If you’re looking for ideas of what to do this August bank holiday weekend, why not plan a fun day out or even make a long weekend of it? There are lots of beautiful places to go, from beaches and the great outdoors to historical houses and roller coasters, all without the hassle of long queues at the airport.

But with so many options this bank holiday weekend, planning is key. You can rely on PayByPhone for more than just parking. Enjoy the simplicity of just one app and our two new features – Fuel finder and EV charging locator - to find the cheapest fuel, to locate EV charging locations as well as to pay for your parking. Then just sit back and unwind.

Here are our top 10 UK destinations for this Bank Holiday weekend:

1. National Trust - Summer days out are meant for the National Trust. There are more than 500 historic houses, castles, archaeological and industrial monuments, gardens, parks and nature reserves. The most visited property in the 2022-23 season was Attingham Park in Shropshire, followed by Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire. All National Trust places that offer parking use PayByPhone, so no need to worry about finding change for parking.  

2. Brighton – A sunny day always draws a crowd in Brighton. Visitors flock for fish and chips, a paddle in the sea or a walk along the pier. It’s got everything you need for a solo visit or an outing with the kids and dogs. Brighton gives drivers easy on-street sea-front parking, as well as many council car parks, thanks to PayByPhone.

3. The Cotswolds – It is a chocolate-box idyll for day trips and staycations alike. Its picture-postcard villages are a must-see, just right for walks with the dog and leisurely pub lunches. Cheltenham is the perfect central base for exploring the area, with its great restaurants and cultural scene. The spa town’s council-run car parks have offered PayByPhone parking since 2017.

4. Blackpool – In the era of staycations, Blackpool is quintessentially nostalgic tourism. The Illuminations and Blackpool Pleasure beach, with its vintage wooden roller coasters, are always popular. There’s even a fish and chips tour on one of the iconic trams. And parking has never been easier with over 32,000 PayByPhone spaces in the resort town.

5. Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew – This is the most biodiverse place on Earth and a UNESCO World Heritage site: an absolute must day out in London. As well as amazing plant life from all over the world, Kew offers additional attractions, such as Queen Charlotte’s Cottage and the Shirley Sherwood Gallery. With parking at just £9 for a full day, it’s great value in the capital. Blue badge holders can park for free.

6. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park - It may be one of the smallest UK national parks, but its varied landscapes and thriving wildlife more than make up for it. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path twists and turns along 186miles of rugged clifftops, wide-open beaches and winding estuaries. You can even book a guided walk. There are 2,000 PayByPhone parking spaces available and the Park uses the income to help maintain the Park’s pathways.

7. The Isle of Wight – The island has so much to offer to visitors of any age, from the Needles Rocks – the island’s most iconic landmark – to the most picturesque beaches, there will hardly be time to fit everything in. Parking on the island is looked after by PayByPhone, so should it be a typical rainy bank holiday, you can pay for your parking from the comfort of your car and wait for the rain to end.

8. Bournemouth – with seven miles of idyllic beaches, Bournemouth is a must for a summer break with friends or family. The town is a perfect base to explore the Dorset coast or to stay and take advantage of many of the outdoor activities on offer such as the PierZip line. PayByPhone will make parking stress-free thanks to the many locations available in the town.

9. North York Moors National Park – While the crowds head to the Lake District, check out this hidden gem instead. The North York Moors National Park has one of the largest expanses of heather moorland in the UK, making it a place of beauty and tranquillity – perfect for a visit to reset and recharge. It’s the driest upland area in the country, ideal for walks, coastal hikes to fossil hunt, glamping and camping and other outdoor adventures. The Park uses PayByPhone so thanks to the extend feature, you can take your time soaking in the many sights. The Park uses the charges to help maintain the facilities and the National Park itself.

10. Moray, Scotland – Moray may be best known for its whisky distilling, producing more malt whisky than the rest of the world combined. It is home to the only malt whisky trail and half of all Scotland’s distilleries – a must-visit for anyone who loves a tipple. PayByPhone has made parking easier in Moray with its cashless payment technology since 2020.