The best weekend breaks in the UK
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When plotting our next getaway, we’re all a bit guilty of dreaming of European weekenders or tropical islands. But the best weekend breaks in the UK are just as worthy of occupying our holiday dreams. After all, on our very own shores, you can hop from the buzzing music scene of Manchester to the storied streets of Oxford; drive between pristine white sand beaches in Cornwall; and uncover great swathes of practically untouched countryside in The Cotswolds, Dorset or The Wye Valley.
We love a European city or beach break as much as the next person – but even the most seasoned traveller shouldn’t overlook the benefits of booking a weekend break in the UK. No time spent in security queues at the airport or killing time in a lounge; no airfare to pay or baggage limits to worry about. While we’d always encourage you to extend a trip as much as you can, choosing to slow down and get to know a destination rather than flying through it, many of the destinations on the list can be explored in a few days. Perhaps consider travelling on Friday night, once work and school are wrapped up for the week, to hit the ground running at your destination on Saturday morning, or book Monday off to extend from a two-day weekend to a three-day one (of course, there’s always the Bank Holidays to make use of, and we’ve written a guide to making the most of your annual leave, too). Best of all, getting to explore the very best of the UK means discovering all the best bits we might have overlooked before: the UK’s top restaurants, the cutest pubs, the buzziest towns, the best shopping, the most bucolic views and – perhaps our favourite part – the prettiest places to stay.
Our favourite UK weekend breaks for every occasion:
- The best UK weekend break for couples: The Cotswolds is a classic choice for a romantic weekend break, with its cosy pubs to hole up in next to the fire and its pretty villages to explore hand-in-hand.
- The best UK weekend break for a girls’ weekend: Bruton, for its cool art scene and brilliant cafés and restaurants to lose an afternoon or evening in.
- The best UK weekend break for families: East Sussex is a fabulous option for those travelling with the whole brood, thanks to its beaches to play on and countryside to stomp through.
- The best UK cheap weekend break: The Wye Valley has some lovely affordable hotels and gorgeous restaurants set right in the bucolic countryside.
- The best UK weekend breaks for outdoorsy types: The Lake District has seemingly endless options for hiking and walking, and is a great place to camp, too.
- The best UK weekend break for a city break: Manchester, with its buzzy music and nightlife scene, great restaurants and world-class galleries, gets our vote for a city break in the UK.
For more inspiration, see our UK guides:
1. Oxford, England
Oxford puts the classics in classic. Yet recent additions are moving the ‘not-just-a-university-city’ story on, adding a contemporary, hedonistic glitter, even if third-wave coffee and Cotswolds provenance aren’t the immediate reasons you come. The Randolph has had a jazzy, millennial-friendly makeover; The Punter has gone from serving Sunday roasts to clever vegetarian dishes; Vaults & Garden Café specialises in waste-free organic food in a wing of the University Church, whose tower still has the best views in town. This being Oxford, though, one of the most important stops is Blackwell’s on Broad Street, where it’s easy to get lost in three miles of bookshelves, and one of the largest bookstore displays on the planet.
Where to stay for the weekend in Oxford:
The Randolph by Graduate Hotel, in the city’s cobbled heart and aptly filled with cap and gowned Oxford University graduates clinking Champagne glasses. Right off the reception is The Drawing room, where live piano is played, and afternoon tea is served on the weekends at varnished octagonal tables against colourful plush velvet sofas worthy of a Saltburn scene. Those familiar with the writings of Oxford Alum Lewis Carroll will be pleasantly surprised by the whimsical nods throughout, from the rabbit lamps in the rooms to the candy-pink leather booths and illustrative artworks in the all-day restaurant ‘The Alice’. For drinks, be it hot or with a percentage, refuge can be found in the Snug or by the ornate fireplace in the Morse bar. Don’t sleep on the new luxury Wellness Centre, where a concoction of scrubs and treatments have been designed in partnership with Germaine de Cappuccino, along with a thermal suite including three steam rooms, a sauna, and an ice fountain. Megan Wilkes
Getty Images2. Peak District, England
Stretching across the Pennines, this national park edges into five counties: Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Staffordshire, West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire. This was England's first national park, when the UK government started to carve out protected landscapes in the aftermath of World War II – it was designated a protected landscape as The Peak District National Park in 1951. These days, it’s home to chocolate box villages and craggy hills in the same breath as industrial towns, quarries and stately piles. A weekend break here is best spent outdoors and with a plan, so check our guide to the best walks in the Peak District for inspiration if you plan to go hiking – some of our favourite routes span from a short, jaunty three miles to an epic 46-miler best taken over three or four days. Beyond the gorgeous walks and jaw-dropping views, there’s also grand dame English country houses like Chatsworth to poke around, and idyllic villages to lose an afternoon in – some of our favourites include Ashford-in-the-Water and Edale.
