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Weekend breaks in the UK continue to be an appealing option, particularly when time is limited or you’re in the mood for an easy escape closer to home. From lively cities to slower-paced countryside stays, a short UK getaway can offer a welcome change of scenery without the need for extensive planning.
Whether you’re looking for a buzzing city break or laid-back rural living, members-only luxury travel club Voyage Prive offers weekend deals in the UK to suit different travel styles. With hotels located across the country, there’s usually something to match your plans, whether you’re booking ahead or opting for a more spontaneous trip.
Here are just a few of the UK destinations they cover that are worth considering for a weekend away, based on my own personal experience. Once you’ve chosen where to go, all that’s left to do is work out what to pack for your weekend away.
Where to go for a UK weekend getaway
London
The capital city of England and one of the UK’s biggest cities, London never loses its appeal as a UK staycation destination.
If you haven’t spent much time there before, ensure you tick all the obligatory tourist landmarks off your bucket list first. You haven’t really been to London until you’ve seen the likes of Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London. One benefit of visiting these landmarks right now is that they’ll be much quieter and less crowded than usual, due to travel restrictions and social distancing guidelines.
Once you’ve finished seeing the usual sights for tourists in London, however, it can be fun to spend a weekend exploring some of London’s lesser known attractions. Dependent on where in London you’ll be staying, you may even wish to consider hiring a car, or exploring campervan hire in London for a unique way to get around during your stay (while also saving on the cost of booking hotel rooms!)
If you travel with food in mind, make a beeline for Borough Market, an historic food market in Southwark bustling with wholesale and retail traders spanning different cuisines, all under one roof. The Granary Square at King’s Cross (on the banks of Regent’s Canal) is also worth a visit; complete with cascading fountains and a variety of restaurants serving different cuisines, this is a fun place to meet with friends for coffee or a bite to eat.
You’ll never be short of great places to eat in London; it’s just a question of where exactly you are, what you’re craving and what your budget is like. Check out Time Out London for inspiration on the best restaurants to visit during your stay.
Cardiff
Put off by the expense of London? Perhaps you should head to my home city, Cardiff – the capital of Wales. Not only is Cardiff one of the cheapest cities in the UK, but the people of Cardiff are among the friendliest you’ll find in the UK too.
Home to the Principality Stadium and the Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff often hosts international sporting events and sell-out concerts, making it a popular choice for UK weekend getaways. With a medieval castle in the heart of the city centre and the National Museum of Wales perched just around the corner, our city has a rich heritage and history that charms visitors.
The city centre certainly isn’t short of good places to eat, with firm favourites including names like Pasture, Asador 44 and Bar 44. However, some of Cardiff’s best restaurants – including the likes of Heaney’s, Thomas by Tom Simmons and Milkwood – can be found in the trendy suburbs of Pontcanna, just outside the city centre.
A handful of equally well respected restaurants like Nook, Ansh, Purple Poppadom, Bangkok Kitchen and Calabrisella can be found just around the corner in Canton.
For something a little different to eat, head to one of Cardiff’s street food outlets like DEPOT in Butetown, Sticky Fingers Street Food in Cathays and Corporation Yard in Canton. Alternatively, visit one of Cardiff’s Real Food Markets in Riverside (Sunday), Roath (Saturday) or Rhiwbina (Friday).
Alternatively, if you want to escape the hustle and bustle and beat the crowds, head to Cardiff Bay for a stroll along Mermaid Quay down to the barrage. Consider popping in to voco St David’s to admire the sunset over the Bay over a cocktail or two; this would also make for a fantastic place to stay while visiting Cardiff!
Herefordshire
If all you really want to do is head to the country and get away from it all, Herefordshire is a great place to start.
My mum has lived in the picturesque Herefordshire town of Ross-on-Wye for over 15 years now and I lived there for almost two years at one point, so I’ve spent considerable time exploring the local area. There are lots of little towns and villages that would make for a pleasant weekend stay in the Wye Valley, but Ross-on-Wye has my personal recommendation.
A small quaint market town, Ross (as it’s known locally) is ideal for a short weekend break. Walk along the River Wye and browse the different independent shops in the town, before popping into a local pub or restaurant for lunch or dinner.
Alternatively, head over to nearby Symond’s Yat to visit the butterfly zoo and admire the jaw-dropping views of the Wye Valley from Symond’s Yat Rock. Pay a visit to Ye Olde Ferrie Inn to quench your thirst and grab some lunch while you’re there. This 15th Century pub sits on the banks of the River Wye and has its very own ancient hand ferry, which is still in use today.
Missing the city life? Jump on the bus and travel to the city of Hereford to explore its ancient cathedral and shop until you drop. Don’t forget to pay a visit to local legends, The Beefy Boys while you’re at it – you’ll struggle to find a better burger in Herefordshire, or elsewhere for that matter.
Where do you think you’ll be travelling to (if at all) this year? Are you hoping to travel abroad or will you be holidaying at home in the UK? Comment below to let me know.
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