YOUR WEEKEND BREAK – THE BEST GETAWAYS IN THE UK
The first thing that crosses most people’s minds when they think of a life filled with travel are far-flung cities and tropical beaches. But at A Life Beautifully travelled, we believe that traveling starts on your doorstep, especially if you are a part-time traveler.
Most people only have a set amount of holiday allowance per year. These days off can only stretch so far, especially if we want to travel abroad. By using our weekends wisely however and adding the odd bank holiday into the mix, it is possible to pack quite a few family adventures into one year.
Our family loves weekend breaks in the UK. Our goal is to make the most of every single weekend and live our life to the fullest. There’s not much we enjoy quite as much as exploring North Yorkshire and the rest of the United Kingdom. We are constantly planning our next weekend getaway in the UK.
Great Britain is a fairly small island, but it has a lot to offer to the intrepid explorer. You don’t have to travel far to discover thriving metropoles, quaint country villages, intriguing historic sites, dramatic landscapes, rolling hills, unspoiled coastlines, and white sandy beaches.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step – Lao-Tzu
One of the first things you’ll need to ask yourself when planning a weekend away in the UK, is how far you’re physically able to travel.
Some of the top destinations for UK weekends away include major cities like London, Manchester , Birmingham, Bristol and Liverpool , alongside quaint countryside locations like the Cotswolds, the Pembrokeshire coastline in south wales and the untouched Isle of Skye, Scotland.
When thinking about how far you’re willing to travel, ask yourself how much you’re willing, or able, to spend. Whether you’re driving or travelling by public transport, fuel costs and travel fares for long journeys can really add up
You should also compare the cost of accommodation, tours and local restaurant prices in the destinations you’re thinking of visiting. Eating out in my home city of Cardiff is far cheaper than doing so in London, for example. If you don’t want to splash the cash, aim to visit a more affordable destination!
However, if you’ve got your heart set on visiting somewhere that’s known to be pricey, don’t let your budget put you off straight away. Search online for guides to visiting cities like London on a budget and you’ll probably be surprised at how much money you can save.
If you can drive and own a car, this will enable you to broaden your options when it comes to choosing potential destinations for your weekend away. If like me, however, you’re reliant upon public transport, you’ll need to visit destinations with well-connected transport links. This may mean it’s easier for you to visit urban destinations, as opposed to remote rural locations. Be sure to compare costs for bus, train and tram travel as fares can vary considerably.
You might find it useful to think about how long you’re willing to travel for and set a maximum journey time and/or travel radius.
Once you’ve decided upon your dream destination and you’ve got a budget in mind, it’s time to book your accommodation.
Think about your group size and what kind of place you’d like to stay in. Hotel, hostel, apartment or B&B? You should also consider whether you’ll require full- or half-board catering, or whether you’d prefer to be able to cook for yourself or make the most of the opportunity to try out the local restaurants.
Don’t forget to pay attention to the check-in and check-out times too, as you’ll probably be travelling on limited time, especially if you’ve got a job to return to on Monday morning.
Think about your hobbies and interests and what you enjoy doing in your leisure time. Then, research destinations within your budget that will offer you the opportunity to spend time doing what you love.
If you’re obsessed with food as I am, you might wish to consider visiting a location known for a particular food or perhaps even time for your visit to coincide with a food festival.
AREAS OF THE UK AT A GLANCE
SOUTH WEST OF ENGLAND
South West England is a beautiful coastal region that has some unique attractions, stunning places to visit and family days out. Immerse yourself in the mystery of Stonehenge, explore two National Parks and have a culinary experience with exceptional seafood, cream teas and ciders. The attraction of South West England for many is the beaches of Cornwall, Dorset and Devon. With so many events happening all year round, suitable for everyone in the family, the South West has more to offer than just coastline.
SOUTH EAST OF ENGLAND
Visit South East England for royal castles and flowing countryside teeming with wildlife and unbroken rivers, rolling manor houses and exciting African safari parks. There are many things to do in South East England. Step back in time in medieval villages and quintessential coastal towns, explore history in armour filled museums and palatial architectural gems. Enjoy magical festivals, top sporting events, celebrity ran restaurants and award winning theatrical performances. This exquisite region has so much to offer and is home to the metropolis of London with iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye and Camden Market.