Where to stay for the weekend in the Peak District:
We love this charming 200-year-old cottage in Castleton, one of the loveliest villages in all of the Peaks (I stayed here with two friends for a weekend a few summers ago and loved the cosy interiors and brilliant location within walking distance of plentiful pubs, shops and cafés). For a countryside stay, this modern brick barn retreat is surrounded by rolling hills. For more places to take over as your own, see our guide to the best Airbnbs in the Peak District. Wildhive Callow Hall, a former magistrate’s house built in 1849, now with 15 whimsical bedrooms, is one of our favourite hotels in the area. 19th-century inn Duncombe Arms, in Ellastone, is another Traveller-approved stay, best for a seriously high-end pub-with-rooms experience. For more ideas, scroll through our edit of the best hotels in the Peak District.
Getty Images3. Chichester, England
Chichester – tucked away behind the South Downs – is one of the sunniest destinations in the UK and topping our list of the best weekend breaks. This cathedral city has much to offer – history buffs can explore Roman baths, a city wall and an old Roman road that linked Chichester with London. The city centre is pedestrianised, making walking in the streets for delicious food and cosy pubs easy. Chichester also packs a cultural punch, boasting a festival theatre and the Pallant House Gallery, which is well-known for celebrating modern British art. We’d recommend walking through the cathedral to Bishop’s Palace Gardens, an oasis of flora and fauna, especially in the spring and summer. And if you’re looking for a dose of the seaside, go to West Wittering Beach for a sandy walk at sunset.
Where to stay for the weekend in Chichester
If you want to stay in the town centre, the Harbour Hotel is brilliantly positioned for exploring. However, we’d recommend staying at The Goodwood Hotel. It’s the perfect oasis for a weekend getaway and only a short drive into town. Goodwood hosts various motor events throughout the year, with the Goodwood Revival, celebrating iconic cars and historic fashion, being a must-attend. Amber Port
Emma Lewis4. Batcombe, England
Batcombe is a stunner of a village nestled in the River Alham Valley. This charming corner of Somerset is blessed with rolling green hills and picturesque cottages, both of which the UK countryside is famed for. It maintains a level of peace that few city-dwellers experience, but with the allure of Hauser & Wirth in Bruton, a killer Saturday market in Frome and an easy enough drive to Bristol or Bath. It’s the perfect countryside getaway, especially if you’re itching to visit one of the UK's best new restaurants with the rooms, the Three Horseshoes.
Where to stay for a weekend in Batcombe:
A weekend break in Batcombe is incomplete without a stay at the Three Horseshoes – this makes braving the UK railway system worth it. The restaurant with rooms reopened in 2023, lovingly restored and reinvigorated by a creative powerhouse of people. Margot Henderson of Rochelle Canteen, interior designer Frances Pen and landscape designer Libby Russell came together to conjure up the gem that is the Three Horseshoes.
