8 Ideas for Long Weekend Breaks in the UK

Planning a long weekend in the UK? Whether you are after dramatic coastlines, rolling countryside, or charming villages, there are plenty of destinations perfect for a short escape.

In this article, I share my favourite UK weekend breaks, all of which I have personally visited. Having grown up in the UK and worked in the travel industry, I know how to craft a well-planned getaway—complete with top activities and the best places to stay.

From hiking in the Lake District to exploring Cornwall’s beaches, this guide covers eight of the long weekend breaks in the UK. You will find recommendations on what to do, scenic walks, hidden gems, and hand-picked hotels to make your planning easier.

Where to go for Weekend Getaways in the UK?

Here are some of the best destinations for a long weekend in the UK, whether you are looking for coastal escapes, countryside retreats, or adventure-filled getaways.

• Lake District – Rugged peaks, scenic lakes, and endless hiking trails
• Cornwall – Stunning beaches, surf spots, and charming coastal towns
• Devon – Cream teas, dramatic coastlines, and picturesque villages
• Peak District – Rolling hills, charming market towns, and breathtaking viewpoints
• Dorset – Fossil-strewn beaches, historic castles, and the Jurassic Coast
• The Cotswolds – Quintessential English countryside with postcard-perfect villages
• Isle of Skye – Fairy-tale landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and rugged beauty
• Glencoe & Fort William – Majestic mountains, scenic drives, and outdoor adventures

Keep reading to find out why they are the best long weekend destinations in England and Scotland.

1. Lake District

The Lake District in England is a stunning part of the country. The scenery is hard to beat and there is such a quaint feel to the region.

If you are looking for an active holiday, this is the perfect place for you. There are plenty of opportunities to get out in the fresh air and stretch your legs.

There is something for everyone. Find out 48 different walking routes around Lake District that are suitable for people of all levels of ability.

It also makes a great dog-friendly holiday because of the numerous outdoors activities and casual restaurants and accommodation options. I visited the Lake District with my family’s two dogs and we just had to keep them on a tight lead around the numerous geese at Lake Windermere.

Best Things to Do in the Lake District

• Walk the 10-mile (16km) scenic route around Derwent Water
• Enjoy afternoon tea at Lakeside Hotel and Spa
• Photograph Pooley Bridge Boat House on Ullswater (park at CA11 0LL and walk around the lake to get the view)
• Enjoy the scenic drive from Kendal to Keswick
• Find the viewpoint of Friar’s Crag (short walk from the Theatre by the Lake)
• Walk from Wasdale Head to Great Gable (10km/6 miles)
• Start in Buttermere town and walk around Buttermere Lake enjoying its tranquil views
• Go for a boat ride on Coniston Water or Windermere Lake
• Enter the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction at Lake Windermere
• Walk to the top of Low Fell for a stunning views over Crummock Water (park at Thackthwaite)

Where to Stay in the Lake District?

When I visited the Lake District, we stayed at this historic country house that has been featured in Country File Magazine. It was great for my family that required several rooms and it was dog-friendly.

Here are some other recommendations for hotels in the Lake District that would be great for your long weekend staycation.

2. Cornwall

I have been travelling to Cornwall since I was a young child. But more recently, I have been visiting Cornwall to escape the busy city life in London where I live.

A getaway to the seaside is good for the soul and can help recharge your batteries. Especially if you are lucky enough to get sunny weather like I have numerous times.

If you can only afford to spend a weekend in Cornwall, pick your priority spots and you can make a lovely weekend of it. Alternatively, you can easily spend a week or two in Cornwall and fill it with incredible sights and scenery.

Cornwall is one of the more popular places on this list of best UK weekend breaks. You can make it into a romantic weekend away by dining at one of the upscale restaurants and enjoying the facilities at a luxury spa hotel.  

Where to Visit in Cornwall?