EAST OF ENGLAND
Visit the East of England for royal estates, historical architecture, expansive wetlands, and a vast network of lakes and rivers. Home to many of England’s swanky coastal towns, African safari parks, and some of the most impressive country manor estates, there’s plenty to do in the East of England. Travel through England’s history with some of the country’s best-preserved Roman remains, Normal motte-and-bailey castles, and Tudor keeps. For those who aren’t history buffs, there’s also relaxing spa breaks, live music festivals, diverse wildlife and great shopping trips to enjoy.
CENTRAL ENGLAND
Visit Central England to see areas of outstanding natural beauty, the home of William Shakespeare, and England’s second city, Birmingham. Central England is a place steeped in art, history, and culture. See one of Britain’s architectural jewels, Lincoln Cathedral, or visit the hometown of William Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon. You can also see the inspirations for one of his most beloved plays, the battlefields and tomb of Richard III in Leicestershire. It’s not all history though, with the Peak District, cosmopolitan Birmingham, and the traditional seasideresort of Skegness there’s guaranteed to be plenty going on when you visit.
NORTH WEST OF ENGLAND
There are so many magical places to visit in North West England. Take in the serenity of Cumbria’s Lake District and scale the heights of England’s only mountain range. Experience the untamed ruggedness of Lancashire’s Trough of Bowland; perfect hiking, cycling and motoring territory. See where many of England’s greatest pop groups formed with a city break in Liverpool or Manchester, and treat yourself to a shopping spree whilst there. Being the home of the industrial revolution, housing the Roman city of Chester, and boasting a rich sporting pedigree, this region is steeped in history and intrigue – the only question is where to visit first.
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
Visit North East England to discover some of our country’s real gems – both hidden and sparkling in the spotlight. The counties of South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and East Riding of Yorkshire all have their own delights to offer, including Leeds, York, Scarborough and Beverley. As you travel further north, you can discover majestic Durham and its famous Durham Cathedral, cosmopolitan yet historic Tyne and Wear with Newcastle and Gateshead, and picture-perfect Northumberland with its castle-lined coastline. Read all about the best things to do in North East England, no matter what type of visit you’re looking for.
WALES
Wales is a land of green hills and welcoming valleys, of Welsh Cakes, crumbling castles, poets and song. It has sweeping sandy beaches and dramatic coves and towns with an old-fashioned, retro appeal that are promoted as a welcome antidote to the frenetic pace of 21st-century, big-city life. Wales is less populous than England, though its accessibility from southern, central and northern parts of the country make it a popular holiday haunt, with Snowdonia in the north a particular magnet for visitors in search of outdoor activities.
SCOTLAND
Rugged, colorful, and feisty, Scotland stands apart. From its stony architecture to its unmanicured landscape to the more laid-back nature of its people — and their peculiar fondness for haggis — Scotland is distinctly not England. A proud identity unites the sparsely populated country, all the way from the southern lowlands, which border England just north of Hadrian’s Wall, up to the Norwegian latitudes of the rocky Highlands and remote islands. Outside its main cities, Scotland’s sights are subtle, but the misty glens, brooding countryside castles, and warm cultureare plenty engaging.
NORTHERN IRELAND
Northern Ireland is an underrated and often overlooked region that usually surprises visitors with its memorable scenery and friendly people. Its coast boasts the alligator-skin volcanic geology of the Giant’s Causeway and the lush Glens of Antrim, while its interior is dominated by rolling hills of pastoral serenity and Lough Neagh, the UK’s biggest lake. Rejuvenated and irrepressible, Belfast now rivals any of the UK’s capital cities.
THE BEST CITY BREAKS IN THE UK
Most visitors head straight to England’s capital, London, which is home to iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey.
But, there are fantastic sites all over England, especially for Shakespeare and Harry Potter fans! Head to Stonehenge, Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and the hot springs of Bath.
