1. The Funky Weekender
DORSET: The Urban Beach Hotel, Bournemouth
Frank Skinner called it ‘the coolest place’ he’d ever stayed and The Guardian named it as one of their ‘five best seaside hotels’ – but The Urban Beach Hotel has a little surprise in store: it’s not actually beach-side.
Instead it sits a few minutes’ walk from the Bournemouth seafront, in Boscombe – not that its urban location actually matters. You see, this hotel knows just how to rock the laid-back Bournemouth beach vibe leaving you feeling as fresh and funky as a Bahama Breeze, without salt in your hair.
Think uber-classy surfer’s shack and you’ve got it spot on: contemporary decor, luxe furnishings, cool artwork, plus a chilled bar and bistro serving the sweetest cocktails and the freshest dishes, which locals lust after.
Not surprisingly, The Urban Beach Hotel has won a couple of gongs since opening: Best Small Hotel and Bournemouth’s Best Bar in the Bournemouth Tourism Awards, as well as enjoying a feast of media attention.
The Deal:
A 2 night weekend stay in a King Double Standard Room costs from £290 – Travel Candy guests get a free bottle of wine upon arrival. Chin chin. Book now (Quote: Weekend Candy when booking). Pictures courtesy of The Urban Beach
2. The Historical Weekender
NORTHUMBERLAND: The Old Church, Berwick-upon-Tweed
When you crave peace and quiet in a B&B that’s got more character than a Jane Austen novel, make tracks for The Old Church in Berwick-upon-Tweed.
This 1853 converted sandstone church nestles comfortably in the village of Hornclifffe, on the banks of the River Tweed, and makes the perfect base to explore the breath-taking Northumberland coastline and stunning Scottish Borders.
Every inch has been lovingly transformed to give you a luxury bolt-hole for the weekend with a truly divine historical twist. The living area is open-plan and spacious; light streams in through the arched windows onto the smooth, solid wooden floors, whilst the ensuite rooms are heavenly decorated to help you sleep like an angel with super kingsize beds and the finest bedding.
Plus, there’s free wi-fi, flatscreen TV, complimentary bathrobes and slippers, as well as a fresh breakfast worthy of the Gods.
The Deal:
A 3 night weekend stay (including a Sunday) in an ensuite room starts from £300. Travel Candy subscribers get 15% off. Book now (Quote: Weekend Candy when booking).
Pictures courtesy of The Old Church
3. The Glitzy Weekender
LANCASHIRE: The Imperial, Blackpool
If a traditional seaside break is your stick of rock, then Blackpool has everything you could need for a glitzy weekend.
To explore Blackpool’s bright lights, head to The Imperial Hotel on the seafront. This Victorian 4 star grand-dame has been serving guests since 1847 and offers just the right mix of original charm with modern comforts.
It’s located in a quieter part of town – the North Shore. But never fear, the quintessential Blackpool experience is just a tram ride away.
Look forward to suites styled with classic beauty, light and airy views out over the North Promenade and the Irish Sea, an excellent a la carte restaurant, and a Health Club with a heated indoor swimming pool and treatment rooms. Plus, for younger guests there’s a playroom and games room.
The Deal:
A 2 night weekend stay costs from £114 per person, but you get breakfast and a 3-course evening meal, plus complimentary access to the Health Club. Book now. Pictures courtesy of The Imperial.
4. The Supermodel Weekender
CORNWALL: Fowey Hall Hotel, Fowey
There’s no denying it, Fowey Hall Hotel has all the right measurements. This elegant Queen Anne-style building, serves up luxury in the form of incredible views over the Fowey estuary and Cornish countryside, opulent bedrooms, outstanding facilities for children (including a creche and babysitting service), a family-friendly spa, and exceptional restaurant.
Built as a private home in 1899 by Sir Charles Hanson (who would later become Lord Mayor of London), the Victorian Mansion is said to be the inspiration for Toad Hall in Kenneth Grahame’s children’s classic, The Wind in the Willows.
Which is fitting really, the hotel is part of the Luxury Family Hotels chain so everything – and I mean everything – is done with kids in mind. Forget frowns and grumbles as your kids make a living collage with the croissants and jam at breakfast, Fowey Hall is designed with Very Important Little People (VILPs) firmly at the heart.
The Deal: Stay 2 nights B&B and enjoy dinner on the first night of your stay. Prices start from £179 per person per 2 night stay. Book now. Pictures courtesy of Fowey Hall Hotel.
5. The Romantic Weekender
WALES: Pwllheli Cottage, Abererch
It’s hard not to coochy-coo over this simple barn conversion snuggled amidst the rolling landscape of the Llyn Peninsula. The ideal retreat for two, Pwllheli Cottage is full of rustic chic, and just the place to lay pause to the stresses and strains of modern life.
To get your daily dose of salt and seawater, head to the nearby Abersoch harbour where you can catch a boat to the secluded St Tudwals island – long-time favourite of Bear Grylls.
Then when you get back indoors, pour a pimms and sit out on the private wooden deck to watch the Welsh sun slide into bed. Dreamy.
The Deal:
Stay 2 nights and get £50 off – another Travel Candy exclusive. Prices start from £250 Book now. Pictures courtesy of SnapTrip
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