Record millions head for Easter sun

Record numbers of travellers are heading abroad this Easter to escape wet and windy Britain.

At least 2.1 million holidaymakers will jet off or head for sunnier climes on the ferries - leaving behind clouds, showers and heavily congested roads.

Those who remain at home will also have to put up with a major railworks programme, which will see some stations closed and services disrupted.

UK temperatures are expected to pick up from a low of 8C (46F) today and tomorrow to 14C (57F) over the weekend. But forecasts say many areas will be hit with showers or heavy outbreaks of rain.

A year ago temperatures in London peaked at 26.7C (80F) on 16 April, the Wednesday before Easter, and sunbathers crowded in parks and on beaches - while traditionally sunny Continental resorts remained cool.

Today the AA warned that those setting off for UK destinations faced "hectic" road conditions, with 10 million motorists pouring on to London and South-East roads over the bank holiday weekend.

"The rush hour will start early today, with thousands leaving work from midday to extend the weekend break," said Rebecca Rees of the AA. "There could be chaotic conditions on key routes until well into this evening."

New York is the top destination from Heathrow, followed by Dublin, Amsterdam, Paris and Edinburgh.

The Association of British Travel Agents said more than 1.5 million passengers were scheduled to depart from UK airports from Thursday to Monday, with 950,000 leaving the country through the seven BAA-run airports - which include Heathrow and Gatwick.

Gatwick expected 440,000 passengers to pass through, while Stansted was braced for 300,000.

More than half a million will travel under or over the Channel to the Continent, including 60,000 on Eurostar. Network Rail is carrying out a major engineering programme over the bank holiday. St Pancras station will close on Saturday and Sunday. Lines to be hit include the West Coast Main Line.