We’re welcomed by the chitter-chatter of locals and visitors alike –all enjoying the September sun in the pub’s garden. Unmatched views of the cathedral, pops of perennial colours, and plenty of space for kiddies to run about. We’re shown to one of the five rooms on offer as we take in the sights and sounds of the Three Horseshoes. The room itself is inviting - tasteful, and down to earth, with a focus on textures and patterns. Layers of plush Berber and jute rugs create a cosy atmosphere, while a red and white striped headboard beckons you to lose yourself amongst the bed for an afternoon nap. The bathtub ensconced in pearl white zellige tiles is the pinnacle of relaxation.
It comes as no surprise that the food is of a similar quality. Local produce is a feature, while meats and fish of varying types and cuts each sound as delicious as the next. It’s the no-frills but delicious approach to dining that brings locals and down-from-Londoners back to the Three Horseshoes. I’m encouraged to order the Sika haunch venison with beetroots, horseradish and watercress. It is unbelievably tender, cooked to perfection, with an earthy flavour from the beets that brings it all together. An apricot pavlova that’s been calling my name all night finally finds itself on our table and I devour it in under two minutes. We drag ourselves upstairs and plop onto the bed, where we dream of never leaving this perfect place. Amber Port
Getty Images5. Isle of Skye, Scotland
Of all of Scotland’s islands, Skye is the best-known and loved. And for good reason – with a craggy landscape dominated by the Cuillin mountains, the scenery here is as otherworldly as anything you’ll find further afield. It’s connected to northwest Scotland by bridge, and travelling here is a commitment for many of us – most fly to Edinburgh Inverness or Glasgow, and the drive from Edinburgh, for example, is 232 miles and takes up to five hours. Because of its remoteness, much of the isle remains almost deserted, but there’s a distinct culture to be found here, too – The Three Chimneys restaurant opened in the 1980s and still draws travellers from across the world. Travellers who do venture to Skye are rewarded with some of the most breathtaking scenery the UK has to offer, spending days spotting seals on boat trips, walking or birdwatching.
Where to stay for the weekend in Isle of Skye:
Kinloch Lodge has had a serious makeover, but the historic portraits on the walls belie its 16th-century past. For something more low-key, The Black Shed is one of the best log cabins in the UK, with oversized windows overlooking Loch Dunvegan. If you’re keen to take over a property all to yourself, this chapel conversion, booked through Unique Homestays, has a sauna for bracing the Scottish weather, and views over Loch Harport. For more Scottish stays inspiration, see our round-up of the best hotels in Scotland.
Getty Images6. Cornwall, England
This corner of England’s south-west looks the least British of any part of the UK. The best beaches in Cornwall are made up of sugar-sand bays buffeted by the brightest blue sea along the wild coastline. These stretches, with their deserted coves and buzzing surf scenes, are made all the more appealing as Cornwall has the warmest climate in the country. Plus, the county has some of the tastiest food in the world, with some of the region’s best restaurants – such as Rick Stein’s iconic Padstow seafood spot – being joined by outposts from London’s top chefs like. There’s also a buzzing art crowd – such as in Penzance, where indie shops and art galleries are drawing visitors. Our favourite places to visit in Cornwall include Newlyn, St Ives, St Michael’s Mount and Porthcurno.
Where to stay for the weekend in Cornwall:
A stone’s throw from Padstow, one of Cornwall’s most charming towns, lies the sleepy village of Trevone. While many travellers unknowingly amble past this turning, in-the-know staycationers have been booking up this area’s holiday homes for many years, aware of its prime location on the Atlantic coast (when you have a car, that is) and the charm of its sheltered beach. A relatively new addition to the area is Atlanta Trevone, a collection of charming self-catering properties claiming the village’s most sought-after spot. Curtains open to sweeping views of the ocean, board games are piled high for rainy days, and the beach and cafe are so close you can make out faces from bedroom windows. Our favourite hotels in Cornwall include The Idle Rocks, which juts out into the glistening St Mawes water, Coombeshead Farm (our top pick for foodies), The Scarlet in Mawgan Porth, a great option for wellness-seekers, and The Chapel House in Penzance.
