The Best Short Trips & Weekend Break in the UK

From iconic coasts to quaint market towns, adventurous experiences to relaxing spa weekends, big cities to remote landscapes, these are the best weekend breaks in the UK.

What makes a good weekend break in the UK?

Fresh air and natural scenery are great places to start.

Rolling green countryside etched with walking paths or dramatic windswept coastlines battering iconic cliffs.

Perhaps you’re looking for a more urban escape.

Big city sights with world-class art and a bar scene waiting to be explored. Quaint market towns with a relaxed vibe and a thriving local food scene

Treat yourself to the best of British dining in Michelin-starred restaurants or scoff the freshest lobster rolls from a van parked at the beach.

Unwind in a traditional country or dive off cliffs into the sea.

As lifelong residents, we’ve put together what we think are the best short breaks in the UK to help inspire your next getaway.

SOUTHERN ENGLAND

1. ENJOY COUNTRY LIFE IN THE COTSWOLDS

The English countryside conjures up images of rolling green hills and chocolate box cottages, babbling brooks winding through picturesque villages and meadows speckled with sheep.

Nowhere brings this more to life than the Cotswolds.

This is one of the best places in the country to enjoy a classic country walk, followed by a pint in a traditional pub.

The dreamy Cotswolds villages are popular for antique hunting, cream teas and soaking up an idyllic slice of rural England.

Before your trip, read our guide to the best things to do in the Cotswolds for more ideas of what you can do and our weekend breaks in the Cotswolds guide with specific recommendations.

WHERE TO STAY

We have a complete guide on where to stay in the Cotswolds, covering the different areas and what you can get up to in each. But here are a few suggestions:

• Dormy House – This is an excellent spa hotel with a focus on wellness and great food.
• Bantam House – For a quirky stay on a private Cotswolds farm.
• Manor House – A regal manor house with a Michelin-starred restaurant.

2. SOAK UP THE COASTAL SCENERY AT SEVEN SISTERS

The Seven Sisters Cliffs are iconic English scenery situated between Seaford and Eastbourne on England’s south coast.

It’s the perfect destination for a seaside weekend in the UK.

Near the coast, the village of Alfriston is a perfect base for exploring the area.

This tiny hamlet on the banks of the Cuckmere River is a medieval gem with a narrow high street containing curio shops, an old post office and a village store.

WHERE TO STAY

• Wingrove House – A boutique property with a riverside location in Alfriston.
• Star Inn – Named the best hotel in the southeast at the Sunday Times Travel Awards.
• Flint Barns on the Rathfinny Wine Estate – Beautifully decorated rooms set in a lovely location among the vineyards.  

4. ENJOY RUGGED SCENERY ON THE JURASSIC COAST

The Jurassic Coast stretches for 95 miles along England’s southern coast from Studland Bay to Exmouth.

It’s a great destination for a mini-break that is all about stunning scenery, picturesque ruins and rolling coastal countryside.

The best section for a weekend break is the eastern end around Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door.

In addition to the natural arches of Durdle Door, some of the highlights are the glorious Man O’War beach, the thoroughly atmospheric Corfe Castle ruins, the golden sweep of Studland Bay and the limestone stacks of Old Harry Rocks.

We’ve captured all the best things to do in our guide to the Jurassic Coast.

WHERE TO STAY

We have a detailed guide about where to stay on the Jurassic Coast, with hotel recommendations for each area. But here are a few suggestions:

• The Pig on the Beach – Beautiful property a few minutes’ walk from the beach with it’s own on-site kitchen garden.
• Priory Hotel – Great choice for old-school glamour set across 4 acres of English gardens.
• Pilot Boat – Stylish pad in Lyme Regis with finishing touches, including robes, slippers and free beer.

5. AN OUTDOOR WEEKEND ON THE THAMES

Stretching for 215 miles, the River Thames is the longest river confined to England. It winds its way from the edge of the Cotswolds, through Oxford, Reading, Henley, and Windsor before entering the North Sea just east of London.

The Thames has little appeal in places, but upstream, it’s an idyllic reed-fringed brook home to many wonderful outdoor activities. 

Paul and I spend a lot of time in Henley and Marlow, where you can enjoy some of the best pubs and restaurants in the country.

The villages of Hambleden and Hurley are great starting points for a walk along the river. You can find the details in our walks near London guide.

The other thing we love doing here is open-water swimming in the Thames – a refreshing way to experience the great outdoors in England.

WHERE TO STAY

• Cliveden House – One of the world’s finest luxury hotels featuring several rooms with a private hot tub.
• The Stag and Huntsman – rTaditionally furnished with plenty of cosy spaces for a quiet stay.
• Chequers at Marlow – A good choice if you prefer to stay in a town with a few more facilities around you. 

6. A LATE-GOTHIC ESCAPE IN CAMBRIDGE

Cambridge is a beautiful place.