• Walk the rugged path of Lizard Point and find Kynance Cove
• Surf at Godrevy Cove
• Sunbathe on Carbis Bay
• Eat at Prawn on the Lawn (reservations required as it is hugely popular)
• Find Merlin’s cave at Tintagel Castle
• Witness the sunset at Gwithian beach
• Find the seals and Lighthouse at Godrevy Point
• Walk across to St Michael’s Mount at low tide
• Watch a performance at Minack Theatre
• Go to the end of the UK at Land’s End
• Cycle from Padstow to Wadebridge on the Camel Trail (bonus points if you rent a tandem bike)
• Go wine tasting at Camel Valley Vineyard
• Walk around Mullion Cove and Harbour
• Enjoy a beach day at Sennen Cove
• Have a wine tour at Trevibban Mill (I recommend the charcuterie and cheese platters)
• Purchase baked goods from St Ives bakery
• Locate the mussels on the far end of Perranporth beach

Where to Stay in Cornwall?

When I have visited Cornwall, I have usually stayed in house rentals because we had dogs with us. But I have also stayed at several B&Bs and they are great too.

My favourite towns to stay near are St Ives and Padstow. They both have lovely towns with restaurants and shops to explore, but they also have beautiful ports and are near to lovely beaches and have great options for walks and bike rides.

3. Devon

Devon is another familiar place for those seeking a British beach escape. There are many cultural or outdoorsy activities to get stuck into during a short break here.

Devon is known for its spectacular coastline and beaches that dot the shore, as well as its speciality, cream tea.  Do not miss the South West Coast Path.

What to Do in Devon?

• Wander around the quaint town of Ilfracombe
• Travel on the Babbacombe Cliff Railway
• Walk the coastal path between Morte Point and Bull Point
• Seek out Speke’s Mill Mouth Waterfall
• Enjoy cream tea at The Cream Tea Café
• Explore Torquay on the Agatha Christie Mile
• Watch the sunrise over Broadsands Beach near Combe Martin
• Venture into Kents Cavern
• Take a dip in Woody Bay rock pool
• Visit one of the UK’s best beaches, Woolacombe Beach

Where to Stay in Devon?

Staying at a hotel close to a beach or to a quaint town will have many benefits in Devon. I have family who live in Ilfracombe and Woolacombe, so they are towns close to my heart.

I have stayed at a B&B in Ilfracombe more recently and it is lovely to be in walking distance to the town to explore and walk to dinner.

4. Peak District

In my opinion, a visit to the Peak District has to be a priority on your list of ideas for weekends away in the UK. You can enjoy culture, food, nature and the picturesque towns.

It is a great location for getting outside and enjoying the countryside with country walks. You will need to pack your walking boots because there are many steep hills in the Peak District!

If you are convinced this is right weekend trip for you, I have written a 3 day itinerary for the Peak District.

Best Things to Do in Peak District

• Explore the majestic grounds of Chatsworth House
• Gaze over Monsal Dale at Monsal Head
• Stroll through the charming town of Castleton and seek out the Peak Cavern and views of Winnats Pass
• Consume a Bakewell tart in Bakewell
• Find the view of Dragons Back from Chrome Hill (park near the Quiet Woman pub and walk)
• Hike the Mam Tor walking trail for views across the Peak District
• Travel on the cable car to Heights of Abraham
• Bike along the Monsel Trail
• Walk to the top of Bamford Edge (from Heatherdene Car Park) and get a view of Ladybower Reservoir

Where to Stay in the Peak District?

I stayed at Bagshaw Hall in Bakewell the first time I visited the Peak District. It was a short walking distance to the lovely town of Bakewell. Some of the rooms were quirkily decorated, but it was dog-friendly, so it worked for us. It is reasonably price at Bagshaw Hall too.

The second time I went to the Peak District, I stayed in Buxton. We stayed at a large house with enough space for 8 people and 3 dogs. There are numerous holiday rentals in Buxton for groups of all sizes.

Buxton was a good location for us to reach various points around the Peak District.

5. Dorset

Dorset is home to part of England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Jurassic Coast. This coastline’s name comes from its marvellous fossils and rock formations and it spans from East Devon to Swanage, Dorset.

