You got through January and February, now celebrate with some fun days out this March. We’ve picked 15 of the UK’s finest for you, now all you need is some sun.
St Patrick’s Day Parade, London, 17 March
London’s annual parade to celebrate St Patrick’s Day takes place on 17 March this year, and starts at Hyde Park Corner, through Piccadilly, St. James’s Street, Pall Mall, Cockspur Street and Whitehall, ending up in Trafalgar Square. Expect family concerts, children’s films and youth performances, as well as plenty of community performance, audience participation, plus a lot of large green hats. And if you want a breather, here are some London restaurants our kids love.
See our recommended family hotels in London
National Trust Easter Egg Hunts, all over the UK
There’s nothing like a bit of free chocolate to put a spring in your step, and it tastes all the sweeter when you’ve had to hunt for it. National Trust sites all over the UK are hosting Easter egg hunt trails this March. So you can tire out the kids and give them a treat at the same time. And there are vegan eggs on every hunt too, so nobody misses out.
Fun days out in full bloom at Doddington Hall, Lincolnshire
A host of spring flowers is a joyful way to herald spring’s arrival, and the Spring Bulb Pageant at Doddington Hall showcases the plentiful and eclectic shades of spring, with heritage daffodils and drifts of Lent lilies amongst a riot of other blooms.
Guided tours are available, and dogs and groups are welcome.
See our recommended family hotels near Doddington Hall
Watch the Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race, London
At 194 years old, the Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race is one of the world’s oldest and most famous amateur sporting events.
A fun way to teach your kids about grit and determination, there are eight miles of towpath to spectate along and the main hospitality areas are at Putney and Fulham.
Bluey’s Big Play is at Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
Aussie animated superstar Bluey stars in Bluey’s Big Play this March. This brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s TV series is written by Bluey creator, Joe Brumm, with music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush.
The story is as old as time: when Dad wants some Sunday afternoon time-out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Make sure life doesn’t imitate art and book tickets early.
See our recommended family hotels in Cardiff
Celebrate St Piran’s Day in Cornwall this March
St Piran’s Day on 5 March is the big one in Cornwall, with parades and events happening all over the county, including trails for children, a children’s parade in Launceston, and a family event on Perranporth Beach.
You might even learn a bit of Cornish: Gool Peran Lowen! (Happy St Piran’s Day). Black and white flags optional.
See our recommended family hotels in Perranporth
Afternoon tea with animals for Mother’s Day at Edinburgh Zoo
OK, so the animals won’t be joining you at the table, and you may not be served by penguins, but this special Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea in the Mansion House at Edinburgh Zoo fuses cake and our furry (or scaly) friends in the nicest possible way.
Ticket price includes zoo entrance, so this truly is one for all the family. And if Edinburgh isn’t on the cards, here are some London afternoon teas just for kids this month.