Best Weekend Getaways In The UK

It's no surprise that holidaying within the UK sees millions of people venture on domestic vacations every year, with the South West being a firm favourite. In 2022, £45 billion was spent on day trips within the country so it doesn't take much to see that our country has a lot to offer in the way of cosy hotels and seaside fun (Brighton and Bournemouth, we're looking at you). Whether you're off for a romp across Cornwall and keen to stay in a luxury cell, or you're keen to dabble in a Somerset cider experience, our guide to the best places for a weekend away in the UK has something for you.

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 10th July 2024




London: Sanctuary House

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It can be hard to find the ideal place to stay in the heart of the city, right? Well, Sanctuary House has you covered with a Westminster location, stylish bedrooms and a Fuller's pub for pies or fish and chips washed down by beer. Hop off the tube at Green Park and make your way over to a grand, 19th-century building with 35 rooms featuring espresso coffee machines, flat-screen TVs and ensuite bathrooms. Wander downstairs in the morning to fuel up with a full English or smashed avocado on toast alongside heritage tomatoes, then venture out to see the sights of the city, bypassing the abbey and Big Ben. 

Cornwall: The Chapel Restaurant & Bar

Make Cornwall your weekend away destination by booking yourselves into The Chapel Restaurant & Bar and Bodmin Jail Hotel. Surrounded by coastal cliffs and home to luxury cells where you can rest your head, it's a one-of-a-kind stay. Not only is it a stunning place to eat in its own right and a famous 18th-century prison too, but there are Sistine Chapel-inspired light shows at dinner for a truly unique experience. Executive head chef Dane Watkins oversees the kitchen here to expertly craft indulgent mains such as plaice paupiette with smoked mackerel, artichoke and dill, plus cod loin alongside a lobster bisque, gremolata and mussels. 

Edinburgh: Le Monde

A boutique hotel, restaurant and bar, Le Monde is a bonafide beauty for your next trip away whether it's with your partner or you're looking for a solo escape to the gorgeous city. While Edinburgh is all moody, historic streets and stunning sights, the interiors here are modern with pinks, blues and neon lights. The George Street haunt comes with 18 individually designed bedrooms inspired by cosmopolitan cities, from Los Angeles to Pairs, plus there's a delicious food and drink menu to explore. Pair international plates of Jägerschnitze or beef goulash with signature sips like the Gin Gin Cosmo, influenced by New York. What's more, you can even party 'til late here, with the Shanghai nightclub, an intimate den with an Oriental charm fronting music and cocktail classes.

Dorset: Bear Of Burton

Best-price weekend breaks in the UK are topped off by Bear Of Burton; a Dorset stay that gives you affordable rooms, pub vibes and the chance to head to the seaside. Only a moment's walk from Christchurch Railway Station, it comes with a traditional, beautifully restored boozer aesthetic and ten rooms that feature free-standing bathtubs, distressed wooden panelled walls and gorgeous, rich bedsteads. Sleep in Egyptian cotton bedding and make the most of the Teapigs teas you'll find stashed away. Munch British grub at the restaurant like baked camembert, battered haddock and chips, or Caesar salads before making your way to Avon beach or venturing further out of town to Bournemouth.

London: The Montague on The Gardens Hotel

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Looking to stay in the heart of the Capital? Located in London's West End, The Montague on The Gardens Hotel is a gorgeous Georgian townhouse with stunning bedrooms that are all uniquely designed with cool artwork and quirky furnishings. There are also four high-end bars and restaurants here, including one on the outdoor terrace, where you can enjoy premium British fare and afternoon tea in elegant surrounds. What's more, it's right opposite the British Museum if you fancy visiting some tourist attractions.

Dorset: Summer Lodge

A five-star hotel in the heart of the Dorset countryside, Summer Lodge offers the perfect spot for a luxurious lunch, afternoon tea or sublime dinner. The Georgian house can be found in the charming village of Evershot surrounded by four acres of gorgeous garden. Alongside a three AA Rosette-awarded restaurant with a fork-to-farm approach to plates of heritage tomato tarts and curried monkish, the hotel also boasts a spa and spaces for private events or weddings. It's also a 25-minute drive away from the Jurassic coast, making it ideal for those who wish to venture out into nature for the day after a well-earned rest in one of its cosy suites. 