Exquisite late-Gothic architecture with medieval stained-glass windows tower over cobbled streets and immaculate greens.

Beautiful gardens line the river crisscrossed with punters regaling customers with anecdotes spanning 800 years of history. 

It’s no surprise that several Harry Potter scenes were filmed in these charming streets.   

Cambridge is easy to get to from many parts of England, and it’s somewhere we highly recommend all visitors to England experience at least once.

We include it on our 10-day train-based England itinerary as a day trip, but there’s plenty to do over a weekend.

WHERE TO STAY

• The Gonville – A boutique stay with fine finishing touches in a lovingly decorated hotel.
• University Arms by Autograph -Recently refurbished with elegant style for a luxurious stay.
• The Waterman – A great budget option, just a 10-minute walk from the centre of town. 

7. SEASIDE ADVENTURES ON THE CORNISH COAST

There’s a lot to love about Cornwall. A string of blissful beaches, picture-postcard harbours, fresh local seafood, rugged coastal hikes.

Even if the seaside isn’t calling you, there are unique tropical gardens, grand country houses and more than a few quirky destinations that you can read about in our Cornwall hidden gems guide.

Although Cornwall is a little further away, the extra travel time is richly rewarded.

If you want to get active, it’s especially good.

Try a surf lesson at Watergate Bay in North Cornwall, or take a coasteering course in the craggy cliffs nearby.

Cornwall also has what we think is possibly the most beautiful beach in the UK.

WHERE TO STAY

• Trevose Harbour House – Located in bohemian St Ives, this is the perfect base for anyone who loves art, good coffee and great wine.
• Watergate Bay Hotel – The ideal stay for outdoor enthusiasts with a host of activities nearby.
• The Idle Rocks in St Mawes – For a luxurious stay in a sophisticated fishing village.

8. SPA TREATS IN GEORGIAN BATH 

In Northanger Abbey, Jane Austen wrote of aristocrats negotiating a day trip to Bath ‘to see and be seen’.

Little has changed today and the many magnificent things to do in Bath are perfect for a weekend trip in England.

Blessed with a combination of Roman remnants, including one of the world’s best-preserved bathhouses, the whole city has been certified a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Part hipster, part posh, the town straddles the divide between quirky independent shops and glamorous boutiques. 

WHERE TO STAY

• Crescent Hotel & Spa – A luxurious stay at the finest address in the city.
• Gainsborough Bath Spa – The only hotel in the UK that offers access to the naturally heated thermal waters.
• Broad Street Townhouse – A lovingly furnished period property right in the centre of town.

9. TAKE A BOUTIQUE BREAK IN LONDON 

A city like London needs no introduction.

While you could spend a long time in the capital and still not scratch the surface, a weekend getaway is a great way to dip into the delights of our hometown.

Uncover history at Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, delve into world-class collections at the British Museum, or check out the temporary and thought-provoking exhibitions at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

After visiting the major galleries that are still free to the public, dive into some of London’s neighbourhoods.

The Shoreditch street art and vintage shops under the shadows of the city skyscrapers are a great place to start. Have lunch at Broadway Market in Hackney, then head over to Soho for a night out.

To help plan a long weekend, read our 4-day London itinerary. For our full guide, read: what to do in London.

WHERE TO STAY

We have a complete guide on where to stay in London, covering the main areas you might want to consider with hotel recommendations.

• Zetter Townhouse Marylebone – A boutique hotel in a quiet neighbourhood just north of Oxford Street, the shopping centre of London.
• Batty Langleys – For an antique stay on a cobbled lane in one of the most beautiful streets in the east.
• Ham Yard Hotel – An arty boutique hotel with a lively bar and cosy rooftop terrace in the centre of Soho.

10. BRIGHTON

Brighton is one of England’s most famous Victorian seaside destinations.

The charming pebble beach has been the go-to destination for a weekend away since King George built his hedonistic pad, the Brighton Pavillion.

This iconic landmark is just one of many in Brighton; the other main drawcard is the vintage and totally wonderful Brighton Palace Pier.

Besides seaside attractions, Brighton is also a shining star for inclusivity in Britain.

It has the country’s highest density of vegan restaurants, a thriving LGBT scene, edgy street art and quirky shops in run-down Victorian buildings.

If you’re looking for an easy-to-get to weekend break with seaside vibes, great food and a diverse scene, Brighton is a great choice.

You can find more details in our Brighton itinerary.

WHERE TO STAY

• Grand Hotel – The premier Victorian address in Brighton with seafront views, a piano bar and a luxury spa.
• The Ginger Pig – A luxurious stay in a modern pub with excellent food and cocktails.
• Drakes Hotel – Dool boutique hotel set across 2 Georgian townhouses opposite the pier with excellent views.

