The Very Best Weekend Breaks in the UK [2024]

Best for: Hopeless romantics, stargazers, nature-lovers

Do this: Make your way to Dalby Forest – a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site – where you can see the Milky Way with the naked eye. Or join one of the regular stargazing events led by AstroDog, who will let you use professional astronomy equipment to view stars, star clusters, planets, galaxies, and nebulae.

Don’t miss: Castle Howard has seen many movie and TV stars come and go over the years as a popular filming location. The House, beautiful grounds and wider estate have featured in Bridgerton, Brideshead Revisited and Victoria.

Tuck in: The Fox and Rabbit Inn is a traditional country pub located in the North York Moors National Park on the edge of Dalby Forest. Expect delicious food and drink in a cosy traditional pub setting.

Stay here: At The BOX BNB in Malton, shipping containers have been uniquely converted into boutique glamping stays, sleeping 2. All come with incredible views over farmland and perfect for stargazing. For those with furry friends, The Stables and The Roost are two dog-friendly barn conversion cottages that sit on a friendly and peaceful family farm in North Yorkshire just moments away from the North York Moors and the Ebor Way.

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Best for: Literature lovers, ramblers, nature buffs.

Do this: Head off onto the moors in the direction of Top Withins – the supposed inspiration for Wuthering Heights – for a ramble amongst the gorse and grasses.

Don’t miss: Visit The Brontë Parsonage, where the Brontë sisters lived and wrote. It’s a fine Georgian house which is now an excellent and immersive museum.

Tuck in: Cobbles & Clay – a cafe and pottery painting studio at the top of Haworth main street – is open all day, every day, with free wifi, baby changing facilities, and great coffee. Expect homemade delicious food as well as tasty afternoon teas. Then swing by the Haworth Steam Brewery – one of the smallest independent micro breweries in the country – for a Haworth Gin.

Stay here: Daisy Bank Camp is a homely dog-friendly timber cabins set in the moors above Hebden Bridge just 30 mins from Haworth. Here, you have moorland walking and cycling trails on your doorstep and the wildlife here is fantastic: curlews, kestrels and tawny owls are regular visitors. Open all year. From £80pn

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Best for: History buffs, chocolate fans, culture vultures.

Do this: York’s mediaeval streets are encircled by 13th-century walls. Follow the ancient circuit – 3.4 kilometres – and see the city’s most enduring treasures from a new angle. The entire route takes around 2 hours to walk, and on the way you’ll pass five main bars or gateways, one Victorian gateway, one postern (a small gateway) and 45 towers.

Don’t miss: The Treasurer’s House is one of York’s most haunted spots. Join the free cellar tour for a look at where the plumber, Harry Martindale, spotted the ghosts of Roman soldiers in 1953. Or, if you’re out with your coven, explore the secrets of the Shambles on a witchcraft-themed walking tour.

Tuck in: The York Cocoa House is an unexpected and enchanting pit stop. Order from the extensive chocolate menu, both savoury and sweet dishes and drinks are on offer.

Stay here: Parisian chic meets Yorkshire heritage at the fun, quirky bolthole that is Clementine’s Townhouse Hotel. Relax in the luxe residents’ lounge under the tongue-in-cheek art and antiques or drink cocktails in their private, walled garden before taking a 10-minute stroll to York Minster or the Theatre Royal.

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Best for: Artists, writers, tired adults, inspiration seekers.

Do this: Follow the historical Offas Dyke Path as it runs through Llanthony in Monmouthshire and it won’t be long before you reach the 12th-century ruins of Llanthony Priory. Be sure to stop for a drink in the Crypt bar next door.

Don’t miss: Take a short drive to the fabulous town of Hay-on-Wye, famous for its bookshops and annual literature festival.

Tuck in: Being nestled into a patchwork quilt of farmland, there’s nothing better than rustling up some local produce from local farm shops. But if you’re looking for a place with exceptional pub fare and local beers, The Crown at Pantygelli is just a short drive away.

Stay here: At the heart of this idyllic weekend away is Llanthony Castaway Glamping, two expertly restored timber-beamed railway carriages nestled along the edge of the Black Mountains. This understated glamping situ has everything you need, including a complimentary breakfast hamper with milk, bread, butter and eggs fresh from the farm.

