Eurostar is set for a bumper bank holiday this weekend, as over 120,000 people are expected to travel with the high-speed rail operator - a three per cent rise in passengers compared with the equivalent August bank holiday weekend in 2013.

Almost 70,000 Brits will take advantage of the long weekend to enjoy a late summer break with Paris and Brussels proving to be the most popular Eurostar destinations.

Friday August 22nd is the busiest day for departures, with travellers looking to make the most of the weekend.

Mary Walsh, director of communications for Eurostar said: “We’re delighted that more and more holidaymakers are travelling on Eurostar this August bank holiday weekend.

“With fast journey times, city-centre to city-centre travel, and a generous baggage allowance, Eurostar is becoming an increasingly popular way to travel to mainland Europe.”

Eurostar passengers travelling to Paris, Brussels and Lille can take advantage of two for entry into a range of top museums and galleries including Musée d’Orsay in Paris and Bozar in Brussels, all by simply showing their Eurostar tickets on entry.