NORTHERN ENGLAND

11. A FOODIE WEEKEND IN LUDLOW & THE SHROPSHIRE HILLS

We love a weekend away that combines a cool town with some fresh air and great views, and this one ticks the box nicely.

Ludlow is an attractive market town near the English-Welsh border. Black and white Tudor buildings sit beside an active market square, and tiny little streets wind past artisanal delis and bakers.

There’s a castle overlooking the river and several paths through a woodland. 

Ludlow is known for its food scene with many good restaurants and old pubs.

It’s also a city that likes to celebrate. The Ludlow Food Festival is in early September, and the Spring Festival is in mid-May. The Ludlow Magnalonga is an 8-mile wine walk in August.   

There are several great walking trails at Carding Mill Valley in the Shropshire Hills, just a short drive from Ludlow.

Hike through the bracken and up the valley onto the Long Mynd, where you might spot wild horses, and on a hot day, take a dip in the Carding Mill Valley Reservoir.

WHERE TO STAY

• Fishmore Hotel and Boutique Spa – Wellness facilities including a private hot tub in a rural location overlooking Ludlow.
• The Clive Arms – A former coaching inn with contemporary country décor and an award-winning restaurant onsite.

12. A TRADITIONAL RETREAT IN THE YORKSHIRE DALES

The 10 official dales, or valleys that make up the Yorkshire Dales are more than just geological wonders.

The majestic, curved limestone pavement of Malham Cove may be the drawcard, but there are also mighty abbeys and castles, imposing viaducts, and scenic drives into wild and remote places.

Being a cost-effective destination in the UK, North Yorkshire is a great destination for cheap weekend breaks.

You can read all the best things to do in the Yorkshire Dales, in our guide to this rugged area.

For a specific area, we always love a remote break in Swaledale.

WHERE TO STAY

• Tan Hill Inn – A remote break on the top of a wild moor just north of beautiful Swaledale.
• Lister Arms – An ivy-clad 18th-century inn on the village green with open fires, plenty of outdoor spaces and top-quality food.

13. REMOTE COUNTRY GETAWAY ON THE NORTHUMBERLAND COAST

Near the border between England and Scotland, Northumberland is an area of big sweeping landscapes and rugged coastlines.

Visit imposing castles, discover Roman history, and encounter abundant wildlife and laze on sandy beaches.

For all our insights, read our guide to the many wonderful things to do in Northumberland.  

The least-populated county in England, Northumberland is a great destination to get away from the crowds.

The beaches are some of the quietest in the country and the fishing villages dotted along the rugged coastal path are delightfully untouched.

WHERE TO STAY

• Joiners Arms – A destination pub in a little village near Embleton Bay and Dunstanburgh Castle.
• Beadnell Towers Hotel – A hotel that goes the extra mile with an urban cool interior and fire pits on the patio.
• Cookie Jar – A lovely townhouse hotel right in the centre of Alnwick.

14. A WALKING BREAK IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

There’s no doubt about it, the Lake District is one of the most scenic destinations in the UK.

Craggy mountains frame shimmering lakes connected by rivers that course through valleys.

We’ve written about the Lake District extensively. Read about our favourite walks and the many other great things to do in the Lake District.

If you’d prefer a more relaxing break, we’ve put together the best views in the Lake District, which includes some beautiful areas that are very easy to get to without hiking.

WHERE TO STAY

We have a detailed guide on the best places to stay in the Lake District which organises the area into regions to help you decide where to stay. Here are some suggestions we cover in the guide:

• Cavendish Arms – A relaxed in the village of Cartmel which has 2 Michelin-starred restaurants.
• Another Place – Perched on the banks of Ullswater with plenty of water sports on your doorstep and a luxurious outdoor hot tub.
• Gilpin Hotel – Indulgent weekend breaks with hot tubs and spa treatments.

15. EXPLORE HEXHAM & HADRIAN’S WALL

Hadrian’s Wall stretches for 73 miles from coast to coast in northern England.

Built by the Romans to defend the furthest north-western edges of their empire, the defensive fortification consisted of a 10-foot wall with forts and turrets backed by a massive ditch.

Set amongst beautiful rolling hills, glacial lakes, and rocky crags, it’s incredibly picturesque. The remote location makes it an unlikely contender for a weekend away in the UK, but it’s well worth considering.

The best-preserved sections of wall with the most dramatic viewpoints are all covered on our one-day Hadrian’s Wall itinerary.

For the rest of your stay, Hexham is a lovely market town with gardens and grand houses.

Hexham House and Hexham Abbey, with its Saxon crypt dating back 1,300 years, has a bloody history and England’s first purpose-built jail.

WHERE TO STAY

• The Beaumont – A grand Victorian hotel in the centre of Hexham.
• The Pheasant Inn – A traditional Northumberland pub with the warmest of welcomes.

16. THE GRAND SIGHTS OF THE WALLED CITY OF YORK

York is a preserved walled city that continues to reinvent itself.