Teddington: The Park

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A Grade II-listed building that houses a 44-bedroom hotel, The Park Teddington is the ideal overnight stop-off for exploring both Bushy Park and Hampton Court Palace. It fronts stylish decor from the onset, with a rich, brown-panelled dining room and modern art fixed to the walls, alongside floral wallpaper suites with plush velvet furnishings. Rest your head in the comfortable rooms, go sightseeing and munch on British classics whipped up under the talented eye of head chef Gary who uses seasonal ingredients to plate up delicious dishes like a signature sausage roll filled with cranberry, mustard, fennel seeds and chilli, plus chickpea and butternut squash tagine. 

Newcastle: Great North Hotel

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When only a great stay in Newcastle will do, the Great North Hotel has your back. This affordable yet sleek destination is sure to tick every box, while the venue is also perfect for wedding receptions and other private functions as well. Unwind in stylish, modern rooms decorated with wooden panelling, soft lighting and completed with luxury linen. If you get peckish throughout your trip then you're in luck as it's home to Pizza Dough, the contemporary dough masters serving New York-style slices. Much-loved pub Three Mile is also just down the road, offering a great meeting point for a couple of cocktails, dinner, tea or coffee. 

Edinburgh: Angels Share

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For one of the top 10 UK weekend breaks for couples, get a load of Angels Share. This gorgeous Edinburgh destination is a plush boutique hotel filled with elegant chandeliers, leather seating and gallery walls, all within proximity to the famous castle. The 31 bedrooms each boast unique, stylish Scottish designs, nodding to individual, renowned icons and come with amenities like luxurious toiletries and a Dyson Hot & Cool Fan. In the bright, expansive restaurant you'll find an extensive range of whisky and a cleverly crafted cocktail menu, as well as a food list that includes harissa spiced lentils and beetroot pastrami, confit duck leg and a signature cheeseburger. If you're keen to learn some tipple skills yourself, you can even book into a cocktail masterclass for £30 per person. 

Oxford: Head of the River

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Ideal for a two-night break, Oxford is a small but stunning city filled with things to see. Explore historic university colleges and streets, as well as the Ashmolean Museum or the castle and prison, all with Head of the River as your home for the weekend. This pub is right on the water, offering scenic views of Folly Bridge as well as 19 comforting bedrooms that are modern by design and cosy by nature. Wake up every morning to a freshly cooked breakfast of streaky bacon American pancakes or creamed kale and poached eggs, or enjoy a delicious, packed sandwich for lunch, filled with avocado, black olives and pesto. 

Edinburgh & Manchester: DogHouse

Offering the most fun weekends away for adults in the UK, DogHouse's Manchester and Edinburgh locations aren't to be missed. Not only can you add packages that include taps in the room, beer fridges and meals, but the spaces themselves ooze effortless cool. At the former, you'll find towering ceilings, dangling foliage and an outside terrace home to a cosy firepit, and at the latter? A laidback rooftop where you can enjoy nachos and signature sips. The 18-boutique roomed hotel is the first carbon-negative beer hotel in the country and if that isn't enough to pique your interest, then maybe its vinyl collection and buffalo wings are.

Norwich: Hoste

You'll feel like royalty at The Hoste Arms, an elegant country pub, restaurant and hotel found in the North Norfolk village of Burnham Market. They've got rooms to suit all sizes - including apartments and even a whole house, which makes it perfect for weekend getaways as a couple or with a group of friends. You can also find a cinema and spa on site, with great golf courses and coastal walks nearby, and their menu is pretty impressive too - we're talking pan-seared lamb rump, creamy white bean stew, lobster bisque risotto and much more.

London: The Coach & Horses Kew

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Thanks to being home to Kew Gardens, this is one of the most sought-after London locations for a weekend away. Not only is it an easy distance to nearby Richmond and a tube ride to central, but you can also peruse the famous space before munching and bedding down at The Coach & Horses. The Georgian building plays host to lazy stays topped up with delicious breakfast cocktails, craft beers and wines, as well as delicious pub food. Secure your floral-designed bedroom with quirky side tables and plush bedding, before making your way downstairs for a hearty dinner of ox cheek and pitchfork cheddar croquettes to start, followed by pan-roasted sea trout or slow-cooked lamb pie.

