16 HAVE A MEMORABLE MAY DAY


As the May-Day bank holiday weekend approaches, and the spring season truly gets underway. Now is the ideal time to plan your weekend break to one of these UK destinations.


and Swansea, to spending your day surrounded by amusements at Brighton Pier, enjoying the peaceful scenery of the Fermanagh Lakelands, or embarking on some much needed retail therapy in Kildare. Whether you are seeking a destination to share with your family, friends, significant other or perhaps as a solo venture, Northern Ireland Travel News highlights the best places across the United Kingdom to spend May Day 2022.


T Somerset


Wanting to partake in a Maypole Dance or two this may-day? Somerset is calling your name. The county is packed to the brim with traditions and heritage as the May-Day holiday approaches. Welcoming the beginning of spring, Somerset claims may-day as a day to acknowledge renewal, fertility and the celebration of new life that the spring season has to offer. Culture truly is the vocal point of a May-Day spent in Glastonbury, Somerset.


May-day doesn’t just last twenty-four hours in Glastonbury. In-fact, an entire festival takes place starting from the 31st of April up until the 5th of May. Over the course of the celebrations, the entire surrounding area of Glastonbury Tor prepares for visitors, along with the town of Glastonbury. The festival offers a range of activities and processions for tourists to choose from, including market-stalls, a chance to learn how to may-pole dance, or a chance to be crowed ‘May Queen,’ a tradition which has continued from the festivals origins in the Dark Ages. The true revelry begins at dawn on May 1st, when attendees flock to the Glastonbury Tor to witness the beautiful sunrise from the top of the hill. A two-mile hike, this is a sure way to invigorate your senses, all the while getting a spectacular view of the sunrise. As well as witness a show from local-Morris Dancers who also head to perform around the Tor as the sun raises over the horizon. From then on, processions take place from Chalice Well Trust Gardens, where the May-Pole is then carried through Glastonbury by the ‘Green-Men’ of Glastonbury Town. Before reaching Bushy Combe, where the maypole-dancing begins, perhaps the most iconic part of the day for many of the locals. The evening progresses when the bonfires are lit, a tradition which is supposed to bid farewell to the Winter, and create a fresh beginning for the Spring season. Somerset is filled with hidden gems for tourists to go exploring, Glastonbury is home to one of the most renowned traders markets in the country. With a range of antiques, local produce, and handcrafted trinkets up for sale.


Or head to the historic bath, a vibrant city that has


become a prominent as a UK City Break due to being the backdrop of the Netflix success, ‘Bridgerton.’ Bath has a deep-rooted history of being a melting pot of entertainment, with a particular focus on celebrating the English literary greats. Why not swing by Bath’s famous Roman Baths this mayday? Perhaps you may want to take a step back in time by visiting the Jane Austen centre? Or become a Bridgerton upon a visit to No 1 Royal Crescent, the famous backdrop to the much- loved period drama. There a variety of ways to kick-start your spring in the English county of Somerset over this may-day bank holiday.


old-time traditions


April/May 2022 Travel News MAKE SOME MEMORIES THIS MAY DAY


he May-day bank holiday weekend is the best time to head for a well-deserved break. From exploring


in Somerset


the proximity of the pier. Travellers are not stuck for choice upon their visit. One of the greatest appeals to the pier is its quintessential charm, with a lot of its Victorian architecture remaining in place. Travellers will travel back in time with as Brighton Pier builds on their heritage with displays of their old-kiosks and ticket booths.


A trip to Brighton Pier is perfect for all the family, with amusements available for those of any age. With it’s own fairground, there are tame rides such as the carousel and teacup rides. Or if you are more of an adventure seeker, why not brace yourself for the Crazy Mouse ride or the Turbo Coaster roller coaster. If you fancy yourself brave enough, there are plenty of rides at Brighton Pier to increase your heart-rate. Feeling up to it? Take to the skies to fly over the seafront and famous Brighton beach on the longest zip-line in the south coast of England. A sure way to take in the sights of the town, this zip-line experience is guaranteed to get your heart racing. If you are competitive, travellers can even race in the skies as the experience offers a dual zip-line where those braving the heights can race against their friends and family as they zoom through the skies.