With urban cities and towns that look like they’re from storybooks, England has an incredibly interesting history, age-old traditions, and spectacular gardens.
THE BEST CULTURAL WEEKEND BREAKS IN THE UK
From Roman remains to brand new architectural wonders, there are so many amazing sights and cities to visit in England.
Come and experience the eclectic mix of history by wandering spa towns like Bath, where you can take in the air and waters that have been the draw of visitors for centuries, or the National Marine Aquarium in Portsmouth – the UK’s largest aquarium that is home to animals from around the world.
Culture is everywhere; art galleries, museums, and festivals are often free and open on weekends, allowing for an injection of inspiration to your city break.
Once you’ve taken in places like the Old Royal Naval College, or the five military museums of Winchester, you can move on to the cafes and restaurants full of character and delicious local dishes. There’s always something going on in English cities.
THE BEST COASTAL WEEKEND BREAKS IN THE UK
England’s coasts trim the country with gorgeous ocean views and sparkling sandy beaches.
Take a traditional family seaside holiday or coastal break to Woolacombe in North Devon or St Ives in Cornwall, and let the kids build a sandcastle and lick ice cream as you relax in the sun.
Wander coastline trails and stay in retro beach huts on a seaside break. Enjoy a festival weekend on the Isle of Wight, go fossil hunting on the beaches of Dorset or take a sailing course along Suffolk’s coastline.
Once you’ve had your fill of fun, fill your stomach with locally caught fish dishes prepared in regional styles. There’s the old English favourite; fish and chips, which can always be found on a coastal holiday.
With piers like Brighton and Bournemouth offering rides and amusements, your seaside fun can last well into the evening too.
THE BEST UK WEEKEND BREAKS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE
See the famous moors and National Parks that have inspired writers such as Michael Morpurgo, Ted Hughes, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Walk through the hills of England’s countryside, and see it teeming with wildlife, or explore the strangely temperate microclimates of Scilly where you can find birds and plants that can’t be found elsewhere in the UK.
An active holiday in the English countryside is perfect for tuckering out the kids or blowing away the cobwebs of everyday living – so grab a bike and ride some of the trails and villages of the outdoors. The beautiful Cotswolds provide the perfect picnicking spot.
Or you could wander Wiltshire with its heritage sights like Stonehenge, and take in some of the country’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty; we have thirty-three!
THE BEST ADVENTUROUS WEEKEND BREAKS IN THE UK
Jump into something fun and pick an activity to experience on an adventure holiday!
Along the coast, there are schools for surfing in Cornwall, and coasteering adventures in Exmoor.
If you’d rather stay dry, there’s always learning to steer your own boat, or kayaking over the open waves. Alternatively, you could keep your feet firmly on the ground with some outdoor activities, and go walking or hiking in the ancient woodlands of Nottingham, or the Forest of Dean with its own sculpture trail.
There are cycle routes for the intrepid and also for families, going through tunnels and along the seaside cliffs. Trek the North York Moors with huskies, or head down to Bournemouth and dance the days away at the Pavilion.
Make your activity holiday great in England.
THE BEST FOODIE WEEKEND BREAKS IN THE UK
Follow your tastebuds around the country and see what delectable delights England has to offer. Forage for your own ingredients, and have a chef to you to produce fresh, home-made treats with them at Bath’s Vale House Kitchen.
You can also head to Beer in Devon and fish your own mackerel, before heading back to shore to eat the delicious catch of the day.
Some of the best food can be sourced right here in England, and you can enjoy the spoils of it on a foodie break. I
f you’d rather be wined and dined without the work, you can try any one of England’s Michelin starred restaurants, such as two-star L’Enclume in Cumbria, or the mouth-watering Pipe and Glass in East Yorkshire.
There’s also the long-standing history of beverages in England, and a host of breweries, gastro pubs, and distilleries to explore. You can try your hand at making your own cider, beer, or even gin. There’s even some more exotic options with things like chocolate and bread made from beer.
