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Travel and holidays

Top 10 UK weekend breaks


With travel restrictions and quarantine rules continuing throughout 2020, most of us missed out on our summer holiday this year. Whether you’re unable to travel, can’t make the time to quarantine once you return home or just don’t feel safe going abroad after the last few months, you may be looking to keep your holiday getaways in the UK.

Staycation meaning

A staycation means you’re holidaying in your home country, rather than jetting off abroad. As a result of the travel restrictions following COVID-19, many of us are still keen to get away for a few days and therefore staycations are on the up.

Best weekend breaks UK

If you’re stuck for inspiration for places to visit, look no further. We’re bringing you the top 10 UK weekend breaks so that all you need to worry about is making the booking, getting your travel insurance and packing your things.

Romantic getaways


1) Whitby

With its picturesque scenes and winding stone steps, Whitby is the perfect location for a romantic getaway in the UK. Based on the Yorkshire Coast on the edge of a National Park, Whitby provides an often well-needed retreat for some sea-air, relaxation and exploring.

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Who will Whitby suit?

Whilst Whitby is suited to all types of people including groups of families and friends, there’s something about it that lends itself wholeheartedly to couples.

Where to stay in Whitby

From B&Bs to hotels to countryside chalets, there are lots of places to stay in Whitby. Whether you’re looking for a harbourside apartment with a view, a secluded cottage in the middle of nowhere, or a hotel located right on the beach, you have lots of options available!

Where to eat in Whitby

Like most seaside towns, Whitby has an array of places to eat including obligatory fish and chip shops, cafes on the beach and even a few European restaurants! According to Trip Advisor, Whitby’s top rated place to eat is Ditto Restaurant which is family-run, based in Ravenscar and offers a choice from set menus.

What to do in Whitby

From climbing the iconic winding steps that lead up to Whitby Abbey (199 Steps), to exploring the beach, to… wait for it… the Dracula Experience(!), there are lots of exciting things for couples to get up to in Whitby. Wondering what Dracula has to do with Whitby? Whitby was one of the main inspirations behind Bram Stoker’s development of Transylvania and Stoker actually wrote a lot of the book there!

2) The Cotswolds

Spanning central and South West England, The Cotswolds is 2,038 km² - so there are lots of staycation opportunities.

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Who will the Cotswolds suit?

A classic location for romantic or family getaways, this is a perfect destination for all those seeking a countryside break.

Where to stay in the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds compromise of 5 counties – Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, and Worcestershire – so you’ll be spoilt for choice as to where to stay. Whichever county you choose, there’ll be plenty of things to get up to nearby!

Where to eat in the Cotswolds

Each county within the Cotswolds boasts an impressive selection of places to eat. Some local highlights include independent Hooker and Eight, Gloucester for pizza, The Old Bakery Tea Room in Stow-on-the-Wold and The Falcon in Cirencester.

What to do in the Cotswolds

Because it spans such a large area, there is a lot to do including visiting Sudeley Castle, Cotswold Water Park and Cotswold Farm Park.

3) Bath

The city of Bath can be perfect for a stay which is both city-based and near to the countryside.

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Who will Bath suit?

Bath is a great choice for couples who are looking for a few days away with a large choice of things to do.

Where to stay in Bath

There is a lot of accommodation choice within the city of Bath including luxury apartments and boutique hotels right in its heart – perfect for romantic getaways. If you’d like to stay somewhere more rural, Bath is surrounded by beautiful countryside which is only a short distance from the city centre.

Where to eat in Bath

Bath hosts most of the classic chain restaurants you probably visit up and down the country. But if you’re looking for something a little different for your staycation date night, you could try the European Bouvardia Restaurant, Jc’s Kitchen for Philippines food or Sotto Sotto for authentic Italian.

What to do in Bath

Bath is famous for its hot springs, hence why Bath’s thermae spa is one of the most famous in the country. A spa treatment and a dip in the warm, rooftop, open-air pool can make for an ideal introduction to your staycation. Some other things you could get up to are visiting the Roman Baths Museum, Bath Abbey and viewing the stunning architecture.

