Britain's best weekend getaways are perfect for escaping this autumn
Weekend getaways and breaks away in the UK are perfect for exploring the beauty of Britain in 2024. With staycations more popular than ever nowadays – and with good reason – it's time to start browsing ideas for your next UK trip.
To help you find the right holiday for you, we've picked the best weekend breaks to experience Britain's many wonders, whether you fancy getting away from it all at a country house hotel in Yorkshire, or experiencing fell walking and Michelin-starred dining in the Lake District.
You could hit the sweeping stretches of the best sandy beaches on coastal weekend breaks in the likes of Cornwall, Devon or Norfolk; head out on a horse ride in the heathlands and trails of the New Forest, or soak up the history and culture on a spa-spangled city break in Bath and enjoy art galleries, punting and iconic college buildings in Oxford.
There's so much to experience on a weekend break in the UK that reducing your carbon footprint by staycationing at home will feel like a breeze.
A weekend getaway is also the perfect way to explore Britain's beauty - whether you prefer to discover a new place on a solo trip, with family, a partner, friends or even on a dog-friendly holiday.
With this in mind, you'll want to check out Country Living's list of the best short trips and weekend breaks in the UK to experience this year.
For a quintessentially English weekend getaway, the chocolate-box villages of the Cotswolds are always a delight, while walkers will never be disappointed with the dramatic fells and landscapes of the Lake District. Meanwhile, the rolling countryside of Hampshire and Yorkshire are on hand to deliver your country house hotel fix.
From the best weekend getaways in Brighton to the very best short breaks in Pembrokeshire, these ideas offer a breath of fresh country, cultural and coastal air for your 2024 staycation.
And if you're looking for a weekend getaway abroad, such as a top Eurostar destination or beautiful location in France you can reach by ferry or train, you'll want to explore our ideas for the likes of Antibes, Geneva and Marseille.
A gastronomic glamping break in Cornwall
Tucked away in peaceful St Merryn, a 10-minute drive from Padstow, these luxury shepherd's huts owned by legendary chef Rick Stein are perfect for a salt-whipped, seafood-themed weekend break on the north Cornwall coast. Set in the grounds of The Cornish Arms, a country gastro pub also owned by the Stein empire, there's certainly no roughing it in the five huts, all of which have underfloor heating, Nespresso machines and boujie boutique kitchens.
And you don't need to go far for a legendary Stein meal, either. The Cornish Arms – awash with low-slung oak beams, roaring log fires and topnotch local beers – serves a treasure chest of delights, including grilled scallops, baked sea bream and Stein's signature Pondicherry hake curry for two. There's plenty of opportunity to walk it all off too, namely along the Camel Trail, a scenic 18-mile path along the estuary.
Immerse yourself in the green of the New Forest
It's impossible not to love Chewton Glen, the five-star country house hotel in the New Forest. Set within 130 acres of Hampshire's most gloriously green countryside, a trip here is simply good for the soul, whether you're enjoying the many and varied food options (including a restaurant by chef James Martin) or retreating to the rightfully renowned spa.
But the rooms are perhaps the biggest treat here, each sumptuously comfortable and charming. For adventurous types – who still want to enjoy an assured level of luxury – there are also private treehouses, complete with their own private hot tubs.
Country and coastal beauty in Norfolk
With its dune-backed stretches of golden sands, marshes that are havens for birdwatchers, and pretty villages with antique shops and delectable tea rooms, Norfolk is a wonderful spot for a weekend getaway.
Country Living recommends booking a stay at The Dial House in the sleepy village of Reepham. A Georgian mansion that oozes character and warm hospitality, it's the name to know for delicious dining, chic interiors, in-room spa treatments – making it perfect for a blissful weekend getaway. The beautiful beaches of Cromer and Sheringham are also just 35 minutes away.
A swish spa and fossil-hunting in Dorset
Enjoy a country house getaway in the heart of Hardy Country in rural Dorset, just half an hour from the scenic Jurassic Coast. Summer Lodge Country House Hotel is a grand yet informal five-star spot with a luxurious spa, all-weather tennis court, croquet lawn, farm-to-table restaurant and a drawing room designed by Thomas Hardy himself.
