Whether you live in the UK and are looking to book a staycation, or you live further afield and want a weekend break booked in your diary, the UK is a diverse place packed with so many fantastic destinations. From bustling cities packed with things to do, to relaxing countryside boltholes ideal for shutting away the world and just taking in the peace and quiet, there really is something for everyone.
Here we take a look at some of the best UK destinations for a long weekend that you need to try when you’re next heading away. Whether you’re going with friends, family or a romantic trip with your other half, there is something for everyone.
Tips for booking a long weekend break:
– Decide on the type of accommodation you want; whether a hotel, B&B or something else
– Book in advance to find the perfect place for you
– Consider how you will get around. Will public transport be ok or do you want to car?
– Book any activities before you go, this way yo ensure it’s available to visit and you can usually get better prices too
– Think about how much you want to spend when you are there, factoring in food and drink
– Decide if you want to stay in one place or travel to different locations in one trip
Best UK Destinations for a Long Weekend
London
London is one of the main capital cities of the world and with good reason. This bustling city is packed with restaurants, bars, activities and cultural things to do. You can make the most of the free museums such as the Science Museum, Natural History Museum and more.
There are a host of incredible restaurants, from Michelin-starred eateries to small brasseries and cuisines from all over the globe. There are also an array of hotels here, from hotels with swimming pools, to spa hotels, those in the throes of the action and those tucked away in charming little pockets of the city. Whatever you are looking for in a city break, you are sure to find it here.
Manchester
Manchester is another fabulous place when looking for a place to visit in the UK. Situated further up north and easily accessible via public transport from most places in England, you are sure to fall in love with this cool and quirky metropolis. Manchester is known for the Manchester United stadium of course and if you are a football fan, it’s well worth heading for a game or a tour of the stadium. Make time to visit the Museum of Sciences & Industry for a real interactive experience as well as the art gallery and Manchester Museum.
Windsor
Windsor is a must for any royal fans as this is where many royal weddings and events have taken place over the years. You can book in for tours of Windsor Castle or wander around yourself taking in the history. The river Thames flows here and when the weather is nice, why not take a boat to the water where you can go on tours and see the beautiful views of the river side. If you have kids, be sure to take a trip to Legoland Windsor which is easily accessible by car or public transport.
Rye
Rye is a little English town nestled in East Sussex that is filled with stunning Medieval townhouses and packed with history. We recommend you find a cottage or one of their period-style properties to stay in which perfectly captures the historical vibes of this beautiful destination. You can visit the local St Mary’s Church, 14th Century Ypres Tower which is also a museum and take on some of the local walking routes.There are many cosy cafes that are ideal for stopping for a coffee or a spot of lunch as well as local pubs where you can head for a drink.
The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is one of the most beautiful destinations in the UK and has so many reasons you should visit when looking for a long-weekend destination in the UK. Offering a real slice of rural England, it is known for its rolling hills, beautiful fields and meadows, charming villages and boutique shops.
It’s a great place to go if you have a dog – there are plenty of dog-friendly hotels – as there are many walking routes your four-legged pal will thank you for. You could book an AirBnB, a luxury resort hotel or even go camping should you wish to really get down with nature.
Torquay
Torquay is a seaside resort in the South West of England, it’s known for its many beaches and beautiful views as well as its abundance of things to do. When you are here, make time to visit the Babbacombe model village where you can see a host of models of local sights, as well as the prehistoric caves if you are someone that loves to explore.
You can go to the Torre Abbey – a monastery that was first founded in 1196 where you can see a range of artwork and beautiful gardens ideal for a wander around. Being such a coastal destination there are many water sports you can do too including a coastal RIB ride as well as boat trips.
Bath
When it comes to a destination packed with stunning architecture, Bath ticks all the boxes. The city centre has a range of things to see and do and has a city vibe with a real historical edge. On your trip you need to go to the Bath Thermae spa where you can experience the healing waters in the same way as the Romans once did. For those that enjoy a shop, there are plenty of places to do that here, including smaller, boutique shops as well as designer and high street ones too.
Brighton
Brighton is known for being one of the quirkiest and most fun cities in the UK – and for good reason. A seaside city, there is plenty to do during your visit, including going on the Palace Pier where you can go on the rides, get fish and chips while walking along the seafront or even take a trip on their zip wire. There are many restaurants for you to enjoy, as well as plenty of cool bars and pubs. Accommodation-wise, there is something for everyone, including hotels, B&B’s and more. Brighton is also known for its shopping and its close vicinity to the South Downs with many walking routes.
Yorkshire
Yorkshire is known to be one of the places in the UK with some of the most stunning countryside views and places to visit. It has a host of picturesque towns and villages for you to explore including Runswick Bay and Whitby. Known for its rich Roman and Viking heritage, be sure to get your history fix at the JORVIK Viking Centre as well as many of the Tudor houses scattered around the city. For any rail enthusiasts, the National Railway Museum York is a must! Yorkshire is also known for its fab foodie scene!
These are just a few of the amazing locations in the UK which are ideal when you are looking to get away for a long weekend. Whether you decide to take a day off on Friday or head straight after work and make the most of your time over the weekend it’s up to you. What are some of the best places you like to go to for a long weekend? Let us know in the comments below.
