Eurostar is set for a busy Easter bank holiday weekend as over 128,000 passengers are expected to travel with the high-speed rail operator - a four per cent rise in passenger numbers compared to the equivalent period in 2015.

Friday March 25th is the busiest day for departures from the UK, with over 22,000 people travelling on this day alone, looking to make the most of long weekend – a 17 per cent increase compared to Easter Friday last year.

Paris is the most popular destination, with over 21,000 Brits escaping the UK for a mini break in France’s capital.

Mary Walsh, director of communications for Eurostar commented: “Our station and on board teams are looking forward to welcoming passengers as they set off on holidays for the Easter weekend.

“With the launch of free Wi-Fi and over 300 hours of popular on board entertainment across our new fleet, there’s never been a better time to take the train to mainland Europe.”