Ever found yourself daydreaming about that perfect weekend getaway? You know, the kind where you’re either soaking up the eclectic vibes of a bustling city, wandering through the peaceful serenity of the countryside, or maybe even feeling the sand between your toes on a secluded beach. The UK, with its endless charm and diversity, offers all this and so much more. But let’s be honest, with such an array of options, it can be a tad overwhelming to pick just the right spot for that much-needed break.
This year, we’ve done the legwork for you. We reached out to those who know best – the travel experts who’ve made a life out of exploring every nook and cranny of the UK. We asked 10 travel bloggers to share their top picks for weekend escapes in 2024. Each destination on this list comes highly recommended, infused with insider tips and a personal touch that only a seasoned traveller could provide.
From secret spots that have flown under the radar to beloved locales that continue to charm, this guide is brimming with inspiration for your next adventure. Whether you’re in search of a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a solo journey to recharge, these recommendations offer something for every type of traveller.
So, grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s unveil the 10 best UK weekend breaks for 2024, as handpicked by those who wander, explore, and inspire us to do the same. Get ready to bookmark, plan, and embark on unforgettable journeys across the United Kingdom.
The Best UK Weekend Breaks
Bath, England
There’s something utterly magical about Bath that makes it the perfect weekend getaway. This isn’t just about stepping into a postcard of honey-coloured Georgian homes or sipping tea in quaint little cafés. Bath is a vibe, a feeling you get as you wander its cobbled streets, something that stays with you long after you’ve left.
First off, you’ve got the Roman Baths, right in the city’s heart, still bubbling away with natural hot water as they have for thousands of years. And then, there’s Bath Abbey. Climbing its tower rewards you with views that’ll have you reaching for your camera every time. The Jane Austen Centre is a treat for any bookworm, bringing to life the Regency era that inspired much of Austen’s work (and did you know there’s a festival dedicated to her every year?). Meanwhile, the Holburne Museum is where art lovers can get their fix, with everything from stunning portraits to captivating landscapes.
I lived in Bath for ten years and I’ll always say that the food scene here? Oh, it’s something else. From bakeries that’ll make you want to move in, to restaurants that turn every meal into an occasion. And after all that exploring, what could be better than a soak in the Thermae Bath Spa? Imagine yourself floating in its rooftop pool, Bath’s gorgeous skyline stretching out around you. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your visit.
Contributed by Alicia from The Chaos Diaries
Isle of Wight, England
For an island adventure in the South of the UK, head to the Isle of Wight for your next weekend break. You can visit either with a boat from Portsmouth, Southampton or Lymington. It’s best to book in advance if travelling with your car as prices can increase during busy seasons.
The Isle of Wight has lots to see and do, and is home to some of the best scenery spots and beaches in the UK, with Appley Beach and Compton Bay being local favourites. For those who love nature, a walk along to Alverstone Mead is a must to see Isle of Wight red squirrels up close and personal. Else Tapnell Farm is a great place with animals, outdoor activities and a waterpark area.
For village experiences, there are a lot to choose from for exploring. A personal highlight is to visit Ventnor and walk along the coast to Steephill cove, a stunning little retreat at the very south of the island. Stop at ‘The Beach Shack’ for a slice of cake or cup of tea while enjoying the sea views.
If you feel like being royal for the day, a visit to Osborne House and gardens is a treat. Located in East Cowes, the grounds are open for free, with a small fee to enter to explore Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s former summer home and possessions. From here you could also pop over to the town called Cowes on the other side of the river for a typical fish and chips on the promenade.
The best time to visit is definitely when it’s sunny, so head on over when it’s either Spring or Summer for the most out of your weekend break in the UK.
Contributed by Zoe from Together in Transit
Fort William, Scotland
Fort William is in the western Scottish highlands. It is a small town at the foot of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK.
The town itself is not the most interesting or pretty to explore but it is in a great location. The surrounding area is fantastic for anyone who likes the outdoors. On a weekend you can climb Ben Nevis, take the Harry Potter steam train to Mallaig or see it cross the viaduct from one of the viewpoints in Glenfinnan.
During the summer day trips run from Arisaig, a village close by, to the Small Isles such as Muck and Eigg. Every Sunday in June and early July you can see puffins on the Isle of Canna and admire the once-grand Kinloch Castle on Rum.
Since it is a popular tourist destination Fort William has a surprising number of restaurants. My favourite is The Geographer. It has great food and the fairy lights inside make it very atmospheric. Make sure you book in advance for dinner.
Fort William, and Scotland in general, are good to visit any time of the year, but for hiking the period between May and end of September is best. You will have warmer weather during this period and for much of the rest of the year there is often snow in the mountains. However, if you are visiting during the winter you can potentially go skiing at the Nevis Range Mountain Resort.
The closest airport to Fort William is Inverness which is less than 2 hours away by car. For anyone visiting from abroad Glasgow has more international flights and it is only a 2.5 hour drive away. Taking the train to Fort William is another good option with direct overnight trains departing from London.
