Opting for a Canal Boat Holiday over the coming weekend could be one way of beating the traffic, which is expected to be particularly bad.

Figures from esure show 52 per cent of motorists are likely to be caught in congestion over the bank holiday, as 55 per cent of Britons plan to get away.

'Travel delays are standard fare for any bank holiday weekend but this week we're facing a perfect storm for delays on the road,' commented Mike Pickard, head of risk and underwriting at esure car insurance.

The traffic is expected to be so bad that 25 per cent of people are taking Friday off work to beat the queues, while an additional 25 per cent will leave work early.

British Waterways anticipates that UK canals will be popular this weekend, so it issued a guide of things to do for all the family.