Brighton: Downs Hotel

Brighton's Downs Hotel has to be right up there with quieter out-of-town locations that offer a tranquil escape from the city but still, the opportunity to dip your toes into the eclectic wonders of the Lanes should you so wish. The cute boozer can be found on Warren Road with an expansive beer garden out front and inside, cosy rooms equipped with TVs, hairdryers, and free Wi-Fi. Expect country views in the restaurant and a pub-style menu to boot, with the likes of steak and venison pie, lamb shank and Hunter's chicken up for munching, followed by a S'mores chocolate brownie. 

Manchester: Moxy

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Got your eyes set on Manchester for your next weekend away? Moxy will make it happen, thanks to stylish rooms and a dog-friendly bar that's slinging out pizzas 24/7 while also shaking up cocktails themed around the city. Snacks and drinks are also available around the clock, and come the morning time you'll be able to delight in a breakfast buffet. Its suites are equipped with 42-inch flat-screen televisions and high-quality sound systems and are home to either one or two kingsize beds. Be bowled over by its sleek, quirky designs as soon as you walk in (retro beanbags anyone?) and make this your stop-off when looking to go out in the city. 

Oxfordshire: The Trout Inn

Tucked away in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, The Trout Inn is a 17th century building that screams British countryside. It's surrounded by gorgeous stretches of green and it's situated close to the river Thames, making for a peaceful place to stay. Expect cosy interiors, traditional fireplaces and exposed brick walls, with comfy rooms to boot. Be sure to check out the pub-style dining areas as well, where you can enjoy AA Rosette-awarded menus that feature everything from pan-fried seabass to British steak and Malbec pie or roasted celeriac steak.

Chertsey: The Bridge

The Bridge Hotel is found right on the Thames with the beautiful backdrop of the Grade II-listed Chertsey Bridge. It's also just a mile away from the station and has amazing views from the pub terrace - a winner all round. It fronts 47 rooms, as well as a gorgeous conservatory where you can wine and dine overlooking the water, among fairy lights and lanterns. Before you catch a ride into Surrey or Central London, take a dip in a roll-top bath or tuck into fresh British produce in the restaurant, used lovingly to create plates of bourbon-glazed pork t-bone or pork and fennel sausages. The Sunday roasts are worth staying for alone, too. 

Cardiff: The Pontcanna

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Being near the Castle, the Principality and Cardiff City Stadiums make The Pontcanna the perfect pick for any kind of weekend away. Throw in some extracurricular excursions with the knowledge that you'll have a beautiful boutique room to rest your head in at the end of the day - from botanical wallpaper to cosy woodland-inspired furnishings and cool, en-suite bedrooms. The downstairs restaurant serves eggs Benedict for breakfast, spaghetti carbonara for lunch and dinner featuring battered haddock or salt-baked celeriac katsu curry. Tuck into a fresh feast before embarking on a short stroll to the centre through Bute Park.

Buckinghamshire: Red Lion Chenies

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If you're looking for a break from the city, drive on over to Buckinghamshire where you'll find the independently-owned Red Lion Chenies. As well as offering charming interiors in the form of ox-blood coloured walls and shabby chic brickwork, plus boasting a spacious beer garden, the country pub serves a best of British-style menu that's sure to warm your cockles. Throughout the week you'll be able to tuck into beef burgers topped with melted applewood cheddar and honey-glazed ham chops, and then on Sundays, the quaint haunt pulls out the stops with its roasts. What's more, it's dog-friendly so your pooch can have a little getaway too.

Somerset: Thatchers Cider Tour

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Head over to Myrtle Farm on Station Road in Somerset, where Thatchers are welcoming cider lovers to their farm to enjoy and learn more about the frothy sips. What can you expect? Along with a guided tour and some witty stories from the century-old company, you'll also get to sample some brews with tickets starting from £15 per person. Why not make a day of it too, after you've finished sipping on apple-flavoured goodness, as the National Trust's Dolebury Warren is only a short drive away, too. 

