When it comes to holidays in the UK, you’re far more spoilt for choice than you might even realise – there’s a huge selection of locations and a holiday style to suit everyone, whether it’s relaxing, sightseeing, or exploring that you’re after! To help take a bit of the stress out of the holiday planning, we’ve selected some of our favourite UK holiday locations, with our top accommodation and activities thrown in for good measure too; you should have no problem finding the perfect UK weekend break after you’ve taken a look at our guide below!
Our Top Locations for UK weekend breaks
With so many special spots, it’s been really hard to narrow it down to just 3, but after much deliberation, here are our top picks:
1. The Lake District
It’s a top contender in every UK holiday list and it isn’t too difficult to see why. The entire region is jam-packed with things to do, sights to see, and endless amounts of character and personality to soak in!
If it’s heritage and elegance you’re looking for, Oxford is the perfect place to spend your weekend away; there’s gorgeous buildings, quirky bars, and plenty of iconic landmarks in the local area to check out whilst you’re there.
With a coastline that looks like something out of a movie and a deep, embedded character to truly get lost in, Dorset is one of the most magical spots in the UK.
Things To Do
When you’re trying to decide on a holiday location, one of the biggest factors can be the activities and entertainment that you can find in the area, so we’ve pulled out some of the best things to do in each of our chosen destinations to help you choose the right place for your holiday.
The Lake District
In the lakes, you’ll want to spend most of your time out in the breathtaking nature that surrounds you – whether that’s by taking a river cruise across one of the large bodies of water in the district or heading up one of the breath-taking walking trails from the local towns, there are activities for every nature lover. Many of the lakes are also home to some of the most avid watersports enthusiasts around, so you’ll be able to find some thrill and excitement too if that’s what you’re searching for!
Oxford
For those who are interested in a more metropolitan break, the traditional city of Oxford is such a wonderful choice, bringing a classic sense of luxury to your trip. Whilst you’re in Oxford, you’ll want to check out the world-famous university campus – it’s one of the most prestigious schools on the globe and is home to some of the most beautiful architecture that you’ll likely ever come across. The Radcliffe Camera is an absolute must-see, as is the Bodleian Library thanks to their neo-classic designs that have a stunning Gothic facade. Harry Potter fans are given an extra treat on their Oxford weekend break, with the chance to visit iconic locations from the films such as the infirmary from Philosopher’s Stone, the library from Harry’s invisible cloak scene, as well as the tree where Draco Malfoy is turned into a ferret by Mad-Eye Moody!
Dorset
With Dorset, it’s all about the scenery. The Jurassic Coastline is perhaps the most picturesque in the UK, with gems such as the Durdle Door and Old Harry Rocks all available to see on your visit to the area. Dorset has a classic British feel, so is ideal for people looking to experience the traditional vibe that you can only find in an old-fashioned English seaside town. A short trip to the Isle of Portland can be a great day out, but if you aren’t too good with sailing you might enjoy exploring some of the small towns surrounding Dorset where you’ll find quaint boutiques and cafes that are completely removed from the supermarkets and Starbucks that you’re used to back home in the city.
Accommodation
Finally, let’s check out some places to stay. At the end of the day, you’ll be wanting a great place to rest your head and relax, but it’s got to be a place that suits you, right? For each of our 3 locations, we’ve pulled out a really cool hotel to take a look at – these hotels will give you the ideal feel and are all great bases to explore your chosen destination from!
The Lake District: Lake District Hotels
This one is kind of cheating, but it’s the good kind of cheating because you’ll be getting 6 in 1 with this suggestion! Lake District Hotels is a marvellous family-run hotel chain up in the lakes that pride themselves on offering fantastic places to stay for your adventures in the lakes, and they’re all dog-friendly too! The top pick out of the 6 has to be Inn On The Square in Keswick – it’s located right in the centre of one of the most fantastic towns in the district, plus it has an AA Rosette Award Winning steakhouse downstairs – their food is to die for. They’ve got places to stay on a few different lakes, as well as hotels that go from boutique to luxury, so provide a little bit of something for everyone!
Oxford: Vanbrugh House Hotel
Probably our most luxurious selection, the Vanbrugh House Hotel oozes class and sophistication. Nestled between the bustling life of Oxford and easily accessible from all of the major sights, you’re sure to have a great time at the hotel, which was partly designed by the famous designer Sir John Vanbrugh in the 18th Century. If decadence is your thing, this is the hotel for you.
Dorset: The Bull
The Bull is everything to love about English B&B’s – it’s got tonnes of character, the rooms are unique, and it even has a gorgeous hidden cocktail bar! Perfect as a base to explore Dorset from or just to relax at, The Bull is a fantastic boutique hotel with an in-house restaurant for fans of fine dining.
