Extra mile

The August bank holiday is widely regarded as the great British getaway weekend.

The sun might not always shine but this Island has plenty to offer, whatever your budget. Here's some inspiration, from the wonderful to the downright weird.

And don't forget, wherever you're heading, make the most of Kwik Fit's exclusive customer breakdown cover offer and save 10% - using discount code EMBRK10 - to get a quote visit: www.kwik-fitinsurance.com/BreakDownBOL

Edinburgh Festival

The month-long Edinburgh festival comes to a close on August 31 and over the bank holiday weekend the streets of Edinburgh come alive with shows and there's a fantastic atmosphere throughout the Scottish capital, with thousands of visitors from all over the world. The festival website has plenty of package deals and accommodation ideas.

Notting Hill carnival

Every year over 1 million people descend on West London for Europe's largest street festival. Whether you're heading for a day to sample the Caribbean cuisine or for the full two-day event, make sure you plan your driving and public transport routes carefully to avoid congestion and closures.

Festivals

Festival season is coming to an end, but there are still a few to see the summer out. The weekends biggest include Reading and Leeds . In London, the SW4 Weekender descends on Clapham Common, with acts such as Pendulum.

Camping

Spending the weekend under canvas is probably one of the most popular British ways to spend the bank holiday. But don't fret if you haven't booked; a lot of the larger campsites operate on a 'first come first serve' basis. Particularly in popular areas like the Lake District.

Glamping

If roughing it isn't your style then try the latest craze – glamping – otherwise known as glamorous camping. From Yurts to log cabins and even Romany caravans, glamping offers all the mod-cons with a back to nature setting. Check out websites such as Go Glamping for inspiration and prices.

Inland beaches

If the weather's good but you want to avoid the coastal crowds then try one of Britain's many 'inland beaches'. Ruislip Lido, for example, claims to be the only beach in London and has a sandy beach as well as with toilets and changing rooms. Cotswold Water Park in Gloucestershire is home to 50 lakes, set in 40 square miles of countryside. And they might be dying out but the UK still has plenty of lidos.

Climb a mountain

Set yourself a challenge this bank holiday and set off up one of Britain's tallest peaks, Snowdon in Wales, Scafell Pike in the Lake District or Ben Nevis in Scotland. Guided group walks are available as well as group tours or experienced walkers can make their way unsupervised.

Wine tasting in Cornwall

You don't need to head to Europe for good grapes. Sample some of the local grapes at the Camel Valley Vineyard in Cornwall. Tours run throughout the summer and cost £10, including tasting.

Bog snorkelling

On August 28, in Llanwrtyd Wells, mid-Wales, the annual Bog Snorkeling World Championships take place. Snorkellers swim a trench with a snorkel in a bid to be crowned Bog Snorkelling champion. The racecourse is 150 feet long and fancy dress is encouraged.

Gravy wrestling

The Gravy Wrestling takes place in Stacksteads, Lancashire, on bank holiday Monday as part of the Pennine Lancashire Festival of Food & Culture. The teams competing for the title slip and slide about in luke warm gravy.

Or if you're planning a weekend at home but don't know what to do, here are a couple of suggestions:

Camping at home

Entertain the children without travelling by setting up camp in the back garden. It's an adventure for the kids, very cheap and it'll give you a new perspective on everyday surroundings.

Clean up your finances

If you've been meaning to switch your savings account or get a better deal on your breakdown cover, there's no better time to do it. In fact, it could end up making you money – spend some time shaving a few pounds off your bills and you'll be better off for the rest of the year.