The best weekend breaks in the UK and Ireland
We often cast our gaze to hazy tropics and far-flung cities when planning our getaways. But it’s easy to forget that weekend breaks in the UK and Ireland can mean white-sand beaches, stirring metropoles, dramatic landscapes and pretty villages. With unspoilt stretches of coast just a few hours from London, towns of honey-stone scattered among rolling hills and interesting cities in every corner of the country, a full-on escape can be undertaken with a simple few days away from home. So we’ve rounded up the best weekend breaks in the UK – with ideas on what to do and a handful of smart places to stay – to make the most of what’s on our doorstep.
For more inspiration, see our UK guides:
- The best hotels in the UK
- The best holiday homes to rent in the UK
- The best Airbnbs in the UK
- The best holiday cottages in the UK
- The best log cabins in the UK
Where can I go for a weekend break in the UK?
Getty Images1. 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. These days, its 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.
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. For a countryside stay, this modern brick barn retreat is surrounded by rolling hills. For more, see our guide to the best Airbnbs in the Peak District.
Getty Images2. 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. 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.
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.
Getty Images3. 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 Padstow seafood spot – being joined by outposts from London’s top chefs. Plus, there’s a buzzing art crowd – such as in Penzance, where indie shops and art galleries are drawing visitors.
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.
Getty Images4. The 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 things to do in the Cotswolds, head to beautiful gardens attached to extraordinary manor houses and seek out smart-as-can-be independent stores.
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. 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 Images5. Donegal, Ireland
If you have longer than a weekend, a trip along Ireland’s coast, flitting from town to town, is a brilliant getaway. But for those with limited time looking for one spot to hunker down, wide-skyed Donegal in the remote north-west corner of the country has brilliant beaches and is known for its music and soft landscapes. The county is also part of the Wild Atlantic Way, a road that clings to the ragged coast of western Ireland.
Where to stay for the weekend in Donegal:
Danny Minnie’s is easily the best table to book in the area and has a handful of rooms to tumble into after supper. Or take over one of the Donegal Thatched Cottages as your own – they sit right on the Atlantic Ocean.
Getty Images6. New Forest, England
Ponies and wild horses roam the New Forest, the largest unenclosed forest in southern England. It's now a national park, roaming 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. 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.
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. For something grander, book a stay at Chewton Glen, one of the ultimate English grand dames. See our guide to the best New Forest hotels for more.
Getty Images7. Somerset, 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. In the wake of the Hauser & Wirth gallery arriving in once-sleepy Bruton, the 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 Number One Bruton, as well as the much buzzed about The Newt in Somerset. See our guide to the best hotels in Somerset for more.
Getty Images8. 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.
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 Images9. Dorset, England
Less shouted about than neighbouring Devon, 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.
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.
Getty Images10. 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 has a pretty main street and a penchant for oysters on the beach). For foodies, 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.
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 Rachel O’Sullivan, formerly of London’s Polpo and Towpath Café.
Sophie Knight11. 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 adrenalin-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 Images12. 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.
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.
Getty Images13. 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 Images14. Lake District, England
With its dramatic, undulating landscape, the Lake District is one of the most famous national parks in Cumbria (and 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.
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 for 2021, 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.
Getty Images15. 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. For more, see our edit of the best hotels in Devon.
Getty Images16. 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 Knight17. 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. There are also some beautiful Airbnbs for ultimate privacy such as this romantic woodland log shed and this gorgeous beach house.
Getty Images18. Manchester, England
Is Manchester the best UK city break? There is a vibrant restaurant scene – spanning next-level bakeries, seasonal pasta places, and humming food halls – and excellent bars, as well as a crop of new hotels that have opened over the past few years. Art lovers make tracks for The Lowry 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 East Sussex:
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.