Adhering to Brighton custom is a must! So make sure


to get yourself some Candy Floss and some Brighton rock to remember your May-day 2022 on Brighton Pier. Fermanagh


Calton Hill in Edinburgh Where The Beltane Fire Festival Takes Place Edinburgh


Swansea Wales is filled with customs, superstitions and traditions to mark May-Day. Referred to as ‘Calan Mai’ or ‘Calan Haf,’ May Day in Wales is earmarked to celebrate the start of the summer season in Wales. Interestingly while other May-Day customers were said to mark the equinox and summer solstice, May Day in Wales’ begun as a time to celebrate when the herds would be turned out to pasture when the greenery returned in the spring season. To this day, May Day in Wales is celebrated in subtle notions throughout the country. With local towns running festivals where art, painting, willow weaving, woodwork and spinning are displayed. A demonstration of local and handmade crafts, the May-Day festivities are a celebration of all things ‘Wales.’ Upon a quick peruse around the market-stalls, travellers must pick up an item with the staple hawthorn blossoms associated with May Day in Wales. From the


celebrations origins, hawthorn blossoms are


synonymous with Welsh May-Day celebrations, with locals stating that these blossoms represent growth and vitality. According to local myth, these blossoms are unlucky to have in the home, but act as the perfect outdoor decoration for many households. May Day used to be quite the superstitious affair amongst the Welsh, with the night prior to May Day deemed as ‘Spirit Night,’ when many used to believe that the veil between supernatural and reality is at its thinnest level. With a superstitious belief that May- Day was the perfect time to visit a fortune-teller, with a hope that a persons one true-love would be revealed. Superstitious beliefs such as have dwindled away in recent years. However, there are traditions that still currently remain in place throughout. Traditions that are believed to bring good-luck and fight off any bad auras still remain in place for some of Wales’ May-Day festivities. Such traditions include lighting a May-Day fire, and the belief that May-Day offered the perfect time to catch up with friends and family after a dark-winter. Other than May-Day festivities, Swansea has a


Glastonbury Tor in Somerset


lot more to offer people this bank holiday weekend. Swansea is known as the cultural gem in Wales. Home to a vibrant night-life in the city centre, visitors hail Swansea’s ability to cater to everybody’s tastes. Wind Street is the hub of all Swansea’s hospitality and nightlife. Whether you fancy a chilled evening in a cocktail bar or a live performance, Wind Street has it all! Nestled on the western edge of Swansea Bay, Mumbles Bay is a popular location amongst locals. The ideal place to get away from the hustle-and-bustle of everyday life. The Mumbles in Swansea Bay offer the ideal family day by shores. Although a little coastal town, Mumbles holds a special place in the heart of all those who visit. Embrace spectacular views of the sea from Oystermouth Castle or take a trip to Bracelet Bay Beach, The Mumbles’ award winning shoreline. The Mumbles’ pier offers a vast range of activities for all to enjoy whether that be a trip to the amusements arcade, one of the many restaurants and cafes, the mini bowling alley, pirate-themed boating lakes, or one of Swansea most bizarre landmarks,the Big Apple. Be sure to grab some of Mumbles’ famous ice-cream, a local delicacy that is loved by every visitor.


To mark the beginning of the summer season, Edinburgh hosts a spectacular unique festival on the 29th of April into the 1st of May. Drawing inspiration from ancient Gaelic traditions, revellers flock to the top of Calton Hill, where dazzling fire displays become the evening’s entertainment for the 12,000 plus people who attend. A procession takes place which begins at the National Monument, and proceeds on the route meeting various groups along the way. This festival is held to celebrate the end of the winter season, and welcome in the summer season, such traditions as the crowning of a May Queen and Green Man are completed who then are the first to mark the Beltane bonfire. Following the lighting of the bonfire, dancers and fire-breathers are accompanied by the beat of the drums. This is where the true festival begins as the barrier between performers and audience comes down and all members of the procession are able to make the most of the warmth of the fire and the food and drink stalls in attendance. While an unconventional way to spend your May Eve, this is a great opportunity to witness the culture of the area and ring in the Summer of 2022.


