Garonne, and explore the vineyards that encircle the city until your cup does runneth over.
In the Mériadeck district, sandwiched between the modernist architecture the neighbourhood is known for, ‘The Marty’, as it is affectionately known, offers all the authentic immersion of a local boutique hotel, with all the ‘big hotel energy’ of the larger Hilton group that it belongs to. Both the public spaces are bedecked in artwork from the emerging creative scene here, and the sleek bedrooms, some with generous balconies, are light, bright and airy. The city centre's shops, museums and restaurants are just a 10-minute walk away.
Price: From £365 for a two-night stay over the Easter weekend.