Cambridge: The Crown & Punchbowl

Looking to see this historical university city from a stunning location just outside? Check out The Crown & Punchbowl. It's the best of both worlds, with modern yet cosy rooms alongside a traditional pub space for British fare and drinks. While well-connected to checking out the likes of St Mary's and the botanical gardens, it's also within distance of Ely and the Newmarket Races making it the ideal stop-off for many occasions. The 17th-century, Grade II-listed boutique inn offers nine rooms to curl up in, each complete with twin or super king-sized beds. On a Sunday, you'll find a warm dining room space filled with the smell of hearty roasts, and throughout the week a fine range of tempting plates like chicken supreme and curry-roasted cauliflower.

London: Our Capital's Most Romantic Hotels

Offering some of the best weekend getaways in the UK for couples, this list of romantic hotels across our capital city is a must-read for those looking to ditch the flat-share or the home life for a night and shack it up in style. From huge free-standing tubs in the room to Grade II-listed getaways and four-poster beds, there are all sorts in store here. Our picks include the chic and stylish The Hoxton, slap bang in the heart of Holborn near Theatreland, Karma Sanctum Soho Hotel and its rock 'n' roll spirit, plus the jaw-dropping Shangri-La and more. 

UK-Wide: Romantic Breaks On A Budget

When it comes to cheap weekend places to go for a weekend getaway in the UK, check out our dedicated guide. Does your idea of a holiday romance involve a countryside hot tub? More into Cambridge's historic streets and The Fitzwilliam Museum? A fan of seaside scenes across Dorset? We've got your back. And it won't cost you an arm and a leg either, especially not when you're meandering along the Cornish coast before tucking yourself into Fistral Beach Hotel and Spa for only £50 a night. 

Sheffield: House of JÖRO

For the best weekend breaks in the UK, make sure the House of JÖRO is on your radar. This is the sister hotel to the Michelin Guide restaurant, coming with four exquisite rooms and a chance to dine at a 10-seater chef's table, AXL. Design is minimal and clean-cut here, with monochrome woodland prints fixed to the wall, dark furnishings and free-standing bathtubs in its king-sized rooms. Each comes with complimentary Temple Spa miniature toiletries, and you can book your own drinks packages so you can start your evening with sparkling wine on arrival. Book bed and breakfast from £45 per person, or bump up your stay with an additional dinner tasting from £120, featuring the likes of Carabineros prawn, smoked egg yolk and roast chicken. 

UK-Wide: Seaside Towns For Your Weekend Break

Will only the salty sea air and sand in your toes suffice for a weekend away? Then cast your eyes over these seaside towns. Whether Pembrokeshire's Tenby, Portree in Scotland or a classic trip to Margate is more your style, find it here. We've narrowed your search down to live music and pints on the cobbled shore of Brighton, rollercoasters and sugar-coated doughnuts on the shore of Southend-on-Sea, and a quaint fishing village in the form of Robin Hood's Bay, featuring some fluffy, golden chips to enjoy overlooking the ocean. 

UK-Wide: The Prettiest Cities For A Weekend Away

The top 10 UK weekend breaks often feature some truly stunning cities, so we've compiled a list of all these stunners for you to browse and plan your next adventure. From the riverfront destinations and Georgian architecture of Bath to Bristol's famous suspension bridge and cobbled streets home to independent shops, this list really has it all. It even shows you how to make the most of Birmingham, with botanical gardens and museums aplenty, all finished off with a canal-side sip.

Scotland: The Best Staycations

Ah Scotland; a country for any sort of weekend break, from stunning cities to remote islands, breathtaking highlands and even that train from Harry Potter. Take a look at our picks on this run-down featuring boutique hotels with rooms individually designed to represent a cosmopolitan city from around the world, to Aberdeen spa havens packing vintage furniture and within close proximity to delicious eats. And if you're prone to adventuring in the outdoors? There's the Bothan Beilag Shepherds Hut for that, coming with a roaring fire pit and donkeys for neighbours.