The recently renovated York Minster is just the cherry on top of a wealth of architecturally grand buildings including the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall and the King’s Manor.

Winding between them are tiny lanes like the 14th-century Shambles, which inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.

The whole centre is pedestrianised, making it a great place to stroll around.

Intriguing local independent stores and good coffee and lunch spots are dotted along the river.

York is on the fast train line so it’s very easy to visit on a day trip from London.

WHERE TO STAY

• Court Hotel – A great location in lovely gardens between the Minster and the medieval walls.
• Clementine’s Town House Hotel – An affordable stay, 15 minutes’ walk from the city centre.

WALES

17. TOWN & MOUNTAINS FROM HAY-ON-WYE

Nestled in the Wye Valley, the book-loving town of Hay-on-Wye is an excellent destination for weekend breaks.

With quirky independent shops, stunning natural scenery, medieval ruins and glorious outdoor pursuits, it combines many of the selling points we love on a good weekend break  

Read about our favourite things to do in Hay-on-Wye, where the relaxed, independent vibe will recharge you for the week ahead.

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, hire a canoe and enjoy an afternoon paddling down the River Wye.

You can also head out to the Black Mountains, just outside Hay-on-Wye for impressive hiking scenery.

Drive up Gospel Pass to Hay Bluff following the long, narrow, steep-sided Ewyas Valley with stunning views over the rolling countryside on one side and the Black Mountains on the other.

We have more details in our guide to the Wye Valley.

WHERE TO STAY

• Radnor House – A cosy and rustic old country house in the centre of Hay-on-Wye.
• Old Black Lion – Stay in traditionally styled rooms in this charming inn, complete with a wooden-beamed bar.
• The Swan at Hay – Soak up the glamour of this Georgian building with elegant, individually designed rooms.

18. A COASTAL WEEKEND ON THE PEMBROKESHIRE COAST

The coastal paths in Pembrokeshire provide fresh air and uplifting views.

Multi-coloured cliffs fall abruptly into crashing oceans, and forgotten beaches are framed with golden arcs of powder-soft sand.

It’s one of our favourite regions in the UK and the perfect destination for a relaxed coastal getaway.

Read all about the area in our guide to the Pembrokeshire Coast.

One of the things we love most about Pembrokeshire is the fresh seafood, and several bays specialise in super-local catches.

The other highlight is the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, which has several of our favourite walks in England.

WHERE TO STAY

We have a detailed guide all about finding cool places to stay in Pembrokeshire, but here are some of the highlights:

• Penally Abbey Country House Hotel – Old-world charm and candlelit dinners perched on the cliffs just west of colourful Tenby.
• St. Brides Spa Hotel – A smart spa hotel in Saundersfoot with an incredible indoor pool.
• Nodda Farm – An excellent value guest house in a scenic camping ground close to the Blue Lagoon in Abereiddy.

19. ADVENTURE BREAK IN SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK

Snowdonia is a land of incredible natural beauty and the perfect weekend trip for photographers and adventure enthusiasts.

A maze of walking tracks curl away over steep-sided pinnacles and along pristine lakes.

Craggy and buttressed mountains disappear into the distance, and Ireland flickers as if it is a faint mirage across the sea.

One of the best ways to experience the area is by climbing Snowdown via the Pyg Track.

But you could also go white-water rafting, wild swimming, or kayaking. It’s a great weekend destination for getting away from it all and experiencing some of the best outdoors the UK offers.  

We’ve covered all the best things to do in our guide to Snowdonia National Park.

WHERE TO STAY

• Y Cafn Hotel – A slice of modern cool with a private hot tub in a great location for getting to the park.
• Craig-y-Dderwen Riverside Hotel – An excellent property set in 16 acres of woodland.  

SCOTLAND

20. EDINBURGH

Edinburgh is our final top choice for short trips in Britain.

It has a medieval Old Town and a Georgian New Town, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The highlight is Edinburgh Castle, where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to the future King James VI.

The Royal Mile is a historic stroll through medieval Britain.

WHERE TO STAY

• Native Edinburgh – A smart and beautifully decorated hotel
• Apex Grassmarket Hotel – A hip stay in one of the best locations in town.
• The Bonham – An elegant Victorian townhouse.

MORE GUIDES FOR YOUR ENGLAND TRIP

• Put your trip with our 7-day England itinerary by car.
• Visit York on a day trip from London.
• Plan your stay in the capital with our area & hotel guide to London.
• All our top places to see in England are here.
• Feeling adventurous? Try these outdoor experiences in England & the UK.
• These wild swimming spots in the Lake District are perfect after a long hike.
• Find more great things to do in the Cotswolds here.
• Enjoy one of these country walks in the Cotswolds.
• Our guide to the top places to see in the UK might give you some ideas for your next trip.