Where to travel in April
Looking to make the most of vibrant city life or just nab yourself a simple splash of early spring sun? We’ve rounded up our top picks for where to go in April, from London to Rome, and from the Caribbean to the likes of Marrakech. The world’s your oyster.
Author: Jools Stone
The city
London
The lowdown
The UK capital offers no shortage of perennial attractions to tempt you come April, along with some new openings and events. Sadler’s Wells East will bring world-class dance to Stratford as part of a new cultural hub, the East Bank. Meanwhile a new exhibition at the Tate Modern will celebrate the life and work of iconic ‘80s performance artist Leigh Bowery. More than a decade after opening its first site, Boxpark will bring Boxhall City to Liverpool Street, complete with 13 food outlets and a 3,000 square-foot roof terrace. London’s latest arts festival comes to the iconic Roundhouse venue this April. Roundhouse Three Sixty features poetry slams, cabaret, comedy and club nights in an invigorating programme of the capital’s most vital and unapologetic artists.
Stay
The Tower hotel offers everything you could you wish for from a prime London bolthole and much more besides. If it’s stunning vistas of the Tower of London that you’re after, then look no further.
The beach
Barbados
The lowdown
April is a good time to visit Barbados, when the weather is mild and hotel rates are lower in the shoulder season. Immerse yourself in Bajan culture with the likes of the Barbados Celtic Festival, showcasing the island's Scottish and Irish connections through music, dance and storytelling. Also happening in April is the Oistins Fish Festival, a celebration of the local fishing industry taking in food, entertainment, games and crafts, and the Reggae Weekend where you can witness the creme-de-la-creme of local reggae talent performing across four distinct events.
Stay
Live it up at Sugar Bay Barbados, an all-inclusive family-friendly resort set on a 150-metre long, white sand beach in the suburb of Garrison, just three miles from the lively capital of Bridgetown. Don’t miss the Friday Night Fish Fry in the nearby fishing village of Oistins.
The family trip
Antigua
The lowdown
April is a fine time to visit Antigua. It’s still the high season, which sees the coolest and driest part of the year when the mercury will likely be hitting the high 20s. Antigua Sailing Week kicks off at the end of the month promising thrilling races, fun games and spirited parties. Along similar lines is the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, which sees the historic Nelson’s Dockyard come alive with five days of serious racing in classic vessels paired with laid-back Antiguan vibes.
Stay
Indulge your senses at The Verandah, an adult-only resort with 30 acres of beachfront grounds bordering the Devil's Bridge National Park, while the spa, sporting activities and large free-form pool should keep you busy.
The city break
Rome
The lowdown
The ‘Eternal City’ of Rome beguiles visitors with its juxtaposition of innovation and antiquity. Visit in April, before the crowds descend on the city. Rome celebrates its birthday on 21 April with a tranche of celebratory free events including a colossal parade which is not to be missed. This date also ties in with the opening of Rome's Roseto Rose Garden, a tranquil respite from the city’s usual clamour.
Stay
Villa Agrippina, a Gran Melia Hotel benefits from a suitably imperial setting – on the site of the ancient residence of Emperor Nero’s mother, Agrippina, between the Vatican City and the Riber Tiber. Inside you can treat yourself to services in the spa or make a splash in the outdoor pool, a rarity in the city centre.
The wild card
Marrakech
The lowdown
Marrakech delivers a heady and tantalising assault on the senses any time of year. Go in April, however, and you can experience the start of high season when the weather warms up and the tourists begin to filter in, creating a buzz. Roll up in time to watch the Rallye Aicha des Gazelles du Maroc, an exclusively female road rally tearing up the city streets and the International Nomads Festival, which gives fascinating insights into the Saharan nomads’ life and culture.
Stay
Four Seasons Resort Marrakech sits amid 40 acres of immaculate gardens in the trendy Hivernage area. Expect to be greeted in this masterpiece of modern Moroccan design with a welcome drink and an expansive spa which may tempt you to linger longer.
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