Dorset is a place close to my heart because I spent countless years visiting it in my childhood. I vividly remember spending my days at Swanage beach and playing games in Corfe Castle. It is a traditional English seaside resort.

Best Places to Visit in Dorset

• Marvel at the natural creation that is Durdle Door
• Explore the historic ruins of Corfe Castle
• Dip in the crystal-clear water at Lulworth Cove
• Photograph Old Harry Rocks
• Stroll the streets of Swanage city centre and visit Swanage Railway
• Walk from West Bay to Hive Beach and see the incredible West Bay Cliffs (the famous cliffs from Broadchurch)
• Visit one of the numerous beaches, such as Shell Bay Studland, Mudeford Sandbank, Bournemouth or Seatown
• Find the secluded Mupe Bay
• Look out for Scratchy Bottom signs (a clifftop valley in Dorset)
• Walk up the steep Gold Hill in Shaftesbury, made famous by the Hovis bread advert in the 1970s

Where to Stay in Dorset?

For most of my childhood visits to Dorset, I stayed at B&Bs in Swanage town – but I would not necessarily stay there now.

I have selected some hotels I would suggest booking. Otherwise, I think renting a quaint cottage in the countryside would be charming.

6. The Cotswolds

When I think of charming towns in England, the Cotswolds immediately comes to mind. Sometimes an escape outside the busy city is exactly what is needed.

Wandering through little villages, gazing at the delightful buildings, bridges with trickling streams underneath. The Cotswolds is an ideal location for a romantic getaway in the UK.

Many towns and landmarks are used as filming backdrops in the Cotswolds. So, Harry Potter fans should visit The Cotswolds to see these famous movie locations for themselves.

The Cotswolds is also easily combined with other destinations if you wanted to make the trip into a week-long break in the UK. For example, you could travel further to the coast and see Cornwall, Dorset or Devon. Or you could drive north to the Peak District.

A trip to the Cotswolds is also a convenient leeway to visiting Stonehenge. Even if you don’t stop for a visit, you can get a decent view of it from the A303.

Best Places to Visit in the Cotswolds

• Visit the lavender fields at Cotswold Lavender (usually flowering from mid-June to August)
• Spend the night on the famous Arlington Row in Bibury
• Tour Blenheim Palace and learn about Winston Churchill’s birthplace (UNESCO world heritage site)
• Go trout fishing at Bibury Trout Farm and catch your dinner
• Try some tasty treats from Bakery on the Water in Bourton-on-the-Water
• Learn the history of the Roman Baths in the city of Bath
• Walk a portion of the Cotswold Way (perhaps the Leckhampton Loop or Stanton & Snowshill walk)  
• Stroll through the photogenic village of Castle Combe
• Visit Lacock Abbey, known for its impressive architecture – hence its use as Hogwarts in many Harry Potter movies
• Enjoy some afternoon tea at Dormy House Hotel or Lords of the Manor
• Walk along Copse Hill Road in Lower Slaughter, known to be the most romantic street in Britain
• Stay the night in Barnsley House and enjoy a culinary delight at dinner

For more details on the best places to visit, check out my guide to the Cotswolds.

Where to Stay in the Cotswolds?

When I visited the Cotswolds for a work trip in December 2019, I stayed at Barnsley House. It was a stunning property and the restaurant served excellent food.

It seems Barnsley House was bought and is now known as The Pig and the reviews do not look as good on Tripadvisor as when I stayed there. However, the bad reviews are mostly from restaurant visitors, rather than hotel guests. Plus, the Pig is on the Michelin Guide, which means the hotel has been vetted and approved.

Nonetheless, here are some other hotels that I would recommend additionally.

7. Isle of Skye

The ultimate place to spend a jam-packed weekend with sightseeing and exploring has to be the Isle of Skye. You could also spend a slow-paced weekend here if you wanted. The best time to visit Isle of Skye is April because there is less rainfall, plus there are no midges.