There are bikes to borrow if you're keen on exploring the bucolic surrounding countryside, or you can head further afield to the famous coastline, where hunting for fossils is a must.
A hip hideaway on the beachfront in Brighton
Slip into a freestanding copper bath, before heading down to sip cocktails at the buzzy bar at the trendy Artist Residence in Brighton. Just steps from the beach, it's the perfect spot for a weekend getaway.Many rooms have sweeping sea views, and you're just a pebble's throw from the shops in the fashionable area of The Lanes, as well as being near to the Brighton i360 viewing tower. Ice creams, fish and chips and picnics on the beach also await.
A Zen-style spa escape in the New Forest
Packed with chocolate box villages, thatched pubs and scenic walks through gorse-strewn heath and giant redwood forests, the New Forest merges the bucolic best of Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire countryside in one neat National Park. Once a royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror, it's still home to wild ponies, cattle, deer and donkeys, and is the perfect spot for a country escape.
On the leafy fringes of Brockenhurst village stands Careys Manor, a grand manor house hotel with wood-panelled walls, exposed brick and vast stone fireplaces. Behind its austere Victorian façade hides SenSpa, a beautiful Southeast Asian-inspired spa with an impressive hydrotherapy suite, a Thai restaurant and a Zen garden to relax in.
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 seriously sought-after spot for a mini break.
Looking for the perfect place to stay? The Slaughters Manor House offers the quintessential honey-coloured appeal, boasting old-world beauty on the outside and a cool, contemporary interior. Expect roaring fires and squishy sofas alongside a sleek cocktail bar, games room and Hunter wellies. For a postprandial stroll, we'd recommend the pretty walk from Lower Slaughter to Upper Slaughter.
Sleep in the former home of Lord Snowdon
Considered by many to be the best hotel in North Wales, Plas Dinas Country House is a must for any visitor to Snowdonia. This former home of Lord Snowdon contains 11 bedrooms, each of which have a charmingly old-school country aesthetic, with four-poster beds and grand chandeliers.
The Gunroom Restaurant is a real treat too – it's two AA rosette awarded and, once you've indulged in a delicious tasting menu filled with the finest Welsh produce, it's not difficult to see why. Located between the Menai Straits and Snowdonia mountain range, the hotel is a short drive away from some of the country's best views, beaches and castles, so you'll be spoilt for choice.
Vineyard views in the South Downs at a West Sussex retreat
It’s no secret that the south is where it's at for the UK’s best wine. 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.
Wake with a view over the vines when you check in to the decadent Leonardslee House, an 1855 Italianate-style mansion revamped in 2019 with impressive results. The extra time and attention spent perfecting the 10 high-ceilinged guest rooms with British-designed furnishings and carefully curated collections of books and illustrations really pays off, giving a stylish elegance to your weekend getaway.
Don’t miss 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.
Retreat to the midst of the Brecon Beacons National Park
The Brecon Beacons are a majestic spot for weekend breaks – especially if you get to stay right in the middle of the National Park. At Nant Ddu Lodge Hotel & Spa, you'll get to live out this fantasy, surrounded by beautiful Welsh countryside.
Informal yet wonderfully comfortable, this welcoming hotel lets you make yourself quite at home in simple and cosy bedrooms. There's also plenty of pampering on offer at the spa, as well as the freshest local food served up in the hotel's bustling bistro and bar.
Lounge in luxury at a destination spa in Leicestershire
The beauty of doing nothing is highly underrated in these modern, hyper-connected times – and sometimes we need to really dial it down to reconnect and re-energise ourselves. And there's nowhere nicer to lounge about in luxury than at Ragdale Hall Spa, an indulgent spa hotel in a leafy corner of Leicestershire.
With six pools, including a glorious rooftop infinity pool and a thermal spa with no less than 12 heat and water experiences, plus more than a hundred spa professionals to cater to your every whim, it's the perfect place for a pampering weekend getaway. Of course, it's important to nurture your taste buds as well, and Ragdale's grand dining room and elegant cocktail bar do this particularly well.