Best for: Spa enthusiasts, literature lovers, ramblers, inspiration seekers.

Do this: The Resort’s incredible Milk Wood Spa comes with jaw-dropping views over the ebb and flow of the estuary. Give yourself the morning or afternoon moseying between pool, steam room, sauna and outdoor hydrotherapy pool – maybe after booking a treatment. You’ll easily lose hours here mesmerised at the beauty of it all.

Don’t miss: The author and poet, Dylan Thomas, lived and worked in Laugharne on and off between 1938 and 1949. A few minute’s walk from the Resort is the poet’s former home, The Boathouse, which has been lovingly restored to a living museum. Be sure to take a stroll from The Boathouse to Thomas’s Writing Shed, where he penned two of his most famous works: Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night and Under Milk Wood.

Tuck in: It was in the bay window of Brown’s Hotel in Laugharne where Thomas guzzled pints of Buckley’s and gossiped, so pay it a visit.

Stay here: The luxury lodges at the Dylan Coastal Resort all come with incredible views. Some also come with hot tubs. Sleeping up to 6. From £179.50pn.

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Best for: Nature-lovers; outdoorsy types with dogs; heritage geeks.

Do this: Escape to Bamburgh with its heart-thumping castle on the beach – it’s one of the 10 Northumberland castles worth visiting. After venturing through treasure-filled rooms, take the path by the base of the castle for one of the most magnificent dog-friendly beaches in the UK. Walk the shore until you reach a thick smattering of rock pools at its far end. After all, fishing for crabs isn’t just for kids.

Don’t miss: Catch a boat from Seahouses for a Farne Islands boat trip. We recommend the Grey Seals Cruise with Billy Sheil’s.

Tuck in: The Wynding Inn is an elegantly refurbed offshoot of The Lord Crewe Hotel on Front Street, an 8-minute walk from Bamburgh Castle. Expect traditional North Eastern cuisine with a modern twist, served swiftly and with lashings of Northumberland hospitality. My tip: try the chips – epic doesn’t even cut it.

Stay here: The Tempus Hotel – a boutique hotel that’s slick and glamorous with a range of gorgeous rooms, including dog-friendly options. B&B from £150pn.

Best for: Italian dreamers, romantics, ramblers, architecture fans.

Do this: Explore the village with its elegant piazza and gardens before heading to the sandy beaches of the Dwyryd Estuary and its hidden caves. You can also follow one of the two main paths into Y Gwyllt Woodlands – 70 acres of woodland and 20 miles of walking paths home to many hidden treasures including the Dog Cemetery, Ghost Garden, Tangle Wood and the Chinese Lake.

Don’t miss: Portmeirion was also home to the 1960’s cult show, The Prisoner. Number Six’s House is now the Prisoner Gift Shop and worth a visit.

Tuck in: In the Town Hall you’ll find a 1950’s style cafe bar with a range of delicious sandwiches, salads, hot meals, cakes and filled baguettes. Sit inside and soak up the retro vibes or take a seat on the outside terrace overlooking the village centre.

Stay here: The Portmeirion is the village’s 4-star luxury hotel. It has a magical setting overlooking the Estuary. From £204pn.

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Best for: Ramblers, wildlife lovers, bird-watchers and wine enthusiasts

Do this: Head to Eagle’s Nest viewpoint built in 1828 for the Duke of Beaufort. From here you get breathtaking views across the lower Wye Valley, the rivers Wye and Severn, Chepstow, the Severn Bridges and the Cotswolds hills in the distance.

Don’t miss: Tintern Abbey is a 12th-century Gothic architectural icon that draws thousands of visitors every year. It’s a national treasure, standing lofty and silent on the banks of the Wye Valley.

Tuck in: Go wine tasting at Parva Vineyard in Tintern where you wander the 4,500 vines on your own self guided tour then head indoors to taste the farm’s award-winning red, white and sparkling wines. The 7-course tasting menu with wine pairing at the Whitebrook – a Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms – is also a superb experience.

