How to Plan the Perfect Weekend Away in the UK

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With the UK looking set to maintain social distancing rules up until at least the end of the year, the prospect of travelling internationally before the end of 2020 is looking more and more unlikely by the day.

However, when lockdown restrictions are eased, I’m crossing my fingers and toes that it may become possible for us to spend a weekend away in the UK. There are many reasons to consider taking a holiday in the UK, but the concept of a British staycation is perhaps more timely right now ever, in the face of flights getting cancelled and airlines struggling to make ends meet.

So, remaining optimistic and hoping that we might be able to treat ourselves to a weekend break in the UK before we see the back of 2020, here are my tips on planning the perfect trip.

5 Things to Ask Yourself When Planning a Weekend Away in the UK

1. Where can I go for a weekend away in the UK?

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. This will be especially important if the UK government sets restrictions on how far we can travel from our homes as lockdown is eased. If you already have a list of UK cities in mind to visit, this is a great way to whittle your list down.

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.

If you’re looking something a little less ordinary, check out trains going to Rainham and head to the likes of Flip Out Lakeside – an enormous indoor trampoline park with the UK’s longest adverse climbing wall, get yourself to Northumberland to see the Northern Lights (they’re clearer here in the winter than in Iceland and Norway!) or explore the Garden of Cosmic Speculation in Dumfries, Scotland. However, just don’t make the mistake of trying to cram too much into your itinerary; you can read more about the perils of this in my post on the most important things travellers should know (yet somehow, always seem to forget!)

2. What’s my budget like and where can I go for a cheap weekend away?

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. With this (and social distancing guidelines) in mind, you might wish to stay closer to home.

If you’re working with a tight budget, another way to cut travel costs is to book your stay during off-peak or low season, when rates will be cheaper (although it’s difficult to say how the cost of travel will be impacted once lockdown is initially lifted).

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’re considering a city like Bath, you might want to explore
the top restaurants in Bath to get a sense of what to expect in terms of dining costs. If you don’t
want to splash the cash, aim to visit a more affordable destination!

Where’s good for a cheap weekend away in the UK?

Here are just a few of the places topping my list for a cheap weekend away in the UK:

• Cardiff: widely regarded as one of the UK’s cheapest cities, Cardiff has a rich history and culture, a lively entertainment scene and a variety of independent eateries.
  
• Bristol: just an hour and a half’s drive away from Cardiff, Bristol isn’t quite as cheap as its Welsh neighbour, but it’s not quite up there with the likes of London either. Highlights include a floating harbour, several museums and a zoo, colourful street art, highly-acclaimed indie restaurants, a range of exciting activities to get involved in and a diverse community.
  
• Perched on the south-west coast of England, Cornwall is best known for its world-famous beaches, surfing culture and Cornish pasties. Besides being absolutely beautiful, the town offers plenty for the budget-conscious traveller to see and do. Many popular local attractions are free to visit, including Royal Cornwall Museum, Fistral Beach, St. Michael’s Mount and Land’s End, to name just a few examples.

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. You could also browse discount websites like Groupon and Red Letter Days, which often offer big savings on everything from hotel stays and spa weekends, to afternoon teas and city tours. If the sun is shining, picnicking can be a fun and affordable way to dine. You’ll be surprised to discover just how many secret picnic spots in London there are!

Similarly, consider booking an Air BnB apartment or staying in a caravan with a group of friends, enabling you to split the cost (again, this will depend on how lockdown restrictions will be eased).

3. How will I get there?

If you can drive, this will enable you to broaden your options when it comes to choosing potential destinations for your weekend away, whether you choose to take your own car, or hire a vehicle instead. 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.

4. What do I want from a weekend away and where can I find that?

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. Once we’re able to travel freely within the Uk again, I’m itching to visit my friend James in Sheffield, Yorkshire. No doubt we’ll be scoffing Yorkshire puddings, queuing up for Fat Rascals in Betty’s and inhaling meat and tattie pies doused in local Henderson’s Relish.

5. What kind of accommodation do I want to stay in?

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.

Share your top tips for planning a weekend away in the comment box below. I love reading your feedback and I respond to every comment I receive! 🙂

Why not take a look at these popular posts while you’re here?

• 5 Unusual Things to Do in the UK
• 10 Things to Love About Living in Cardiff
• 10 Quirky Places to Stay in the UK

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