Britain is a beautiful country with a rich history, culture and natural wonders. But you may know that when it comes to picking a place for a break[long or short], you may need help. You may not be able to decide what to choose.
The country has many options, from sandy beaches to the countryside to historical cities. To help you find the right place for a weekend break, we have picked up some places to help you experience Britain’s wonders and all it has to offer.
1. The Buzz of London
What could be a better place than the capital for a getaway, especially if you like big cities and their vibrancy? And when you combine this with the relaxation of a luxury hotel, you are all set.
We suggest staying at the Sofitel London St James to have the best of both worlds. This hotel is set to wrap you in its luxurious interiors just metres away from the buzzing Pall Mall and Piccadilly Square. There is no match to its style, sophistication and exquisite food at its restaurant Wild Honey.
The rooms are spacious and modern, with bright furnishings, contemporary art and classic luxuries. And the spa oozes French flair and indulgence with exceptional facials and massages.
2. Spa and Fossil Hunting in Dorset
If the countryside excites you, rural Dorset has an attractive option. The property Summer Lodge Country House Hotel is just half an hour away from the Jurassic Coast. It is a grand yet, informal five-star spot with a luxurious spa, an all-weather tennis court and a drawing room designed by Thomas Hardy.
If you want to explore the surrounding rural countryside, you can borrow bikes and go around. You could even head further afield to the famous coastline, where hunting for fossils is a must.
3. Horse Riding and Boutique Chic in the New Forest
Sometimes we want the luxury of a city hotel in the middle of nowhere, like the middle of a forest. If that’s what you want, we have just the right place for you. The Huntsman of Brockenhurst is a boutique bang in the middle of New Forest. You could go horse riding at the local stables, see wild ponies roaming the streets, or enjoy pretty country walks in the heathland and forest trails.
4. A Wellness Weekend in Cornwall
Holidays are not only about eating, drinking and making merry. Sometimes wellness could also be on the cards. If so, you could head to St Michael’s Resort for a fantastic weekend break.
With a super-swish spa and fitness programme, you can choose what you want to do. For example, you could choose a yoga class or simply relax in the Cedarwood hot tub or Hydra pool.
To enjoy scrumptious food, you could walk the coastal Path and get to the restaurant with a sea-facing deck.
Should you wish to relax, you could also enjoy the stunning views across the sub-tropical gardens to Gyllyngvase Beach.
5. A Hideaway on the Beachfront in Brighton
We have the perfect spot for a weekend break, steps from the beach. It is called Artist Residence, and it is located in Brighton. The rooms have sweeping sea views, and you are just a pebble’s throw from the shops in the fashionable area of The Lanes. You are also very close to the British Airways i360 tower. To top it all, ice creams, fish and chips await you on the beach.
6. A Regal Country Retreat in Yorkshire
If you want to feel like royalty, Goldsborough Hall, a 400-year-old upscale country retreat once the home of Princess Mary, the aunt of Queen Elizabeth II, is waiting for you.
The property has beautiful period features, luxurious four-poster beds, Chesterfields sofas, and a three AAA rosette fine dining restaurant.
What is more, the upmarket spa town of Harrogate, with its posh eateries, boutique shops, pretty parks and art galleries, is just 20 minutes away. You can also roam around in the Yorkshire moors and visit historic buildings.
7. History, Culture and a Stylish Hotel in Oxford
Arguably the trendiest hotel in Oxford, The Old Bank is a modern and stylish place to make your base for exploring this historically-rich city. As well as The Botanic Garden, Magdalen Bridge and the River Cherwell, all within five minutes of the hotel, there are views over iconic college buildings like the University Church of St Mary and Radcliffe Camera.
You’ll enjoy how the period features sit next to impressive modern art and the buzzy brasserie. You can also head down the river towpath on two wheels on the hotel’s bikes.
8. Fell-Walking and Michelin-Starred Dining in the Lake District
Foodies and walkers will be in heaven in this weekend getaway in the Lake District. The Forest Side Hotel is on the edge of picturesque Grasmere and is full of epic walks and equally impressive dishes.
The Victorian mansion is home to a Michelin-starred restaurant in a cosy and relaxed atmosphere. And when you can’t eat another morsel, you can be at the top of the Helm Crag fell in 90 minutes.
9. Outdoor Swimming and Countryside Tramping in Hampshire
Tylney Hall in Hampshire is a lovely property for a weekend. It has a beautiful spa and indoor pool for relaxing, and when the weather is good, the vast outdoor pool becomes wildly inviting.
There are 66 acres of grounds to explore (dogs and children welcome), croquet, and bikes for hire, and the Victorian mansion offers the sort of splendour reminiscent of a bygone era.
And, if you’re a historical, literary fan, there is a treat for you. For example, you can drive 20 minutes to visit Jane Austen’s Grade I-listed home in Chawton, where she wrote many novels.
10. Country Walks and Honey-Hued Villages in the Cotswolds
Weekend getaways in the UK don’t get much more charming than the Cotswolds. Countryside ambles, picturesque villages and a burgeoning foodie scene make this a sought-after spot for mini breaks.
