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Home : Travel : Beat the Credit Crunch this Bank Holiday :

Beat the Credit Crunch this Bank Holiday

If you've no plans for the August Bank Holiday, we've plenty of ideas to inspire you – some of which just happen to be free

Notting Hill Carnival

London, 24-25 August, FREE
A Bank Holiday institution, this Caribbean-flavoured fun-fest is now into its fourth decade. The West Indies comes to West London, where the streets will be pounding to the sound of steel drums and throbbing under the weight of around 850,000 visitors. The party starts with children's parades on Sunday, before the main procession of floats and dancers on Monday. Enjoy the party atmosphere, sample Caribbean food from the many stalls, and dance in the street until 10pm. Official website »

Summer Breeze

Poole, Dorset, Thursdays from 7pm, FREE
There's loads happening in Poole throughout August but one highlight is the weekly Summer Breeze party. Get to Shore Road Beach for an evening of beach sports, family fun, live music, barbecues and a fireworks finale at 10pm. The final Summer Breeze is 28 August. Official website »

Shoreditch Festival

East London, 16-24 August, some events FREE
This retro street party features a tea dance, a dog show and extreme cycling displays. There are open-air concerts at Shoreditch Park too – the English National Ballet takes to the stage on 22 August and the Royal Philharmonic hosts the Proms the day after. So pack a picnic for an evening beneath the stars. Official website »

Leicester Castle Park Arts & Heritage Festival

Leicester, until 25 August, some events FREE
This award-winning event aims to celebrate the past, present and future with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. Enjoy a huge range of events for children and adults – many of which are free – including performances, activities, workshops, displays and more. The finale is a family fun day at Castle Gardens on 25 August. Official website »

International Horse Trials & Country Fair

Blair Castle, Pitlochry, Perthshire, 21-24 August
Scotland's largest equestrian event is held at picturesque Blair Castle and encompasses dressage, cross country and show jumping, as well as arena attractions, a country fair, shops and craft stalls and a food festival.
Official website »

Newlyn Fish Festival

Newlyn, Cornwall, 25 August, children admitted FREE
Head South-west for a celebration of seafood on Bank Holiday Monday, in this Cornish fishing town. Newlyn boasts more than 40 acres of harbour and is home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the UK. Highlights of the festival include cooking demonstrations, fish auctions, children's workshops, a craft fair, gig racing, and live music. Official website »

Football in the River

Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, 3pm,
25 August, FREE
This annual Cotswolds match sees two seven-a-side teams go head to head, knee-deep in the River Windrush. Watch wading and water-fights as they battle for the prize.
Further information »

Pimm's Summerfest

Holland Park, London, 27-31 August
This mega comedy fest isn't free but it's well worth the entry free if you can spare the cash. Take a picnic and chill out in the park with some cracking comedians. There'll be 25 acts across five nights, including Jo Brand, Lucy Porter, Russell Howard, Robin Ince, Kevin Eldon, Jeff Green, Jason Byrne, Jenny Eclair, Richard Herring and Rhona Cameron. Official website »

World Bog Snorkelling Championships

Waen Rhydd Bog, Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, 25 August, FREE
People travel around the world to take part in this famous tradition. Competitors swim two lengths of a peat bog trench, with the aid of flippers and a snorkel, in the fastest time possible. There are several hundred entrants every year and countless spectators join in the fun. For more weird and wonderful events happening throughout the year, check out our Quintessentially Quirky feature. Official website »

Highland Games

Various locations, Scotland
Scotland's traditional games run from May until September and there are plenty in August. The Highland Games originated in the Scottish Clan system, more than 300 years ago and see competitors challenge one another in feats of strength, skill and endurance. The games often include hammer throwing, caber tossing, shot put, tug o' war, athletic events, dancing and piping competitions. Take your pick from the following events:

Glenisla Highland Games, Glenisla, Angus,
22 August
Bute Highland Games, Rothesay, Isle of Bute, 23 August
Glenurquhart Highland Games, Blairbeg Park, Drumnadrochit, 23 August
Invergordon Highland Gathering, Easter Ross, Highland, 23 August
Strathardle Highland Gathering, Bannerfield, Kirkmichael, 23 August
Lonach Gathering and Games, Strathdon, Aberdeenshire, 23 August
Thornton Highland Gathering, Kirkcaldy, Fife,
24 August
Grantown-on-Spey Highland Games, Grantown-on-Spey, Inverness, 24 August
Cumnock Highland Games, Cumnock, Ayrshire, 24 August
Argyllshire Gathering and Oban Games, various locations, 27-28 August
Cowal Highland Gathering, Dunoon, Argyll, 28-30 August
Birnam Highland Games, Little Dunkeld, Perthshire, 30 August

Escape from the UK

For a complete package tailored to your needs, check out AA Getaways. Enjoy a short Continental break by ferry, Eurostar or Eurotunnel with three nights from £69 per person.

Check out our other inspirational ideas for days out and weekend breaks.

Wherever you're heading...

...plan your trip with the AA Route Planner, stock your car with essential accessories from the AA Travel Shop, and check for traffic blackspots before you leave with AA Roadwatch. Find the best places to eat, drink and sleep, and check out our brilliant travel guides.