Getty Images7. Cotswolds, England
The quintessential British weekender. The Cotswolds’ butter-hued villages have long been drawing city dwellers in need of brisk country air. Areas are packed out with clever homeware and antique shops, with old pubs and historic houses the pinnacle of rural life here. A string of towns spans five counties, with quiet corners to be found among the bustling riverbanks and cobbled streets – see our guide to the prettiest Cotswolds villages for inspiration on where to go, including sleepy Bourton-on-the-Water, the gorgeous Slaughters (Upper and Lower) and Burford. For things to do in the Cotswolds, head to beautiful gardens attached to extraordinary manor houses and seek out smart-as-can-be independent stores. We also recommend walking some (or all!) of the Cotswolds Way, which starts in Chipping Campden and continues for 100 miles ending in Bath.
Where to stay for the weekend in the Cotswolds:
Our guide to the best hotels in the Cotswolds includes our favourite stylish pubs with rooms and country piles. Thyme in Southrop is a grand house turned hotel, cookery school, restaurant and spa. Cowley Manor Experimental, near Cheltenham, has a brilliant restaurant overseen by Jackson Boxer. The Double Red Duke, in Bampton, has pretty candy-striped umbrellas in its suntrap beer garden. For something really luxe, consider booking a room or cottage at Estelle Manor, a private members’ club and hotel with one of the areas best spas. And speaking of wellness, some of our favourite stays in the area include Cotswold hotels with spas. For large groups, you can take over this historic Gloucestershire major house that sleeps 36. Set within 14.5 acres of countryside, it's one of our favourite Airbnbs in the UK. For more, see our pick of the best Airbnbs in the Cotswolds.
Getty Images8. New Forest, England
Ponies and wild horses roam the New Forest, the largest unenclosed forest in southern England. It's now a national park, covering over 220 square miles of pastureland and heathland. Travellers come here to hike, cycle and spot wildlife – but it's also one of the foodiest national parks in England. This is also a brilliant county to visit if you consider yourself a gourmand (we even named it one of the best foodie breaks in the UK) – Hartnett Holder & Co at Lime Wood is overseen by Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder, while The Terrace in Beaulieu leans into a hyper-local, hyper-seasonal menu and has three-AA Rosettes. There’s also The Pig in Brockenhurst: a locavore 17th-century house from the much-loved Pig Group, where the 25-mile menu does what it says on the tin, cooks up dishes made with produce and ingredients sourced within 25 miles of the hotel and might include shaved New Forest asparagus, slow-roast pork belly to share or South Coast pollock.
Where to stay for the weekend in the New Forest:
The rooms at The Montagu Arms Hotel have been recently refreshed, while its Beaulieu location – sandwiched between the high street and the river – is regarded as one of the best in the New Forest. The Pig in Brockenhurst, mentioned above, has lovely rooms to roll back to after supper. For something grander, book a stay at Chewton Glen, one of the ultimate English grand dames, or The Four Seasons Hampshire, which has a fantastic spa. See our guide to the best New Forest hotels for more.
Getty Images9. Bruton, England
Home to the quietly charming city of Bath and bordering boundary-pushing, indie Bristol, Somerset has a diverse landscape that includes countryside, international art spaces, some of the most talked about places to stay in Britain and the site of one of the world’s largest festivals, Glastonbury. It’s a place that’s deeply connected to folklore and spirituality – Stone Henge, of course, is one of the most famous landmarks to visit here. Then there’s the food scene: the cider festivals, the gorgeous country pubs which include among their number the unbeatable Three Horseshoes, from Rochelle Canteen’s Margot Henderson, the top-level restaurants such as Merlin Labron Johnson’s Osip, now in its own premises just outside of Bruton with rooms opening in summer 2025. In the wake of the Hauser & Wirth gallery arriving in once-sleepy Bruton in 2014, the aforementioned town quickly became the creative epicentre of the West Country. And the resulting ripples have drawn smart hotels and some of the UK’s top tables to the area – the best restaurants in Somerset rival Cornwall and London.