Head west for a leafy London city break
A London city break is as exciting as it comes – famous sights, endless shopping, West End shows, and so much more... It's fun but also exhausting. Just nine miles west of Trafalgar Square, Richmond-on-Thames is a perfect alternative for a relaxing London city break. Home to London's largest royal park, spot the resident deer in Duchess Wood, enjoy a stroll along the Thames Path, stopping for a pint in a riverside pub, while Kew Gardens, Petersham Nurseries and Ham House are all within easy reach.
A stone's throw from Richmond Park and the River Thames, The Richmond Hill Hotel is a Georgian beauty and a relaxing base for exploring this leafy corner of the capital. Behind its Regency façade is a elegant and contemporary interior with a swanky, seasonally inspired restaurant and a chic cocktail bar.
Stay on Scotland's NC500 route
Scotland’s famous 516-mile route deserves a place on any UK bucket list, but so too does Links House at Royal Dornoch, a wonderful hotel located on the NC500. Located near Dornoch on Scotland’s north-east coast, this spot makes a great first stop on your Highlands road trip.
Having evolved from a home into a famous hotel, Links House now welcomes guests in 15 exquisite bedrooms and suites. There's also a fine dining restaurant, which serves the very best of Scotland's fields, forests and skies. It's great for golf fans too; just 100 yards away, you'll find the first tee at Royal Dornoch Golf Club.
An underground spa and city break in Bath
Combine a short break to Bath with a stay in a luxury hotel at The Gainsborough Bath Spa, which has a very unique selling point: thermal mineral waters that pump directly into its underground spa and spa suites.
The opulent hotel is tucked down a quiet side street in the centre of town, so you're perfectly placed to explore the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site city from your indulgent base. It's blissfully easy to take in the Roman Baths, the Georgian terraces at the Royal Crescent, and climb the Bath Abbey tower during even the shortest break.
Oh, and don't forget to grab a Sally Lunn bun while you're at it – the cakes at the oldest house in Bath, now a tea room, are legendary.
Horse riding and boutique chic in the New Forest
Boasting the kinds of trendy interiors you might expect to find in a funky London hotel, The Huntsman of Brockenhurst is a boutique bolthole and traditional pub smack-bang in the middle of the New Forest.
You can go horse riding at the local stables, see wild ponies roaming around the streets, or enjoy plenty of pretty country walks in the heathland and forest trails. And when it's time for a rest, there's no place more dreamy to hole up in than one of the hotel's 13 individually designed bedrooms complete with huge, comfy beds and deep bath tubs.
A foodie staycation at an idyllic country house in Kent
Tucked away on the leafy outskirts of Ashford – a 10-minute taxi ride from Ashford International – Boys Hall is a beautiful boutique hotel in a Jacobean manor house. Set in three acres of wild English gardens, this country house invites you to sit back with a glass of local fizz on the sun-drenched terrace or cosy down over a game of Scrabble and a warming cocktail in the oak-panelled lounge.
The main draw is the food. Championing the best of small local Kent producers – it's not called the Garden of England for nothing – dine out on dishes such as grilled Romney Marsh lamb, rosemary potato and pickled morels, hot smoked salmon with avocado and sushi rice or sticky braun crumpet with kohlrabi and pickled chilli, while the menu's local Kent wines shine. After dinner, hunker down in one of the nine plush, beamed suites.
Outdoor swimming and countryside tramping in Hampshire
Pull in and park up for a weekend getaway at Tylney Hall in Hampshire. There's a lovely spa and indoor pool for relaxing and, when the weather plays ball, the huge outdoor pool becomes wildly inviting.
With its 66 acres of grounds to explore (dogs and children welcome) as well as on-site croquet and bikes for hire, the Victorian mansion offers the sort of splendour reminiscent of a bygone era.
And, if you're a historical literary fan, you can drive 20 minutes to visit Jane Austen's Grade I-listed home in Chawton, where she wrote many of her novels.
Seaside pampering on a wellness weekend in Cornwall
With stunning views across sub-tropical gardens to Gyllyngvase Beach, St Michaels Resort in Falmouth is the perfect place for a relaxing (or active) weekend getaway.
