Exploring Europe in the early summer months? Experience these extraordinary events you won't want to miss!
Top Events and Destinations in the UK and Europe for April and May
April and May are ideal times to explore the UK and Europe, as the weather starts to warm up and many popular destinations become less crowded. Here are some of the favourite places and events to visit at this time of year.
In the UK:
The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival (29 April – 4 May) in Speyside, Scotland, is a whisky lover’s dream. This six-day event offers distillery tours, tastings, food events, and live music, making it perfect for those interested in Scottish culture and spirits.
The Cheltenham Jazz Festival (29 April – 4 May) in Gloucestershire, England, attracts international jazz enthusiasts with world-class performances.
Liverpool Sound City (1–3 May) is a major music festival and industry conference in Liverpool, England, featuring emerging and established artists from various genres.
The Brighton Festival (2–24 May) in Brighton, England, is one of Europe’s leading arts festivals. It celebrates creativity across music, theatre, dance, circus, literature, and family-friendly events, suitable for all ages and interests.
The Cork International Choral Festival (30 April – 4 May) in Ireland celebrates choral music with performances from local and international choirs.
London offers iconic attractions such as Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, West End theatres, and vibrant neighborhoods like Covent Garden. It's suitable for families, culture seekers, and first-time visitors, with widely accessible public transport.
England’s natural and historical sites, such as the South West Coast Path, the Peak District, and Pennine Way, are perfect for hikers and cyclists. The Jurassic Coast is notable for geological formations and fossil hunting, while historic sites like Stonehenge and the Tower of London provide iconic cultural and historical experiences.
In Europe (outside the UK):
The Fiesta de San Isidro (15 May) in Madrid, Spain, is Madrid’s largest traditional festival. It celebrates the city’s patron saint with vibrant processions, music, and cultural events, ideal for experiencing Spanish traditions and spring festivities.
The Gloucester Cheese Rolling event takes place at Cooper's Hill in Gloucester, England, on the late Bank Holiday Monday in May. Visitors should arrive early and park as close as possible to Cooper's Hill to secure a good viewing spot.
The Madeira Flower Festival takes place in Funchal, Portugal, from 4 weeks after Easter and lasts for 3-4 weeks. Highlights include the Flower Float Parade, featuring over 1000 participants and numerous flower-made floats, the Wall of Hope, and blooms strewn through the streets.
Neuschwanstein Castle in southern Germany is a popular tourist destination and the castle that inspired Walt Disney. To visit, it is recommended to arrive early and pre-book tickets for the tour of choice to avoid sellouts.
The Netherlands is full of tulip fields, and driving past miles and miles of blooms of all colors is an absolute joy. If you're able to enjoy a trip outside of the school holidays in April and May, these are some of the top events and destinations to consider.
Each year, the Jersey Liberation Parade takes place on Liberation Day (9th of May) in St Helier, the capital of Jersey. This celebration of the island's liberation from German occupation in World War II includes live music, historical re-enactments, and plenty of food and other entertainment.
The Beltane Fire Festival happens in Scotland on 30th April to celebrate the start of summer. If you're planning a trip to Scotland in April and May, remember that the weather is a little warmer, but the midges haven't started making life miserable yet.
In light of the upcoming warmer weather and fewer crowds, if you're planning a home-and-garden transformation this April and May, consider seeking help from a professional landscaper to enhance your lifestyle.
If you're looking for travel inspiration during these months, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in Scotland offers help for whisky enthusiasts to explore distilleries, taste various Scottish spirits, and enjoy live music, making it a noteworthy lifestyle addition.
