The UK offers such a diversity of destinations that even the most demanding traveller can find the perfect getaway, here Lisa de Silva offers some inspiration with her top picks
With so many world- class destinations on our doorstep, there’s no need to venture far when planning a weekend getaway. Whether you’re looking for urban culture, history and heritage or dramatic scenery, a UK break can be the ideal escape.
To inspire you, we’ve chosen one destination from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and included as our fifth choice, the UK’s fastest growing travel destination, the Peak District.
THE COTSWOLDS
For an indulgent escape in a picture postcard location
Full of quintessential English villages, rolling green hills, inviting pubs, historic houses, upscale restaurants and boutique accommodation, ashort break in the Cotswolds can be as active or relaxing as you wish.
The honey-coloured sandstone buildings and stunning riverbanks make the perfect backdrop for a gentle walk, while browsing the smart antique and homeware stores. For picture postcard perfection, ensure Bidbury, Bourton on the Water, Upper and Lower Slaughter and the cobblestone streets of Castle Combe are on the itinerary.
Other attractions in the vicinity include Blenheim Palace and picturesque Oxford, where highlights include the Ashmolean Museum, punting on the river and catching evensong at one of the city’s historic colleges.
CARDIFF & CASTLES
For small city charm and impressive history
Cardiff offers a wealth of attractions all within easy walking distance of this compact city, making it ideal for a short break. Llandaff Cathedral has been a site of worship for over 1,400 years, while Cardiff Castle boasts over 2,000 years of history. A more recent addition is the waterfront development of Cardiff Bay, where visitors can take a boat trip and enjoy a vibrant café, bar and restaurant scene.
Other highlights include Cardiff’s atmospheric Victorian arcades and markets selling traditional Welsh crafts and food. The impressive Caerphilly Castle is a 20-minute train ride from the city. One of medieval Europe’s great fortresses, it can be easily included in a Cardiff getaway.
GLASGOW & LOCH LOMOND
For urban culture and epic scenery
While Edinburgh often steals the limelight, Glasgow, located on the banks of the River Clyde, was named the UK’s ‘Best Weekend City Break’ by Village Hotels in 2024. It is easy to see why, with its striking Victorian architecture and art nouveau buildings, world class museums, art galleries and music venues, buzzing food scene and superb shopping, it’s an exciting urban destination.
Take a guided walking tour and don’t miss the award-winning Burrell Collection or the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, featuring 8,000 exhibits including a WW2 spitfire, dinosaur skeletons, works by the French impressionists and Sir Roger the Elephant, a 10.5-feet high taxidermy mount. Sample Scotland’s national drink at the Clydeside Distillery, before relaxing at the stunning Botanic Gardens. Do also schedule a trip to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, less than an hour away by train, where you can soak up some of Scotland’s most iconic scenery.
BELFAST & THE GIANT’S CAUSEWAY
For history, hospitality and a UNESCO gem
With its Titanic heritage, vibrant culture, rich history and hospitable vibe, scenic Belfast is a great option for a short getaway. One of the star attractions is the interactive Titanic Museum, which covers the city’s history of shipbuilding, along with the tragic fate of this iconic ship. Other highlights include the Ulster Museum, the famous Peace Walls and Murals, Crumlin Road Gaol, luxury shopping along the Queen’s Arcade, St George’s Market and a host of topflight restaurants.
During your stay, we’d recommend an excursion to the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 60-miles from Belfast. There is a direct bus, or you can join a tour which also takes in several locations from TV’s Game of Thrones.
THE PEAK DISTRICT
For dramatic scenery, adventure activities and cosy pubs
The Peak District is the fastest growing destination for a UK break and it’s easy to understand why. Home of Britain’s first National Park established in 1951, head to the Dark Peak, also known as the High Peak in the north for wild moorland and dramatic landscapes. Or for chocolate box villages, dry stone walls, gentle countryside, pretty river valleys, historic houses, cosy pubs and inviting market towns, the southern White Peak between Ashbourne and Buxton will not disappoint.
It is a wonderful area for adventure activities, with extensive hikingand biking trails. There are several underground caverns to explore, while Chatsworth House, handsome Buxton with its Regency Crescent, Cromford Mills, Haddon Hall, scenic Dovedale, Mam Tor and Kinder Scout, are just a few of the many highlights and attractions of this, once under the radar destination.
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