Where to stay for the weekend in Somerset:
For a stay in the city, The Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath is set in a pair of Grade I-listed Georgian townhouses. For a village stay, Bruton is the most talked about corner in Somerset, home to half hotel, half wonderful restaurant (Briar, one of our UK’s Top New Restaurants in 2024) Number One Bruton, as well as the much buzzed about The Newt in Somerset. Other favourites include Holm, The Pig near Bath, and The Lord Poulett Arms. See our guide to the best hotels in Somerset for more.
Getty Images10. Wye Valley, England and Wales
On the border of England and Wales, the Wye Valley’s exceedingly pretty towns are scattered throughout the countryside, carved by the River Wye. The most famous of the villages, Hay-on-Wye, is known for its annual literary festival, but there’s a string of market towns to visit, too. Walking is a big draw here: hike up the Black Mountains or along some of the Wales Coast Path’s 870-mile route. Excellent restaurants in the area include The Walnut Tree, which has been operating since the 1960s and has a Michelin star – overseen by chef Shaun Hill, the menu might include roast Goosnargh duck, morrel and wild garlic risotto or ray wing with brown shrimp. Fill your days with canoe trips along the river or golfing in Monmouthshire.
Where to stay for the weekend in Wye Valley:
The Bear Hotel in Crickhowell is a charming little coaching inn in the middle of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Nearby in the village of Mitchel Troy, we love the look of this converted stone barn, particularly for families – there are climbing ropes and tree swings in the garden.
Getty Images11. Dorset, England
Less shouted about than neighbouring Devon – and therefore gloriously untouched – Dorset’s coast is made up of some of Britain’s loveliest beaches. The Jurassic Coast, a 95-mile stretch of shoreline that rolls across most of the county, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, named for its 185 million years of geological history. Durdle Door, the famous limestone arch that extends into the inky water, sits near two quiet coves, St Oswald's Bay and Man O' War. Meanwhile, the inland countryside inspired Thomas Hardy’s best-loved novels. Here you’ll find The River Cottage, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s pioneering restaurant with rooms. Guests flock for seasonal supper clubs that often sell out, that might spotlight seasonal produce or farm-to-table cooking. The team also run courses ranging from breadmaking to butchery, and cheese-making to curing and smoking.
Where to stay for the weekend in Dorset:
Foodies should make a note of Yalbury Cottage, a laidback and topsy-turvy farmhouse with a knockout fine-dining restaurant by ex-Four Seasons chef Jamie Jones. The Eastbury is another standout stay, a Georgian townhouse with a warren of traditional rooms and renovated potting sheds tucked along a secret garden. The Pig on the Beach is another favourite, nuzzled into a blonde stretch of sand. See our edit of the best hotels in Dorset for more ideas.
Getty Images12. Kent, England
It’s close enough to the capital to make it one of our favourite day trips from London, but this diverse corner of the country deserves an overnight stay to explore it properly. Along the coast, a string of Kentish beach towns range from hipster – Margate’s Shoreditch-on-Sea reputation is backed up by its natural wine bars and cool record stores – to quaint Whitstable, which has a pretty main street and a penchant for oysters on the beach. We also like Deal, a diminutive town that punches above its weight, and Broadstairs, for its retro seafront promenade and stomps along the beach. There’s a clutch of interesting vineyards – Hush Heath Estate, where Balfour wines are made, is set in 400 acres of orchards which are open to the public – while the best restaurants in Kent include Michelin-starred pubs and a pizza shack right on the beach. Inland, Canterbury is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages, which is still headquarters of the Church of England – there’s also a brilliant theatre here, the Marlowe Theatre, which hosts live comedy, orchestral performances and previews of Edinburgh Fringe productions.
Where to stay for the weekend in Kent:
The Rose in dinky Deal is the beach town’s first boutique hotel, with bold wallpaper to make you smile and a restaurant overseen by David Gadd. In Margate, we like the fresh No 42 by GuestHouse, which has a rooftop bar for sunshiny afternoons, and Fort Road Hotel, which has sea views. For a more rural stay, Updown Farmhouse taps into a recent appetite for farm stays, while Boys Hall, near Ashford, is set in a 1616 building with gorgeously wonky bedrooms.
