The Best Bits of Britain for a Weekend Away

Britain has a wealth of lovely places to getaway to for the weekend, all just waiting for you to discover them. Whether you are looking for an exciting weekend city break, or a cosy rural hideaway there are heaps of places to choose from. And Britain really does have it all – there’s stunning countryside, dramatic mountains, spectacular seaside spots and a whole host of amazing cities to visit all here on our little green isle! So look no further: here’s our guide to the best bits of Britain for a weekend away:

Mountains
If it’s dramatic mountains you are looking for then the Lake District is the prefect choice for a weekend away. It is England’s largest National Park, which includes England’s highest mountain – Scafell Pike. The walking is stunning and there are many maps and guidebooks available, as well as online resources, to help you plan your routes. We think that Cartmel makes a lovely little start off point. Nestled in South Lakes, it is everything you would want from a Lakeland village, with gorgeous stone and slate cottages and a stream running through it. Cartmel is famous as the home of ‘sticky toffee pudding’ and even has a Michelin starred restaurant, L’enclume, which is well worth a visit. If you are planning a break this summer, check out late cottage deals to find somewhere cosy and homely to stay in Cartmel.

Sea
If you are after a getaway by the sea there is nowhere more perfect than Padstow in Cornwall, on the wild Atlantic coastline. This pretty little fishing village has a whole range of options for accommodation from last minute cottages, to B&B’s to some very nice hotels nearby. Rick Steins eating establishments will keep you busy when it comes to food – with everything from good old-fashioned fish and chips, to some stunning modern British cuisine. This is a great spot for watersports lovers too, with surfing, sailing and sea-swimming all possible nearby.

Countryside
If you are seeking rolling hills, wonderful vistas and some quintessential English countryside, then take a break in the Cotswolds. You’ll have no trouble unwinding at the lovely pace of rural life you will find here. The historic market town of Stow-on-the-Wold makes for a great start off point and puts you in close proximity to some of the Cotswold’s hidden gems. Pay a visit to Daylesford Organic Farm Shop, where you can do everything from take lunch, to shop for goodies to take home, to join in with a yoga class. Or, if you are weekending with the kids we highly recommend a visit to the Cotswold Wildlife Park, where they have everything from penguins to lions! Stop off at nearby Burford afterwards, to see another pretty village with honey coloured limestone houses and many a great spot to enjoy a cream tea!

City Break
The obvious choice for a city break in the UK is London. But the capital is often wildly overpriced and you have to battle crowds wherever you go, so what about giving Birmingham a go instead? Birmingham is conveniently located towards the centre of the country, making it easy to get to from most spots in the UK. And it has some fantastic galleries and museums, including Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which is home to the largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite art work in the world. There’s no shortage of accommodation in the city too, from cheap and cheerful, to luxury and contemporary, you will find something to suit every budget. Birmingham is also home to the Bull Ring shopping centre, where there is something for everyone with over 160 stores.

These are our favourite spots in the UK to escape to for the weekend, but there are many more! So get out there and get exploring – a whole host of fun weekend getaway destinations await!