Stay here: Nest amongst the birds in a luxury treehouse: The Hudnall’s Hideout. Or try glamping at the brilliant Mrs Mills’ Yurts or The Roost in the Forest of Dean.

Best for: Ramblers, nature lovers, off-gridders, glampers

Do this: There are many walks and hills that make up the Ochil Hills including Innerdownie, Ben Cleuch, King’s Seat, and Bank Hill. With so many stunning views to sweat for, you can’t go too far wrong.

Don’t miss: You may want to work Castle Campbell into one of your walks to explore the historic grounds and sprawling gardens. Formally known as the ‘Castle of Glooms’, this 15th century fortress is situated above Dollar Glen with awe-inspiring views over the county.

Tuck in: The Forager Inn in Dollar serves up mouthwatering meals enough to satiate the hungerof the weariest traveller. They also serve up some local brews from nearby Harviestoun Brewery, which offers tours and tastings. For something more upperclass, head to Gleneagles – home of the famous five-star Gleneagles Hotel.

Stay here: Situated on a vast swathe of private land at the foot of the Ochil Hills, Enchanted Glamping has a small collection of yurts and lorries with outstanding views and wood-fired hot tubs, perfect for a self catered glamping weekend. If you’re after some pampering, there’s Pathgreen Glamping, with two luxury glamping pods and its own boutique spa offering a range of decadent treatments.

Best for: Art fans, vintage lovers, treasure seekers.

Do this: Margate’s Old Town is where the artists and trendsetters mingle, so it’s perfect for a mosey around. Here you’ll find a smattering of vintage shops, hip coffee joints, art galleries and neat places to eat. Stop in at The Margate Bookshop and Ramsey & Williams’ vintage ice-cream parlour as you meander your way through the cool crowd.

Don’t miss: Margate has been a destination for artists for centuries, including JMW Turner. The Turner Contemporary on the Margate seafront is a must – it’s free to enter and is home to many great artworks and exhibitions as well as workshops running throughout the year.

Tuck in: Fish and chips are the staple nosh of any traditional seaside town like Margate. Head to Pete’s Fish Factory and enjoy their deliciously crisp fare on the beach. Looking for a nightcap? The Libertines own a trendy hotel in Margate called The Albion Rooms – the perfect spot to enjoy a tipple and hang with the ‘in’ crowd.

Stay here: Pumped with colour, fizzing with vintage cool and boasting 5 big rooms with towering ceilings, Ballarat House makes a great holiday home for you and your crew to dip your toe into artistic Margate.

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Best for: Hen dos, fun seekers, cocktail enthusiasts

Do this: Take a stroll around The Lanes in the historic central quarter of Brighton, packed with individual boutique stores, main high street brands, art shops, antique stores, cafés, and bars. Then, head to the i360 for a smooth, 138-meter vista across the city in a futuristic glass viewing pod. Follow up your i360 experience with a classic cream tea by the beach in an idyllic setting.

Don’t miss: Alcotraz Brighton, a bar behind bars, where the serving inmates are your bartenders. Don orange jumpsuits, smuggle your liquor past the warden, and serve your time with cocktails.

Tuck in: Fish and chips are a must when you’re by the sea. We love Bardsley’s a Brighton institution, where you can takeaway or dine-in in a classic setting. Proper fish and chips. Order yours and enjoy them as you stroll the seafront of Brighton’s pier.

Stay here: Wonderland House is a bonkers and brilliant base for large group gatherings and celebrations with the ladies. It sleeps 24, with six sensational bedrooms, two kitchens and three shower rooms, all decked out in a whimsical Alice in Wonderland theme. Have a slightly smaller group? Looking Glass Cottage is an old fisherman’s cottage transformed into a Mad Hatter’s playground and with three darling bedrooms, it sleeps six people – perfect for a more intimate girls weekend.

Best for: Artists, urbanites, Banksy fans

Do this: Head to Bristol’s historic waterfront, Bristol Harbourside, where trendy bars, shops and galleries flag the historic docks once bustling with trade. The Arnolfini is a dream for modern art lovers, or if it’s Bristol’s history you fancy, the M-Shed is where it’s at. On the other side of the harbour in Bristol’s Southville area, you’ll find large scale street art on every corner. This is where Upfest, Bristol’s infamous street art festival, takes place each year.

