It really is starting to feel like spring, with brighter days and lighter nights already starting to show themselves. By the end of this month the sun will be setting at 7:40pm which is just such a welcome relief from the dark lockdown days we’ve all been enduring. March is bringing the start of all the changes that were outlined in the roadmap last week too, and in general an overall sense of newness. Spring is of course the season of new beginnings, and I think we are all very ready for that this year more than ever. Here’s 40 things to do in March.

As there’s a bit more to go off this month compared to February, I’ve broken the list down into sections again. Although we are still pretty restricted at the beginning of the month, there’s still plenty of things happening.

Your March Self

Give yourself a spring manicure

Book a proper one for next month when spas and beauty salons can reopen

Treat yourself to some new spring clothes, shoes, trainers or sunglasses

Try and save for another month while there’s still not much to do

In The Home

Buy some tulips or daffodils to brighten any room

Do a full Mrs Hinch style spring clean

Pack away your winter wardrobe and get out the spring/summer clothes

Pack away the winter candles and roll out the spring scents

Tidy your garden after winter – de weed, jet wash, all the boring jobs that probably seem a bit more fun after spending so long indoors recently

Go to the Garden Centre and buy your spring plants and outdoor furniture

Decorate for spring with a seasonal door wreath, The Range have some lovely spring ones

Update the artwork and photos in your home

Buy new bedding and give your bedroom a mini makeover.

TV& Film

The new season of Gogglebox has started – a great weekend watch.

The BBC shared this list of films coming this month, not many caught my eye to be honest but will probably give ‘Tina’ a watch.

There’s quite a lot coming to Netflix, here’s a full list.

Line of Duty returns on 21st March – I can not WAIT for this.

Events & Notable Dates

If it applies to you celebrate the kids going back to school on 8th March

8th March is also International Women’s Day

Mother’s Day is Sunday 14th March, so order your gifts in plenty time. I’ve shared some of my ideas for Mother’s Day this year in this post here.

It is officially the first day of spring on March 20th, and the clocks go forward on March 28th.

Wednesday 17th March is St Patricks Day, so turn it into an occasion to wear green, drink Guinness and enjoy an Irish themed day.

Cheltenham Festival is from Tuesday 16th – Friday 19th March, with the Gold Cup on the Friday. Organise a sweepstake or place a few bets yourself.

Food & Drink

Spring brings some delicious seasonal ingredients and recipes, for inspiration start with this top 20 list from BBC Good Food.

Hot cross buns are back in the shops so enjoy some freshly toasted with melted butter.

Easter may not be until April but the Easter eggs and treats are everywhere in the shops, so make the most of them. I’ve got mini eggs, creme eggs and malteser bunnies on the brain and will be having the odd ones throughout the month.

Bake mini egg cookies, crispy cakes or chocolate covered strawberries.

Venture Outdoors

By the end of the month restrictions will have changed, so have a picnic outside. (Follow all guidance obviously).

Fly a kite

Make daisy chains

Take part in a March photo challenge

Spot the cherry blossom that will bloom very soon.

From 29th March you can play sport outside again such as tennis, golf and basketball.

From this date the ‘Stay at Home’ message is no longer as strong, so we should be able to venture further afield than our local areas for walks and exercise. I’m really looking forward to being able to do this, but please follow all the guidance and rules at the time. Here’s a link to the government site.

Be Charitable

The official Alzheimer’s Society Memory walk is on 20th March, join in! Or sponsor me 🙂 here’s my Just Giving.

March in March is an initiative for Prostate Cancer, where you sign up to walk 11,000 steps a day. Find more information from Prostate Cancer UK here.

Organisers have confirmed the Great North Run is going ahead this year, sign up, and start training.

Future Planning

16th March marks a year since the UK went into lockdown. Spend the day reflecting on the past year, what’s changed?

As I said before Easter weekend is the 1st April, so spend March planning your Easter activities and food. We will be allowed to meet up to 6 or two households outside by then, including private gardens so it opens up opportunities for BBQ’s….

A lot of restaurants are opening their bookings systems for outdoors in April and indoors in May. Make a list of your favourites and book some in so you aren’t disappointed. I think until everything calms down again it might be hard to get in to your favourite places for a while. But I cant wait to eat out again!

Book a holiday! Hotels are also reopening their bookings from May, so even if you just fancy a one or two night break away in this country plan it in early. If you’re feeling comfortable with something bigger then take advantage of all the deals about at the moment. We’ve spent a long time planning things that might not happen, things are definitely looking more likely!

I’m really hoping that despite a few more weeks of tight restrictions, the promise of change very soon will make March a much more positive month. I have quite a few changes coming up myself, and I am very ready for all the ‘new-ness’ of spring.

Have a great month!

Other posts you might like:

New to Newcastle in 2021

Bars and Pubs in Newcastle with Outdoor Terraces

Unique gifts for Mother’s Day 2021

Lunch Hampers from the French Quarter