On a trip to Edinburgh, it is imperative that one takes


a walk up the Royal Mile to see Edinburgh Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic sights. With guided tours available which gives travellers valuable insight into the deep history that lies beneath the castles walls. Even if you do not embark on one of these guided tours, Edinburgh Castle offers travellers a break taking view over the Scottish Capital and the perfect opportunity to take a few pictures overlooking the vibrant old town. Consider yourself a Harry Potter fan? Edinburgh is host to locations that inspired the magical tales. West Bow Street is the inspiration for Diagon Alley, while you may spot some familiar names in Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh as JK Rowling used some of the graves in Greyfriars for inspiration. This graveyard is filled with iconic figures, and Edinburgh offers a wide range of Graveyard and Vault Tours for those seeking to learn the darker side of the cities history. Be sure to pay a visit to the statue of Greyfriar Bobby, the much- loved dog who occupied the graveyard. Local legend even suggests that if you give Greyfriar Bobby’s nose a rub, you’ll receive some good fortune. To round off your trip, why not seek a little tipple at the Scotch Whiskey Tour? Edinburgh is home to the world’s largest collection of Scotch Whiskey. This guided tour takes visitors on the whiskey barrel car ride, where guests are taken stage by stage how the famous whiskey is made. This tour is certainly a boozy way to round up your May-Day festivities. Brighton


Although Brighton’s May-day traditions do not date back as far as other locations on this list, that does not mean they are sparse. Brighton is one of England’s most renowned beach locations. What could be better this may-day than a trip to the seaside? Beaches aren’t all that Brighton is renowned for, in fact it is home to one of the oldest and most impressive piers in the UK. Brighton Pier is a tourist destination in its own right, a renowned landmark. Almost nobody can head to Brighton without taking a little stop by the iconic Pier. With restaurants, arcades, activities and rides sweeping


Wanting to stay a little bit closer to home this bank holiday weekend? A retreat to the Fermanagh Lakelands provides travellers with a much needed refreshing breath of fresh air away from the bustle of the city. There is a vast range of activities for stay-cationers to embark on in the county. Whether it be taking to the water for some adventurous activities such as kayaking, canoeing or angling or receiving a relaxing spa treatment in one of Fermanagh’s luxurious resorts. Tranquility can be found this may-day with a spring getaway to County Fermanagh.


With a motto stating ‘To the waters and the wild,’ the Fermanagh Lakes can be enjoyed families, couples or individual travellers. There is a wide range of lake activities, those who seeking to dive right into all that the Lough Erne has to offer can, with options to surf, take part in a lake safari, paddle board and much more. Travellers can even paddle their own canoe around the Lough Erne and uncover the hidden gems of the area. Nestled within the picturesque alcoves of Cuilcagh Mountain is the Marble Arch Caves, only a short journey from Enniskillen in County Fermanagh. The Marble Arch Caves is a much-loved location for families and those seeking to revel in the idyllic beauty of nature. Visitors will be guided around the breath- taking underground corridors of the caves to witness the large array of cave formations. A local gem of a location, travellers will learn about the fascinating secrets of the Marble Archs and its winding passages. If you haven’t yet had your fill of the glorious nature


that Fermanagh has to offer, Florence Court is a beautiful stately house in a peaceful countryside setting in West Fermanagh. Encompassed by nature, the location is the perfect place to clear your head. And as though a stroll around the beautiful woodland and gardens wasn’t enough. Florence Court is open to the public, with a tour taking visitors through it’s historic corridors to learn more about the Georgian mansion and the Cole family who once called Florence Court home. Filled with fascinating heritage, take a step back in time with a visit to Florence Court.


Travellers can tailor-pick their digs to suit the pace of their stay. For those seeking luxury, the Lough Erne Resort is renowned for it’s thermal suite and Thai Spa that is complimentary for all guests. Seeking more of an escape? There are amazing glamping options available. Including Castle Archdale, an immersive and inviting location home to glamping pods fully equipped for guests on their stay-cation in Fermanagh.


The iconic Brighton Palace Pier


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