Sophie Knight13. Pembrokeshire, Wales
Spend 48 hours driving and diving around Wales’s most stunning stretch of coastline: 186 miles of volcanic-rock stacks, limestone cliffs and gorsy headland that gives way to white sandy beaches and coves carved into horseshoes by the tide. Surfers in the 1980s invented coasteering here, so thrillseekers should head west to St David’s peninsula, where TYF Adventure organises adrenaline-pumping escapades (it also operates beach cleans, bodyboarding and kayaking). Whitesands is a popular surf destination, and Gianni’s Ice Cream parlour sources its dairy from Caerfai Farm down the road. Local ingredients are a big part of any menu here – forage for seaweed, sea purslane, mussels, winkles, razor clams and rock samphire, or join chef Matt Powell for an afternoon of expertly guided fishing, foraging and fine dining. There are plenty of pretty villages to potter around – touristy Tenby gets busy in the summer months but has a buzzing harbour; Solva’s multicoloured houses are home to art galleries and independent shops – and even more wildlife to witness. Take a boat to Skomer island, where you can see porpoises, dolphins and seals on the journey and a thriving puffin colony on arrival.
Where to stay for the weekend in Pembrokeshire:
The Grove is a five-minute drive from Narberth and comes with countryside staples such as squishy sofas and giant rolltop bathtubs, while Llys Meddyg is a brilliant base for exploring Newport. For a contemporary stay, we like the look of Carren Bach Cottage, with its minimalism and new-wave rustic interiors and serene location tucked in a wooded valley a pebble’s throw from Nolton Haven.
Getty Images14. York, England
With nearly 2,000 years of history weaving together the rich tapestry of the city, you are never far from traces of bygone eras as you explore York's cobbled alleyways, and medieval architecture, not forgetting the revamped tearooms.
However, if you thought that this historic walled city, perched at the confluence of the rivers Ouse and Foss in North Yorkshire was all about Roman and Viking heritage, you'd be wrong. This spirited hub also has cutting-edge art galleries (as well as a vibrant annual Open Studios showcase), chocolate factories and a whole host of interactive activities for children and adults alike to bring its past to life. Our top picks of the best things to do in York include hopping around its top bakeries (we like Heppni Bakeri for its sweet peach exterior and glossy, flaky pastries), gazing at the city skyline from atop York Minster, wandering along iconic street The Shambles and heading for a picnic at York’s Museum Gardens.
Where to stay for the weekend in York:
The Grand, set within the walled city, is York's only five-star hotel and is perfectly placed in the middle of town but just out of reach of the busy Shambles and Minster crowds. No.1 York, meanwhile, is a boutique stay set in a Grade II-listed Regency townhouse. If wellness is your focus, consider booking Yorkshire Spa Retreat. For more ideas, see out round-up of the best hotels in York.
Getty Images15. Hebrides, Scotland
Sometimes there’s nothing better than going completely off grid. Scotland’s wild, Western isles may take some time to get to – driving from London would take around 13 hours – but it’s worth the journey. More than 136 islands are scattered around this coastline, underpopulated landmasses with carpets of forest streaked with rivers and dotted with bothies, colourful fishing villages and vast lochs. But what draws most eagle-eyed travellers is the wildlife. On the ground, red deer, otters and hares lay claim to the land, while skies are home to golden eagles, white-tailed sea eagles, hen harriers, gannets and even adorable, bright-beaked puffins. Head for the coast where pristine beaches melt into translucent waters, reminiscent of Caribbean shores. Turquoise waves roll over to reveal shoals of fish; friendly seals bob along the horizon; inquisitive bottlenose dolphins breach the waters to say hello – and if you’re lucky, the occasional killer whale has been known to surface.
Where to stay for the weekend in the Hebrides:
Whether you’re up for some Hebridean island-hopping or searching for somewhere to settle down and hibernate for a while, this Scottish archipelago has plenty of options. On Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides, opt for 19th-century elegance at Lews Castle. Or for something less traditional, hole up in this futuristic pod with glass ceilings to stargaze when the sun goes down.