And while there, The Slaughters Manor House could be a great option. The place offers the quintessential honey-coloured appeal, with old-world beauty on the outside and a cool, contemporary interior.
The interiors are all about roaring fires and squishy sofas alongside a sleek cocktail bar, games room and Hunter wellies. To enjoy the outside, you could walk from Lower Slaughter to Upper Slaughter.
11. Country and Coastal Beauty in Norfolk
If you like dune-backed stretches of golden sands, marshes that are a haven for birdwatchers and cute shops with antique shops and delectable tea rooms, Norfolk is just the place for you.
You could stay at The Dial House for chic interiors, delicious dining and in-room spa treatments. The beautiful beaches of Cromer and Sheringham are just 35 minutes away.
12. Beachside Bliss and a Rooftop Terrace in Devon
If you want to soak in the sun while enjoying the coast views, we suggest you head to Salcombe Harbour Hotel, a lovely and chic hotel on the shores of the Salcombe Estuary. You could sit on the rooftop and enjoy the views while sipping cocktails.
You could enjoy walks along the coast and the freshest day catch at the waterside restaurant. The place is just half an hour from Dartmoor National Park.
13. Vineyard Views in West Sussex
It’s no secret that you will find UK’s best wine in the south. But while it’s usually English fizz that attracts most of the buzz, the South Downs is also home to England’s first pinotage vineyard at the picture-perfect Leonardslee Estate.
Check in into the beautiful Leonardslee House, an 1855 Italianate-style mansion revamped in 2019 with impressive results. The ten high-ceilinged guest rooms with British-designed furnishings and carefully curated collections of books and illustrations give a stylish elegance to this weekend getaway.
Take advantage of the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Interlude, where an 18-course tasting menu championing estate-foraged ingredients can be paired with wines from Leonardslee’s sister vineyard in South Africa.
14. An Underground Spa and City Break in Bath
If you want to combine a city break with a stay in a luxury hotel, then The Gainsborough Bath Spa is the place for you. The property has a unique feature- thermal mineral waters pump directly into its underground spa and spa suites.
The opulent hotel is tucked down a quiet side street in the centre of Bath, so you’re perfectly placed to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site city from your indulgent base. Take in the Roman Baths, the Georgian terraces at the Royal Crescent, and climb the Bath Abbey tower.
Remember to grab a Sally Lunn bun (cakes at the oldest house in Bath, now a tea room).
15. Soak up the Heritage in Henley-on-Thames
For a perfect riverside staycation, you can escape to the 12th-century market town Henley-on-Thames, which sits beside the River Thames and is overlooked by the gorgeous Chilterns. Known for its annual Royal Regatta, Henley attracts the world’s finest rowers and is an excellent place to enjoy your boat trip down the river during a weekend getaway.
While there, you will want to check into the Hotel Du Vin, housed in a building that spent centuries as a brewery, which is ironic when you see the length of the wine list! The hotel has retained most of its heritage while boasting warm and inviting spaces. It blends Georgian details with modern furnishings. Alfresco meals in the courtyard are also a highlight!
16. Weekend Champers in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a beautiful city, and when you check into a hotel like The Market Street Hotel, it makes your vacation even more worthwhile.
The hotel is part of Edinburgh’s historic city skyline and boasts a beautiful rooftop lounge and champagne bar. It’s also ideally located for all the sights, just minutes on foot from the Royal Mile.
Sleek, contemporary interiors of the hotel are complemented by thoughtful touches like freshly roasted coffee and milk frothers in the stylish bedrooms. The food is also sublime, washed down with champagne.
Must-visits like Camera Obscura, the National Museum of Scotland, and Edinburgh Castle are a hop, skip and jump away.
17. Countryside Bliss in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Hole up in a country estate in Pembrokeshire for a gorgeous weekend break that combines the best of the countryside and the coast.
The Slebech Park Estate is a luxurious waterside boutique B&B sitting on a tidal river estuary in the heart of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
There are lovely woodland walks on the doorstep, while the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and stunning beaches are just 17 miles away.
18. Luxury Cottage Bliss in North Yorkshire
If a long weekend is around the corner, you could go to North Yorkshire, where this fabulously family and dog-friendly cottage awaits. From North York cottage experts Holiday at Home, Paddock View is the luxurious home- away from home that everyone will love – including fussy teens. Set in the adorable village of Osmotherley, it’s in the perfect location to enjoy long walks and cycle rides in the North York Moors National Park.
The property has four hotel-like bedrooms (complete with waffle robes and perfectly-made beds) and a kitchen/dining/lounging space giving you everything you need for a mini-break, including an Aga, kitchen island and cosy log burner.
The games room with a table football and an Xbox is ideal for keeping the kids entertained, while the grandparents will love the beautiful garden. There’s a pizza oven and BBQ for alfresco family feasts and a stunning dining room to spend quality time eating together.
So what are you waiting for? Pick up one of the above options for a weekend break, and have a wonderful time!
What do you think?