Don’t miss: Take a Where the Wall Banksy Street Art Tour, led by street art legend and Banksy mentor, John Nation, for 2 hours of brilliance serving up works by Banksy, Inky, Stik and Nick Walker.

Tuck in: If you’re looking to kick back after a day of street-art scavenging, The Lido serves up exquisite meals poolside so you can sink in at the spa and then tuck into a cold glass of wine.

Stay here: Retreat to the enchanting Curious Cabinet B&B 5 minutes’ drive from the city centre, run by art lecturer Sadie Spikes. Alternatively, we love The Avon Gorge Hotel in Clifton with drop-dead views of Clifton Suspension Bridge. From £80pn.

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Best for: Ramblers, adventurers, nature lovers, history buffs

Do this: Visit Deer Park, where you can climb to the top of the hill for stunning views across the Castle and sea beyond. Then there’s Dunster Castle, once the home of the Luttrell family, now owned by the National Trust, where you can wander through its impressive interiors and beautiful gardens.

Don’t miss: In the autumn, you can see one of nature’s greatest spectacles: the dramatic rutting of Exmoor’s red deer. We recommend going on a Red Stag Safari with an expert guide who will help locate the deer and other local wildlife.

Tuck in:Psalter’s Restaurant (a part of the Luttrell Arms in Dunster) is an award winning AA rosette restaurant that combines the historic legacy and character of the Luttrell’s ancient architecture with a menu that focuses on local, seasonal produce.

Stay here: When Dunster village was a sea-port, sometime in the 12th-century, the Luttrell Arms was known as the Ship Inn. In those days, it was a port in the storm for sailors who kept warm while the sea lapped at its weathered doors. Today, it’s been adapted for the more modern traveller with 28 comfortable rooms, roaring fires a cosy bar and a garden.

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Best for: Romantics, ocean lovers, ramblers

Do this: There are so many walks in this area it can be difficult to choose. Just follow along the South West Coast Path, running 90 miles through North Devon and you can’t go wrong – with spectacular views of the coast from places like Combe Martin, Ilfracombe, Lee Bay and Morthoe, and lofty vistas of beaches such as Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton Sands.

Don’t miss: Clovelly in North Devon, named the “most Instagrammable” village in the UK in 2020. Cobbled streets, cliff-top views, quaint fishing cottages, a museum, and a magnificent fishing harbour and 14th Century quay. There’s no traffic allowed, only donkeys and sledges. There’s also an unspoilt pebbled beach with waterfall and a sweeping ocean view.

Tuck in: The Boathouse in Bideford is a picturesque spot to take in a view with some fresh seafood and a glass of wine. But if it’s street food on the beach you’re after, Biffen’s Kitchen serves up mouthwatering and creative coastal grub from poké bowls to Moroccan Meze nights, ready to eat right on the beach.

Stay here: Sleepy Owl Devon Treehouses are the ultimate nest for your romantic getaway. The Hideout even comes with a mini drawbridge, a hot tub, a pizza oven, and a luxury copper bath tub that you can move indoors and outdoors. Or if you prefer sleeping under luxury canvas, HARTA Retreat near Woolacombe has large tipis with ensuite bathrooms and stylish outdoor kitchens for cooking under the clouds.

Best for: Beachcombers, ramblers, foodies

Do this: Walk the powdery sands of Bigbury-on-Sea and head for Burgh Island – using the sea tractor to cross the tidal strip if necessary. Feast on sweeping cliff views and marvel at Agatha Christie’s long-time haunt, The Burgh Island Hotel. Afterwards, head to Salcombe for ice-cream coloured houses and a swirl of pretty streets. Browse the traditional shops, stop in at the oldest sweet shop in Devon – Cranch’s – and then take the ferry across Salcombe Harbour to East Portlemouth.

Don’t miss: Follow the National Trust Coast Path around the rocky terrain of East Portlemouth to Gara Rock Hotel for a well-earned glass of bubbly.