Contributed by Kristin from Scotland Less Explored
Ballycastle, Northern Ireland
If you’d like a weekend break featuring lots of time in the outdoors, look no further than Ballycastle.
Ballycastle is a cute but tiny place with little to do in the town itself. However, as a base for exploring the spectacular coast of Northern Ireland, Ballycastle is unmatched.
First, Ballycastle is just a short bus ride away from Giant’s Causeway, a unique geological formation featuring collections of hexagonal basalt columns. I recommend taking an early bus to Giant’s Causeway, exploring that area for several hours, then hiking back toward Ballycastle via the Causeway Coastal Route.
This is a phenomenal, yet fairly easy hiking trail along the coast. The views are spectacular, especially in the area around Giant’s Causeway, and the scenery is varied (including some castle ruins and beaches!). If you’re up for it, hike the whole way to Carrick-a-Rede Bridge! (It’s about 16 kilometers.)
Ballycastle is also the perfect base for visiting Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland’s only inhabited island.
Rathlin Island is just a short ferry ride away from Ballycastle’s seafront, so it makes for an excellent day trip. Don’t miss the Seabird Centre, where thousands of seabirds (including puffins!) flock for mating season in the spring and the summer. I also recommend biking or hiking around the island, which has three very different lighthouses. The hiking on the southern end of the island, near Rue Point Lighthouse, is especially wonderful!
Ballycastle is best visited in the summer, when the weather tends to be friendlier to hikers.
Contributed by Karissa from In Old Cities
Oxford, England
When it comes to weekend breaks in the UK, one destination that never fails to impress us is Oxford. A mere 1.5 hours by train from London, Oxford is the perfect day trip from the UK’s capital that offers the ideal combination of history, culture and charm. We’ve been to Oxford many times, and every visit feels like going back in time with its historic colleges, cobblestone lanes, and breathtaking riverside walks.
Our favourite attraction is the University of Oxford, particularly its magnificent colleges! Christ Church is a must-see (seriously, the most beautiful!), but Magdalen and New College are stunning too. Visit Bodleian Library, one of Europe’s oldest libraries, to appreciate its spectacular architecture.
If you’re a Potterhead, join one of the guided Harry Potter tours. You can see some of the filming locations and the dining hall that inspired Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films.
Take a chauffeured tour on a punt (a flat-bottomed boat) on the River Cherwell and get a history lesson from the punter. After your cruise, relax at a classic pub like The Bear Inn (standing since 1242!), sample some local ale, and refuel with fish and chips. For something different, explore the Covered Market and grab some yummy bites from local vendors.
Contributed by Viola & Sebastian from Away to the City
Tenby, Wales
Tenby is one of the best places to visit in Pembrokeshire. With colourful pastel-painted houses and plenty of cafes, fish and chip shops and ice cream kiosks – it has all the ingredients of a quintessential British seaside town! The charming town boasts three soft sandy beaches, as well as a lively centre, surrounded by mediaeval old stone walls. Families will enjoy spending the day on South beach – Tenby’s largest beach, whilst couples should head to Salty’s beach bar for sunset cocktails.
Explore the art and gift shops in Tenby old town, stroll along the esplanade or take a short walk up to castle hill. Visit the old castle ruins and soak up the sweeping views across the sea to St Catherine’s Island.
Another great activity to do in Tenby is to take a boat trip from Tenby harbour. Choose from exhilarating speed boat trips, adventurous sea kayak tours, or enjoy a more relaxing wildlife tour.
If you want to explore the wider Pembrokeshire region, Tenby is a great place to base yourself. Take a day trip to Bosherston Lily ponds, St Govan’s chapel or Barafundle bay beach – one of the UK’s most beautiful beaches.
Tenby can get very busy during the peak months, especially over the weekends and in the school summer holidays. So, to enjoy the warmer weather, with less of the crowds, the best time to visit Tenby is during the late spring / early summer, or September. Getting to Tenby is really convenient, too, with good road links, plenty of car parks around the town and a train station.
Contributed by Helen from Curious Goose
Edinburgh, Scotland
Although Edinburgh isn’t the largest city in Scotland it’s the country’s capital and has so much to offer. Famous for its rich heritage, historic architecture, and festivals, it makes the perfect weekend break as you’ll want to spend at least 2 days in Edinburgh.
First of all, there are so many amazing things to do in this charming city. Edinburgh Castle is a highlight of any trip to Scotland’s capital and is one of the country’s most iconic castles, with parts of the building dating back to the 12th century.
There are also several fantastic viewpoints of Edinburgh Castle throughout the city, which make for awesome photographs. These include The Vennel, Princes Street Gardens, and Grassmarket.
Other popular attractions in Edinburgh include the Royal Mile, The Real Mary King’s Close, and The National Museum of Scotland, all of which are found in the Old Town. There are also some fantastic ghost tours on offer!