With a super-swish spa and fitness programme, you can choose how much you want to get involved in, whether it's a yoga class or simply relaxing in the cedarwood hot tub and the South West's largest hydra pool.
Walk the Coastal Path before enjoying scrumptious food in the stylish restaurant with a sea-facing deck.
A regal country retreat in Yorkshire
There could be worse weekend getaways than tucking into traditional Cream Tea at one of the finest stately homes in the country. Goldsborough Hall is a 400-year-old upscale country retreat that was once the home of Princess Mary, the aunt of Queen Elizabeth II.
It features beautiful period features throughout, luxurious four-poster beds and Chesterfield sofas, plus a three-AA-Rosette fine dining restaurant.
The upmarket spa town of Harrogate, with its posh eateries, boutique shops, pretty parks, and art galleries, is just 20 minutes away. And there's ample opportunity for tramping the Yorkshire Moors, visiting historic buildings (Bolton Abbey and Knaresborough Castle), while Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, Yorkshire's finest Cistercian Abbey ruin, is just half an hour away.
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 being within five minutes of the hotel, there are also views over Oxford's iconic college buildings like University Church of St Mary and Radcliffe Camera.
You'll enjoy how the period features sit next to impressive modern art as well as the buzzy brasserie. You can also head down the river towpath on two wheels on one of the hotel's bikes.
Beachside bliss and a rooftop terrace in Devon
Soak up the sun and the coastal views at Salcombe Harbour Hotel, a nautical-chic hotel on the shores of the Salcombe Estuary. The location is sublime, and you'll feel instantly relaxed sipping cocktails on a sun lounger on the rooftop terrace.
Enjoy walks on the coast path, and the freshest catch of the day at the waterside restaurant. Situated in the South Devon AONB, you're also just half an hour from Dartmoor National Park, making this a lovely spot for a short UK break.
Fell-walking and Michelin-starred dining in the Lake District
Foodies and walkers will be in heaven on this weekend getaway in the Lake District. Check in to the Forest Side Hotel on the edge of picturesque Grasmere for a weekend full of epic walks and equally impressive dishes.
The Victorian mansion is home to Michelin-starred restaurant, where you can enjoy the freshest, local produce in a cosy and relaxed atmosphere. And for when you're looking to burn off all that indulgence, you can be at the top of the Helm Crag fell in 90 minutes.
Soak up the heritage in Henley-on-Thames
Escape for a riverside staycation in 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 own boat trip down the river during a weekend getaway.
You'll want to check into the Hotel Du Vin, housed in a building that spent centuries as a brewery – which is rather ironic when you see the length of the wine list! The hotel has retained its heritage while boasting warm and inviting spaces, blending Georgian details with modern furnishings. Alfresco meals in the courtyard are also a highlight in the warmer months.
Weekend champers at a rooftop bar in Edinburgh
The Market Street Hotel forms part of Edinburgh's historic city skyline, and boasts a wonderful rooftop lounge and champagne bar. It's also perfectly located for taking in all the sights, being just a few minutes on foot from the Royal Mile.
Sleek, contemporary interiors are complemented by thoughtful touches like freshly roasted coffee and milk frothers in each of the stylish bedrooms. The food is also sublime, and always best washed down with a glass or three of champagne.
Must-visits like Camera Obscura, the National Museum of Scotland, and Edinburgh Castle are also just a hop, skip and a jump away.
Be in the buzz of London at one of the finest hotels near Piccadilly
Want to live the vibrancy of London while enjoying the relaxation of a luxury hotel? Step inside the Sofitel London St James and you'll forget that buzzing Pall Mall and Piccadilly are just a few metres away. The beautiful address from French hotel brand Sofitel boasts all the things we love about our European neighbour, from the style and sophistication to the exquisite food you can experience at its restaurant.
The bedrooms are fresh and modern in style, with bright carpets and contemporary art, alongside classic luxuries, such as Hermès toiletries in the elegant bathrooms. When it comes to dining, you'll adore the fine British flavours combined with French techniques at the Wild Honey restaurant.