Tuck in: Soar Mill Cove just outside of Salcombe is the ultimate in clifftop dining chic. This out-of-the-way stylish retreat is known for its secluded location and famous visitors, including Audrey Hepburn. Make sure you order the Hepburn pavlova to finish the evening with an A-list twist.

Stay here: Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa – on the waterfront, with stunning views, this luxury spa has five treatment rooms, indoor pool, hot tub, sauna and fitness area. From £187pn.

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Best for: Beachcombers, food lovers, surfers, sunset enthusiasts

Do this: If you’re up for a long walk along the water, head down the promenade from Bournemouth Pier past Boscombe and Southbourne Beach to Hengistbury Head for truly magnificent views towards the Isle of Wight.

Don’t miss: Climb aboard the Hengistbury Head Land Train for a picturesque circular route to Mudeford Spit and back. Feel free to hop off for a wander between the beach huts and a coffee at Beach House before trundling back again.

Tuck in: There are countless options along the beachfront including Harry Ramsdens for an obligatory seaside fish and chips, Westbeach for award-winning fresh seafood, or SOBO Beach for casual drinks and food truck vibes. If you’re celebrating something special, you can’t beat. The Jetty in nearby Christchurch where exquisite meals are served up in front of a dreamy, waterfront backdrop.

Stay here: Bournemouth Beach Lodges come with access to 7 miles of sandy beach and an exquisite Isle of Wight vista. Each of the 24 beach huts sleep four adults and two children, with fully-kitted kitchenettes and south-facing private terraces with unobstructed sea views.

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Best for: Beachcombers, food lovers, couples, pub-goers

Do this: Go for a stroll around the small harbour, watching the fishing boats bob gently up and down. In the winter months, this is the perfect place to take in the Christmas lights which are said to be the best in Cornwall.

Don’t miss: Catch a play at the stunning Minack Theatre – an outdoor theatre carved into the granite of a Cornish cliff, overlooking beautiful Porthcurno Bay, and surrounded by subtropical gardens.

Tuck in: The Old Coastguard – a Victorian maritime inn serving lunches and evening meals, with an outside terrace with the views of the sea. Or, if you’re in Mousehole around Christmas time eat at The Ship Inn on the 23rd December and try the famous Stargazy Pie. Legend has it that a 16th-century Mousehole local sailed out in stormy weather one night and came back with a boat of pilchards. His catch was made into a pie, which is now called Stargazy Pie.

Stay here: The Fallen Angel is an exceptional boutique hideout overlooking Mousehole. Made just for two, it’s ultra-modern inside and out, and has the best bath tub ever.

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Tuck in: Grab rockstar fish and chips at Mitch Tonk’s Rockfish Restaurant. It’s a fast-paced joint, with plenty of vim and vigour and an inventive chip shop menu.

Stay here: Take your sea-legs to the Royal Castle Hotel, overlooking the River Dart. The Royal Castle Hotel has 16 standard rooms and 10 river view rooms, all are dog-friendly and many come with an envious view.

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Tuck in: The Millside is a real foodie gem, tucked away beside the quaint Town Mill in the creative heart of Lyme Regis. Expect some of Lyme’s freshest seafood on the menu, much of which is served with a twist to make each dish unique. To wash your meal down, The Millside restaurant offers local craft ales and beers (from Lyme Brewery, which is just across the street) and wines from Lyme Lyme Bay Winery, as well as delicious local spirits.

Stay here: Coombe Street Cottage is a dog-friendly escape for four in Lyme’s Old Town and no more than a beach ball bounce from Lyme’s beaches. From £110pn.

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Tuck in: Borough Market is London’s premier address for foodies. Home to dozens of stallholders selling everything from fruit and veg to specialist cheeses, meats and breads. Ready-to-eat and grab-and-go treats are plentiful too, so tuck in and soak up the hustle and bustle as you do.

Stay here: The Ned is situated in the heart of the City, in the former Midland Bank headquarters. It’s a beautiful hotel with bars, restaurants and gorgeous 1920s’ inspired rooms. It comes with with a hefty price tag, but it is worth if for a special occasion.

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