10 Inspiring Ideas for UK Weekend Breaks

Where is nice for a weekend away? The UK! You needn’t hop on a plane to enjoy a short break. We have plenty of glorious destinations perfect for weekend breaks right here. Take a look at our 10 inspiring ideas for UK weekend breaks. There’s something for everyone.

North Devon beach break

North Devon is home to some of the country’s best family beaches, including the award-winning Woolacombe beach. With miles of golden sand, interesting rock pools and beautiful seas for swimming, it’s the ideal location for a family weekend away.

Feeling more adventurous? Woolacombe is known for its vibrant surf culture. Grab your board and catch some waves!

Other nearby places to visit include Ilfracombe Harbour and the quaint villages of Lynton and Lynmouth.

Norfolk Broads barge holiday

Explore England’s finest waterways on a weekend barge holiday. The best place to go? The Norfolk Broads, of course! This stunning area of the UK is the perfect place for couples, family and group holidays with something for everyone.

Barges can accommodate anywhere from 2-4 people to larger groups of 8-11, making them ideal for intimate couples getaways or canal boat weekend breaks with friends. What’s more, a lot of Norfolk barges are dog-friendly so you can take your four-legged bestie with you too.

Pssst...did you know that the Broads National Park is home to the highest concentration of rare wildlife in England? Visit the nature reserves and book a wildlife safari. It’s a great way to get the kids interested in nature.

Edinburgh food tour

Planning a foodie weekend away? With Michelin starred restaurants, some of the best pubs in Britain and exceptional nightlife, Edinburgh is the place to go.

For weekend breaks in Scotland, we highly recommend booking an Edinburgh food tour. Experience the city’s finest delicacies including authentic haggis, neeps and tatties. Not forgetting afternoon tea with tasty Scottish cakes.

Browse our Edinburgh hotel listings and book your weekend stay. We cater for all budgets with cheaper Edinburgh hotels like the Holiday Inn Express and Travelodge, as well as luxury hotels like The Balmoral and The Edinburgh Grand.

Lake District walking holiday

The Lake District in Cumbria is one of the most popular destinations for walking holidays in the UK. Best known for its adventurous fell walks and challenging peaks, it’s a must-visit for keen hikers. But fear not - there are also very beautiful and gentle lakeside walks too.

Popular places to stay in the Lake District include Windermere, Grasmere and Kendal. Search our Lake District hotels to book your weekend break.

Camping in the Peak District

Outdoorsy and after a weekend away on a shoestring? Camp in the Peak District. From rock climbers to romantics (and yes you can be both) this beautiful destination has something to offer everyone.

The Peak District is a pilgrimage site for climbers across the globe. Head to

Dovedale, The Roaches and Stanage Edge for challenging rock climbs.

Rather rekindle your romance? Switch your tent for a luxury yurt or shepherd’s hut in the Peak District and glamp under the stars.

Speaking of stars, the Peak District has 3 official ‘dark sky’ sights perfect for stargazing. Grab a blanket, a flask of hot chocolate and head to Surprise View (near Hathersage), Parsley Hay (near Hartington) or Minninglow at Pikehall. What could be more romantic than star gazing?

Surfing holiday in Cornwall

While North Devon and Wales have some fantastic surfing beaches, if it’s a truly authentic surfing holiday you’re after, Cornwall’s rugged coastline is the place to head.

Book a UK weekend break in St Ives, Newquay, Padstow or Bude and enjoy the best surfing beaches in Cornwall. And don’t worry if you’ve never surfed before! There are plenty of surfing schools offering lessons for beginners.

Not really into surfing? With beautiful scenery, impressive history and Cornish pasties, clotted cream and fresh seafood to enjoy (just not all at once) there are plenty of other reasons to visit Cornwall for a weekend break.

Sightseeing in London

If after all of these months in lockdown you’re ready for a jam-packed weekend break, why not head to London? Whether you’re into your West End shows, shopping or just fancy doing some sightseeing, London has everything you could need for a fun weekend away.

Wondering where to visit first? Add these iconic London landmarks to your list:

• Buckingham Palace
• Tower Bridge
• Tower of London
• Big Ben & The Houses of Parliament
• Westminster Abbey
• The London Eye
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Trafalgar Square
• The Royal Albert Hall

Check out the best London hotels for a weekend break and book with PlansChange.com.

Hot tub holiday in Wales

Wales is one of the best locations for hot tub weekend breaks. With rugged coastlines and mountainous landscapes, including Snowdonia National Park, it’s the ideal place for lovers of the great outdoors.

Book a rural retreat with a hot tub and enjoy simple luxuries in a picturesque location. Top hot tub holiday destinations in North Wales include Llandbedr, Bala Lake and Holywell.

Sailing holiday in Suffolk

Fancy learning a new skill during your weekend away? Head to Ipswich in Suffolk and learn how to sail. At the town’s stylish waterfront you’ll find the Viking Mariners Sea School. Book a sailing course with a qualified skipper and enjoy an experience to remember!

Wondering where to stay? Check out our current listings for Ipswich hotel discounts. For a luxury stay, take a look at the Pentahotel Ipswich. This ultra-modern 4-star hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the waterfront and will be the perfect place to unwind after a day at sea.

Luxury spa break in the Cotswolds

Enjoy a stress-free weekend getaway at one of the Cotswolds’ finest spas. Indulge in luxury treatments, unwind by the pool and treat yourself to afternoon tea. For luxury weekend breaks for couples book a stay at the Kings Head Hotel in Cirencester or Ellenborough Park in Cheltenham.

Book through PlansChange and benefit from fantastic discounts on your weekend break hotels.