From the slow-cooked Denbighshire Welsh lamb to the wild mushroom tart, the dishes here are truly unforgettable. Meanwhile, the spa oozes French flair and indulgence, with detoxifying HydraFacials and Crème de Rassoul body wraps to stimulates blood circulation.
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 the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
There are wonderful woodland walks on the doorstep, while the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and stunning beaches are just 17 miles away. And for when it comes time to unwind, you can enjoy dishes made using produce from the hotel restaurant's own organic vintage kitchen gardens, before tucking into one of the seriously cosy beds.
Tour the glorious Northumberland coast
We can’t promise sunny skies and balmy temperatures, but the Northumberland coast has a special beauty of its own. It’s the perfect weekend getaway for anyone hoping to try their hand at some watersports, especially if you base yourselves in Beadnell, with its horseshoe-shaped bay where you can go kite-surfing, kayaking and wakeboarding.
In the village of the same name and at the edge of the scenic bay, close to Bamburgh on the edge of the North Sea, Beadnell Towers is a charming inn with an acclaimed restaurant. If you don’t fancy taking to the water, you can explore landmarks such as Alnwick or Bamburgh Castle and Lindisfarne instead.
See the beach huts and beyond in the Suffolk town of Southwold
Whatever the time of year, a weekend trip to the British coast is a good idea – and once the summer crowds have dispersed, Southwold is arguably even lovelier. It’s a classic English seaside town, with its famously colourful beach huts lining the promenade.
At the Swan on the town’s market place, the vibrant interiors feature neon four-poster beds, jewel-toned sofas and statement patterns and prints. It’s part of the Adnams brewery group, so you’ll be able to enjoy some of its award-winning ales and ciders, alongside dishes such as battered monkfish, scorched mackerel and salt-baked celeriac.
Hide out in a treehouse in West Sussex
For an incredibly luxe take on the treehouse retreat experience, head to the glorious Cowdray Estate in West Sussex, where a handful of brand new treetop lodges have recently appeared among some mighty woodlands. They're perfectly positioned to allow guests to enjoy views of the iconic Cowdray Polo fields, as well as being a charming walk away from the Estate's beautifully stocked farm shop and café for any supplies you need during a stay here.
Inside, expect a bright open-plan kitchen, dining and living area and a spacious king-size bedroom, which you might find rather difficult to leave. The treehouses are topped off with wraparound balconies complete with seating areas and alfresco bath tubs.
Go riding in Berkshire
Those who love all things equestrian will have a marvellous weekend at the glorious Coworth Park. You can ride through the estate’s wildflower meadows, setting off from the hotel’s luxury stables. The equestrian centre offers lessons for all levels, including dressage and jumping.
After adventures through the grounds, return to the plush folds of the hotel for dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Woven by Adam Smith champions everything British in his fabulous creations. Then, continue your equestrian-themed getaway by choosing a room close to the stables with countryside views.
Try woodland hawking in Hertfordshire
Birds of prey are simply incredible creatures, and at The Grove in Hertfordshire, you can have the opportunity to fly your own hawk around the hotel’s woodland trails. It’ll fly off through the trees, then return to your gloved hand in what promises to be a memorable experience.
Round off a weekend at this luxury hotel with other outdoor activities. Try your hand at archery or axe-throwing. There’s also an award-winning golf course if you’re the type who likes to squeeze a few holes in! Or, if you’d rather balance out your hawking with something a little more relaxing, slip off to the hotel’s spa for some pampering me-time.
Highland heaven on the shores of Loch Lomond
You can’t go wrong with a trip to the Scottish Highlands, which are without a doubt one of the most spectacularly scenic parts of the country. As a stop off on your way north or as a weekend break in its own right, visit Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park for the perfect gateway to the Highlands.
On the shores of the loch, Cameron House is one of the most luxurious hotels in the region – the grand manor has plenty to keep guests entertained, including nearby golf courses and a well-equipped spa, an indoor pool, and lots of bars and restaurants to work your way through. You’ll be able to see Loch Lomond by boat or even by seaplane.
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