Plymouth ranked one of UK’s best garden party hotspots ahead of May Bank Holiday

Plymouth has been ranked the second-best city in the UK for outdoor entertaining this spring, as many across Devon prepare to make the most of the early May Bank Holiday weekend.

New research by event insurance provider Protectivity placed Plymouth just behind Bournemouth in its national ‘Al-Fresco Party Hosting Index’.

READ NEXT: Ashburton to revive ancient tradition as Dartmoor Tors Festival returns this Bank Holiday

The index assessed major UK cities using factors including garden size, access to outdoor space, spring sunshine levels, average temperatures and neighbourhood noise complaints.

With 98 per cent of homes recorded as having gardens, a median garden size of 140.8 square metres, average spring temperatures of 10.8C and 5.8 hours of daily spring sunshine, Plymouth scored 83.9 out of 100.

Exeter also ranked highly, taking third place nationally with a score of 80.4, meaning Devon cities claimed two of the top three spots.

The findings come as Bank Holiday weekend approaches and warmer spring weather encourages more people to spend time outdoors.

Protectivity said online searches for “garden parties” have risen by 328 per cent, while searches for “BBQ” are up 94 per cent, reflecting growing interest in outdoor socialising.

According to the research, the South West performed particularly strongly thanks to its combination of relatively mild weather, larger gardens and lower levels of reported noise complaints compared with some other parts of the country.

Victoria Parkinson, a garden and hosting expert quoted in the report, said spring outdoor gatherings offer a seasonal boost after winter.

“After months of being cooped up indoors through the grey and the cold, that first spring evening where everyone can actually sit outside without a coat feels like a collective exhale,” she said.

She added that spring weather can still be unpredictable, advising people planning Bank Holiday gatherings to prepare for changing conditions.

“I think that people get so stressed about the weather, but honestly, a few clouds or a light breeze can add to the charm,” she said.

The data suggests Plymouth residents may be particularly well placed to take advantage of the long weekend, with favourable conditions for barbecues, garden parties and outdoor get-togethers.

With the first May Bank Holiday often marking the unofficial start of outdoor entertaining season, the report indicates that Devon, and Plymouth in particular, could be among the best places in Britain to enjoy it.

ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW