Here are the events happening in April. Plus, enjoy a mix of other experiences in Britain this spring.
Taking place from 1 to 5 April 2026 in the city centre of York, the York Chocolate Festival will be a haven for chocolate lovers far and wide. Try hands-on chocolate making, taste trails, Easter egg hunts and workshops. The dedicated chocolate bar in Parliament Street will also serve up classic and lesser-known chocolaty beverages. Look out for the York Food and Drink Festival later in the year during September.
First raced in 1829, the Boat Race is one of the oldest sporting events in the world. Watched along the banks of the Tideway, located between Putney and Mortlake in south London, this unique sporting event sees two strong squads of athletes competing against each other in men’s and women’s races.
9 – 11 April 2026: Grand National, Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool
One of the most famous horse races in the world sees competitors make two circuits of the Grand National course in Liverpool, tackling 30 fences as they cover four-and-a-half miles. The event’s colourful, fashionable celebration, Ladies’ Day, will take place on 10 April.
From coastal paths with epic views to following in the footsteps of history, grab your walking boots for expert-guided walks and experiences at the Walk Scilly Festival in the Isle of Scilly.
Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre has seen champions pot their way to victory since 1977. Watch as top snooker players battle it out to be crowned world number one at the World Snooker Championships.
Put your running shoes on for Britain’s second-biggest marathon, which takes racers past some of Manchester’s most iconic landmarks. You’ll be sure of a warm Mancunian welcome from the thousands of spectators who line the city-wide course to cheer you on.
23 April 2026: St George’s Day, across England
St George’s Day celebrates the patron saint of England with activities ranging from festivals to ‘dragon’ hunts and medieval banquets usually happening across England.
Gorgeous show gardens, live talks and demonstrations, and unmissable shopping: it’s all on the agenda at the Harrogate Spring Flower Show. Don’t miss the autumn festival, held from 18 – 20 September 2026 at Newby Hall.
It’s not often we celebrate someone’s 461st birthday – but when that someone is William Shakespeare, it’s a landmark worth toasting. Stratford-upon-Avon hosts a birthday parade dedicated to the Bard, marching through the town to lay flowers at his resting place at Holy Trinity Church. Stick around the following day for the Shakespeare Service at the church, a fitting tribute to Stratford’s most famous son.
26 April 2026: London Marathon, London, England
The TCS London Marathon is a phenomenal event to be a part of, as a participant and a spectator. It’s not just a monumental physical challenge, but also the world’s largest fundraising event – and one of the six top marathons that make up the World Marathon Majors.
Spirited, inspiring, Scottish – Speyside’s distilleries open their doors and invite visitors from around the world to taste the finest whiskies on offer. Experience the passion behind the region’s famous tipple, and enjoy foodie events, live music, tours and more.
Every year, Cheltenham Jazz Festival represents the start of the summer in Cheltenham, bringing together world-renowned performers and jazz enthusiasts from across the globe.
Shetland in the Scottish Islands comes alive over four days with its historic Shetland Folk Festival, celebrating local, national and international music.