4) The Lake District

Based in the northwest corner of England, whether you’re a keen swimmer, walker, or just like to admire the views, the Lake District can make for a fantastic UK getaway.

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Who will the Lake District suit?

The Lake District is a popular holiday destination for couples, families and friends alike!

Where to stay in the Lake District

Lake District has lots of different options for accommodation. From cottages, hotels and bed and breakfasts, to log cabins and lodges, you’ll hopefully be able to find something that takes your fancy depending on who you’re going with.

Where to eat in the Lake District

Finding somewhere to eat won’t be a problem if you’re heading to the Lake District. From bistros, to Thai kitchens to good old pub restaurants, there’s something for everyone.

What to do in the Lake District

If you’re heading to the Lake District, seeing the sights will probably be top of your list of things to do. You’ll have plenty of locations to explore including, Windermere, Ambleside, Coniston, Keswick and Ullswater.

Cheap getaways UK


5) Brighton

Brighton can be the perfect place to get away for a staycation if you’re trying to stick to a budget. From great value beach front hotels, to B&Bs, you’re likely to find somewhere to stay that won’t break the bank.

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Who will Brighton suit?

Brighton is a fantastic location for everyone including couples, families and friends!

Where to stay in Brighton

Depending on what kind of weekend you’re in need of, you’ll be spoilt for choice with places to stay in Brighton. You can opt for seafront hotels, glamping or ultra-cosy apartments with stunning views of the harbour – it should be easy to find something within budget.

Where to eat in Brighton

Brighton really isn’t short of places to grab some food. Being directly on the south coast, it’s swimming with fresh fish that can be picked up from classic fish and chip shops or fresh seafood restaurants. Brighton boasts lots of other independent places to eat including vegetarian restaurants, steak restaurants and even Italian/American/Indian cuisine.

What to do in Brighton

Brighton has lots of thing to do including vineyard tours, treasure hunts, zip lines across the sea, electric bike rentals, museum and art galleries and even the Royal Pavilion. Also, Brighton is just 60 or so miles from London. So a (socially distanced) trip to the big city isn’t too far of a stretch for a day trip!

6) Norfolk

Norfolk sits on the East Coast of the UK and is made up of stunning rolling countryside hills and incredible views – perfect for a weekend break!

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Who will Norfolk suit?

Norfolk can be a great choice of staycation for pretty much anyone.

Where to stay in Norfolk

Norfolk is full to the brim of cute, aesthetically pleasing places to stay (for example, the Yaxham Mill and the various forest holidays you can choose from). However, if you’re on a budget, it also has cheaper options including hotels, B&Bs and even camping!

Where to eat in Norfolk

If you’re a fussy eater, you’ll be pleased to hear that Norfolk has an array of different types of restaurants for you to choose from. From Italians, to team rooms to classic British cafes – you’ll hopefully find places you’ll love!

What to do in Norfolk

If you’re making the trip to Norfolk, you’ll probably want to visit The Broads National Park to see the amazing views. You may also like to explore the coastal path, walk along Hunstanton Beach and visit Norwich Cathedral.

7) Dorset

Nestled on the south west coast between Devon and Southampton is the charming county of Dorset.

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Who will Dorset suit?

Dorset is perfect for a family holiday, romantic getaway or even a trip away with friends.

Where to stay in Dorset

Dorset spans 2,653 square kilometres and holds lots of different towns within it (such as Abbotsbury, Lyme Regis and Weymouth). If you’re looking for busier, more tourist-focused locations, you may like to consider Bournemouth or Weymouth. But if you’re looking for a quieter, socially distanced trip away, you could think about staying in Bridport or Burton Bradstock. Wherever you choose to stay, there are lots of different options for accommodation!

Where to eat in Dorset

If Dorset isn’t short of one thing, it’s fish! There are plenty of places to pick up fresh seafood such as Hive Beach Café, or the Seaside Boarding House. If you fancy something different, you’ll also find Chinese, Japanese and European restaurants to name a few.