Getty Images16. Lake District, England
With its dramatic, undulating landscape, the Lake District is one of the most famous national parks in the UK. Distinguished by its glacial ribbon lakes, rugged fell mountains and historic literary associations from Beatrix Potter to Wordsworth and Coleridge, the area has world-famous walking routes, while the picturesque market towns (Kendal, Ambleside and Keswick, to name a few) provide cosy, traditional inns for warming up after a day scaling the mountain ranges.
The brave might want to climb Scafell Pike, the region’s highest point, while those after a less bracing pace can head to Derwentwater, popping into the independent art galleries that dot the landscape just inland from the shore. This is also a brilliant part of the UK for camping, if you’re down to be at one with the elements.
Where to stay for the weekend in the Lake District:
Another Place is a smart country-house crash pad – and one of our best hotels in the UK, and it isn't hard to see why. From the sleek indoor pool that seamlessly merges with the surrounding landscape to the modernist interiors, Georgian grandeur has been given a contemporary spin on the edge of Ullswater. L'Enclume, one of the best restaurants in the UK, has lovely rooms in Cartmel, and we like The Drunken Duck Inn, near Ambleside, too. See our round-up of the best hotels in the Lake District for more ideas on where to stay in the area. If you’d rather have a whole place to yourself, flick through our recommendations of Airbnbs in the Lake District.
Getty Images17. Devon, England
Sail, surf, hike, climb, fish, farm, forage… The outdoors is where it’s at in Devon. A major chunk of its Jurassic coast is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to sheltered bays, shingle beaches, sandy stretches and clear, clean waters that lap against prehistoric rock formations. Hike along the loop of the South West Coast Path and find hidden swimming spots and sea views. The Salt Path, the moving memoir by Raynor Winn, traces the length of the trail, revealing its history and healing nature with every chapter.
Inland, Dartmoor National Park’s wild-heather moorland and rolling landscape draw walkers up, over and in between gorges, tors and steep hilltops, while Liberty Trails invites riders to explore the area on horseback. Some of the UK’s best climbing and bouldering takes place on Lundy island, or you can find adventurous sea cliffs to conquer on the Culm coast. Cobbled Clovelly is the West Country’s answer to medieval Rye in East Sussex and looks out over Bideford Bay with views of secluded Burgh Island (only accessed by foot at low tide). Kayak across the estuary from Appledore to Instow and feast on lobster at The Glorious Oyster, or work up an appetite on your longboard at Bantham beach before a cream tea at the Gastrobus.
Where to stay for the weekend in Devon:
Gara Rock’s sensational sea views give way to an uncluttered hotel with a restaurant that the locals love. For a steps-from-the-sand stay, it's hard to beach Harbour Beach Club. We also love Glebe House in Southleigh, which was on our 2022 Hot List of the best new hotel openings in the world, and The Mole Resort, set across 25 acres. For more, see our edit of the best hotels in Devon.
Getty Images18. Scottish Borders, England and Scotland
As much as we love exploring bonnie Scotland, you don’t have to go far beyond the border to stumble upon wonderful landscapes, chocolate-box villages and ancient ruins. The region stretches between some of the country’s most popular destinations yet remains surprisingly quiet and crowd-free. It’s just south of Edinburgh, between the fringed edges of the Pentland Hills and Northumberland National Park, with plenty of medieval villages, crumbling castles and quiet hamlets.
Start with Melrose, a quaint spot with a rich history, from its 12th-century abbey to the panoramic Harmony Garden. Rumour has it King Arthur is buried in the hills overlooking the town, and the sprawling countryside inspired Sir Walter Scott, who bought a house nearby. On the north bank of the River Tweed, Peebles is a handsome town with an old Parish church, party-style bunting on the high street and lots of pretty cafés and restaurants. Wander around its galleries – Tweeddale is housed in a building dating back to the 16th century – or head out for long hikes and to visit historic castles.
Where to stay for the weekend in the Scottish Borders:
Head to Barns Bothy near Kirkton Manor for a cute country retreat for two, or take over the cottage and tower next door for larger groups. Or for something cosier, try this barn conversion where sheep roam freely outside, with a roaring log fire and plenty of hiking trails nearby.
Sophie Knight19. East Sussex, England
An hour on the train from London, East Sussex has coast, countryside and creative communities to connect with. It’s a great call for those dashing out of the city: leave on Friday night, commute in on Monday morning and enjoy three nights away without taking any time off work. In the south, Brighton is best known for its late nights and live music, plus its pebbly beach and lanes of vintage shops. Further along the coast, you can find the vertical drops of Cuckmere Haven and Birling Gap, where bone-white cliffs look over the English Channel. Go during high tide if you want to swim, and then head inland to the South Downs for a walk through meandering waterways, poppy fields and ancient woodland.
Rye and Lewes are lovely old market towns with antiques shops and quirky bookstores, Firle Beacon has the most breathtaking hilltop views around and historic village Alfriston has been put back on the map with the 2021 renovation of The Star by hotelier Olga Polizzi. Wear out little ones on Ashdown Forest, with family-friendly walks and Pooh sticks at Pooh Sticks Bridge. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to some of our favourite country pubs – The Hatch Inn and The Coach and Horses both have lovely beer gardens and chunky, triple-cooked chips, plus local ales.
Where to stay for the weekend in East Sussex:
Hove has The Ginger Pig (make sure you book a room with a bathtub). The Star in Alfriston is the place to book for the coast, and The Gallivant on Camber Sands has a breezy Hamptons feel. In Brighton, we also like No. 124 by GuestHouse and Artist Residence, as well as Harbour Hotel – see our round-up of the best hotels in Brighton for more ideas on where to stay in the city. There are also some beautiful Airbnbs for ultimate privacy such as this romantic woodland log shed and this gorgeous beach house.
Getty Images20. Manchester, England
Is Manchester the best UK city break? There is a vibrant food scene, spanning next-level bakeries, seasonal pasta places, and humming food halls. Some of our favourite restaurants in Manchester include 2024-opened Skof, which was one of our UK’s Top New Restaurants, and Bib Gourmand-awarded Higher Ground. There’s also some excellent bars (we like Speak in Code, which has slick cocktails and a hip-hop playlist), as well as a crop of new hotels that have opened over the past few years. Art lovers make tracks for The Lowry Gallery (other great museums include The Whitworth, Manchester Jewish Museum and Manchester Art Gallery), and there's a flurry of vintage shops across Ancoats and the Northern Quarter for indulgent shopping sprees.
Where to stay for the weekend in Manchester:
Pastel-hued Whitworth Locke is one of the best hotels in Manchester – more your own apartment than a traditional place to stay, with kitchens in each of the suites, an adjoining coffee shop and restaurant, and a co-working space. We also recommend new-for-2025 opening Treehouse Manchester, an offshoot of the London hotel with the same name, and Victorian Kimpton Clocktower Hotel.
Getty Images21. Wester Ross, Scotland
So much more than a jumping-off point to reach the Isle of Skye, Wester Ross – made up of the western parts of Ross and Cromarty in Scotland’s Northwest Highlands – is like a fantasy landscape. “Mountains of sandstone (many of them Munros: Scottish peaks above 3,000 feet) topple into screes of quartzite, ranges broadening until the sea disappears from view,” Antonia Quirke writes of Wester Ross.
The area has one of the lowest population densities in Europe, giving the feeling that you have the place all to yourself. Don't miss a trip to Applecross Pass, nearly 2,000 feet high, which peeks over the Minch to Skye and Rassay.
Where to stay for the weekend in Wester Ross:
The Glenelg Inn is high-spirited sort of place, with brilliant pub food. The Torridon, meanwhile, was built in the late 19th century; a grand but cosy hotel with a covetable whisky bar.