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The Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) said that around 1.5 million Britons will be packing their suitcases and jet-setting abroad during the Easter weekend, which is book-ended by Good Friday and Easter Monday.

The group said that Amsterdam, along with Rome and Paris, are the top destinations for short city breaks, with holidays to Cyprus and Tunisia also proving popular.

Among the snow sports fans, Geneva was considered the best option for a skiing break, while Spain turned out to be the overall favourite for Easter holidaymakers.

Around 370,000 passengers will embark on their journeys from Heathrow during the bank holiday weekend, with the airport predicted to handle 3.4 million people overall between the end of March and April 15.

Meanwhile, Gatwick expects 200,000 to fly from its runways during the Easter bank holiday and also anticipates 1.5 million passengers overall during the first two weeks of April.

Those staying behind face a double whammy of Arctic weather and engineering works on public transport to contend with, as well as predicted congestion on major roads.

Travellers flying to Amsterdam can look forward to enjoying some Dutch culture over Easter, but they will miss out on the reopening of the Stedelijk Museum, which is scheduled for the autumn.

The museum's director, Ann Goldstein, said it is set to open its doors once again to art lovers and tourists on September 23 after being closed for renovation since 2004. Since that time it has been partially open and has held exhibitions in other venues in the capital.

The renowned museum, located on Museum Square, houses pieces by artists such as Van Gogh, Kandinsky, Chagall, Matisse and others but at its launch it will feature works from Carl Andre, Rodney Graham, Joan Jonas, Melvin Moti and Diana Thater.

Mary Ann Pickford