However, for a more relaxing weekend break, I would recommend one of the coastal destinations, such as Cornwall or Devon.

Depending on where you live, it may not be achievable to visit the Isle of Skye for only a weekend. Therefore, if you are looking to visit Isle of Skye over a longer period, check out my Isle of Skye weekend Itinerary or my 10-day Scotland road trip that includes seeing the puffins on Staffa.

However it is possible to get to Isle of Skye quicker than driving, by flying to Inverness and driving to Skye in under three hours.

Make sure you pack all the essentials for your trip to Scotland.

Here are the best things to see and do in the Isle of Skye that will create a wonderful long weekend break in the UK.

Best Things to Do in the Isle of Skye

• Walk to the top of Old Man of Storr
• Hike the challenging Quiraing path (or just gaze at the scenery from the start point)
• Wander over and around the hills at Fairy Glen
• Drive through the countryside in Uig
• Explore the grounds of Dunvegan Castle
• Meander along Coral Beach
• Watch the sunset at Neist Point Lighthouse
• Locate the Faerie Pools
• Hop on a boat tour in Portree or Kyleakin to see seals

Where to Stay in the Isle of Skye?

The accommodation options in Isle of Skye can be limited if you are looking last minute, particularly if you are looking for dog-friendly accommodation. Those options will sell out quickly – as my family experienced.

Therefore, we ended up staying just off Isle of Skye in a town called Ratagan. However, that caused us to add extra driving time onto our sightseeing each morning.

Here are some better options that you should book if you have more time to plan.

8. Glencoe and Fort William

The region of the Scottish Highlands, where you will find Glencoe and Fort William, is a marvel in itself. It is a spectacular way to spend a weekend away in the UK because of its rugged, yet majestic surroundings.

Depending on the direction you are coming from, on the way to Glencoe, consider driving from Loch Lomond to Garelochhead for a very scenic drive.

Glencoe featured on my 4 day itinerary for the Scottish Highlands. It includes the opportunity to visit Glenfinnan Viaduct and to see some puffins.

I have plenty of ideas for a longer in Scotland, such as my 2 week itinerary of Scotland that includes the option to stay at the renowned Gleneagles hotel, which would also make a lovely long weekend break in Scotland.

Top Things to Do Near Glencoe and Fort William

• Walk around the peaceful Glencoe Lochan Trail
• Photograph Glencoe’s magnificent landscapes along A82 (not forgetting the famous white house)
• Visit Dumbledore’s final resting place at Eilean na Moine (Harry Potter reference)
• Explore Glen Etive, the location of James Bond’s Skyfall movie
• Indulge in a dram of whiskey at Ben Nevis Distillery
• Learn about Glencoe’s history at the Glencoe Visitor Centre
• Hike to the top of Ben Nevis (Scotland’s tallest peak)
• Watch the Jacobite Steam Train roll through the Glenfinnan Viaduct
• Find the filming location of Hagrid’s Hut (Harry Potter reference)

Where to Stay Near Glencoe and Fort William?

I have visited the Scottish Highlands several times, each time staying in a different part of the region. Therefore, I know Glencoe and Fort William well.

Here are my recommendations for the best accommodation in the area.

Conclusion

You can easily combine several of the places I recommend in this article about long weekend breaks in the UK to make it a mini tour of the England and Scotland.

For example, Cornwall, Devon and Dorset are all relatively close. The Cotswolds is also in a similar region. Alternatively, you could visit the Peak District for a few nights and then the Lake District.

To continue planning your long weekend in the UK, make sure you read all my other relevant articles:

• Four day itinerary for the Scottish Highlands
• Three day Isle of Skye itinerary
• How to visit Staffa to see Puffins?
• What to expect when visiting the puffins on Staffa?
• The 5 best walks on Isle of Skye
• What to pack for Scotland?
• How to see the Glenfinnan Viaduct?
• When is the best time to visit Skye?

If you prefer to spend longer in these destinations, read about how to spend 10 days in Scotland and also 14 days in Scotland.