What to do in Dorset

Dorset has a fantastic range of things to do for everyone. From exploring the Jurassic Coast via foot (or boat trip!), to fishing, to vineyard tours; you’ll easily jam pack your staycation schedule.

Hot tub getaways UK


8) Pembrokeshire

A fair drive if you’re coming from the North/East of England (but worth the trip), Pembrokeshire is made up of several towns and cities – each offering something unique to your staycation.

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Who will Pembrokeshire suit?

Pembrokeshire has lots to do for everyone, but if you’re specifically looking for a hot tub getaway in the UK, you may like to keep things strictly adult!

Where to stay in Pembrokeshire

From Tenby, to Pembroke, to Milford Haven, there is a large variety of destinations to choose from when planning to visit Pembrokeshire. More importantly, there are lots of places to stay which include a hot tub for maximum relaxation! If you’re looking for a hot tub getaway in the UK, try searching on accommodation websites (like Airbnb and booking.com) and filtering by ‘hot tub’. Some stand out places to stay with hot tubs are Fishguard Bay Resort and Swallow Tree Gardens.

Where to eat in Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire is full to the brim with different places to grab a bite to eat. Being located on the west coast of Wales, there are obviously a whole range of seafood places to try. In addition, you can choose from authentic British cafes, stylish European restaurants and Spanish eateries!

What to do in Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire takes up a huge part of West Wales and is therefore full of things to do. You could choose to visit Pembroke Castle, explore the coastal path, take a trip to Caldey Island and visit Oakwood Park, and you’d still have plenty of things left to choose from!

9) Cornwall

Cornwall dominates over three and a half thousand square kilometres of the South West of England and is a classic option for a hot tub getaway in the UK.

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Who will this suit?

Cornwall is perfect for all sorts of people, but you may want to save the hot tub getaways for a weekend break with your partner/friends!

Where to stay in Cornwall

There are so many places you can stay in Cornwall including St Ives, Newquay, Falmouth and Porthleven. In most of these places there are lots of incredible choices for hot tub stays including Meadow Lakes, River Valley and Cornish Cottage Holidays.

Where to eat in Cornwall

Wherever you choose to eat in Cornwall, it’s unlikely you’ll be disappointed with the choice. From fresh seafood, to British cafes, to Indonesian cuisine – take your pick of the lot.

What to do in Cornwall

If you’re going to Cornwall, even if it’s on a hot tub holiday, chances are you’re probably going to leave the hot tub for a short while to explore the coast and walk along the beach. As well as stunning coastal views, Cornwall is also home to the Eden Project, the famous Land’s End landmark, Tintagel Castle and the iconic Fistral Beach. With so much to do, you may find yourself leaving your hot tub long enough to have a quick surfing session!

10) Nottinghamshire

Nottinghamshire is a great place to consider if you’re after a hot tub holiday. There are a few hidden hot tub gems which are conveniently close to the city, but located in idyllic countryside.

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Who will Nottinghamshire suit?

Whoever you like! But if you’re after a relaxing stay where you can put your feet up and indulge in some adult beverages, you may like to leave the children with your family!

Where to stay in Nottinghamshire

Some of Nottingham’s hidden hot tub gems are Osprey, Sherwood Castle Holiday Forest and Riddings Wood Holiday Park.

Where to eat in Nottinghamshire

The beauty of staying in Nottinghamshire is that it’s so close to Nottingham City Centre where you’ll find an abundance of different restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re after fast food, large chain restaurants or classic Italian eateries, you’ll likely find something that suits you.

What to do in Nottinghamshire

If you’re in search of a hot tub holiday, you may not want to jam pack your days with things to do. However, if you do fancy a trip out and a change of scenery, that won’t be a problem in Nottinghamshire. You can travel into the city centre for some food and shopping, explore Sherwood Forest (the home of Robin Hood!) or you can take a look around Newstead Abbey.


Travel insurance

If you’re traveling on a staycation within the UK, you may still need travel insurance. Although you won’t need as extensive cover as if you were going abroad (because your medical bills will be covered by the NHS), it will cover you for other important aspects of your trip away.

Find out more about travel insurance

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