For those who love the outdoors, a hike up Arthur’s Seat will see you treated to jaw-dropping city views, while the coastal suburb of Portobello offers a beautiful beach and a great pizza place (Civerinos Portobello).
Edinburgh can be visited at any time of year although the summer months offer the best weather. May, June, and September are best for those who want pleasant weather but wish to avoid the crowds. Meanwhile, Autumn is the perfect time of year if you’re after those moody vibes!
Contributed by Abbie and Jack from A Couples Calling
Isle of Gigha, Scotland
Off the west coast of Scotland is a little-known island called the Isle of Gigha. It is a 20-minute ferry ride from the mainland, making it an accessible weekend destination that can be reached by public transport.
Pristine beaches and turquoise coves fringe Gigha and thanks to Gigha’s size, they are easily accessible by foot or cycle. At the top of the list is the spectacular Twin Beaches, which was a beloved destination of the late Queen Elizabeth and Princess Anne. One of the best things to do on Gigha is to visit the Achamore Gardens to see tropical plants and a walled garden redolent with flowers. There’s a viewpoint up a hill here which offers mesmerising views of neighbouring islands. On Gigha, you can see standing stones, cairns, and the ruins of an old church that are a testament to Gigha’s past as a strategic location on the maritime map. If you love to see stars and galaxies, there’s a designated dark sky zone at the northern tip of Gigha. If you are visiting in winter, keep an eye out for auroras!
Some of the best places to eat on Gigha are a Michelin-recommended restaurant called the Boathouse, and our personal favourite, a seafood takeaway called the Nook where you can dig into octopus tacos, lobster rolls, beer-battered fish, etc. If you have a sweet tooth, treat yourself to Gigha’s Wee Isle Ice Cream, handcrafted at a farm near Ardminish. You can also buy cakes, brownies, and other treats at honesty boxes on the island.
The best time to visit the Isle of Gigha is between May and September. The annual Gigha music festival is held in June and locals get together for concerts and ceilidhs. If you want to stay at the unique Ardminish yurt or one of the handful of BnBs on the island, book ahead. There’s also a new campsite on the island. We stayed there and can vouch for their excellent facilities!
Contributed by Mohana from Two Together
Cambridge, England
Cambridge, a city full of historical splendour and cultural wealth, attracts visitors from all over the world. I was also impressed by the city during my visit in March. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a ray of sunshine on the venerable colleges.
Come with me to a city with a rich academic tradition. Here you can visit the renowned universities and colleges such as King’s College. Experience the fascinating architecture and rooms steeped in history that have housed generations of scholars.
Enjoy a relaxing ride on a traditional Cambridge punt along the picturesque River Cam. Experience the magical views of the historic colleges as you are accompanied by an experienced guide. This is a unique way to experience the beauty of the city.
Cambridge offers a wealth of cultural treasures, including the Fitzwilliam Museum and Kettle’s Yard. Admire great works of art and contemporary art in these renowned galleries. Cambridge’s theater and music scene is another reason to visit – and is also possible without restrictions in March. From student performances to international productions, the city offers a rich cultural program for all tastes. Enjoy summer concerts in the open air or be enchanted by the outstanding choral performances at King’s College Chapel.
Discover the natural beauty of Cambridge in the botanical gardens and extensive parks. Enjoy a relaxing stroll through magnificent landscapes and admire the diverse plant life. These green oases offer a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
I really enjoyed Cambridge. Most of the sights are in the city centre and can be easily reached on foot.
Contributed by Phil from JOURNICATION
Chester, England
The charming city of Chester in England’s northwest is a fantastic weekend destination for those who love history, beautiful architecture and an independent spirit. Despite its compactness, it is packed with great attractions, activities and dining options.
While you can see the highlights of Chester on a day trip, a weekend allows you to really make the most of what the city has to offer. Enjoy a walk along the most complete defensive city walls in Britain, admire the majestic Chester Cathedral and see the remains of one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in Britain.
In-between the historic attractions, be sure to explore the iconic Chester Rows. These two-tiered galleries link various buildings across the city centre and can be found along Bridge Street, Eastgate Street, Northgate Street, and Watergate Street.
Although the galleries are a unique architectural feature in their own right, they are also famous for housing numerous independent shops, fantastic eateries and art galleries. Highlights include the beloved Naughty Badger Bistro and the highly Instagrammable Palm Cocktail Bar and Eatery.
A weekend in Chester is also ideal for getting out of the city and visiting the famous Chester Zoo. One of the largest zoos in the UK, it is home to thousands of animal species from all over the world.
Chester Zoo is also on a mission to help prevent biodiversity loss, with each visitor’s ticket purchase supporting this cause. It’s relatively easy to get there from the city centre by either car or bus.
Contributed by Ksenia from Explore with Wonder
Well, there you have it – we’ve been on quite the adventure together, haven’t we? We’ve roamed through the lush, green fields of the countryside, danced through the lively streets of the UK’s most buzzing cities, and even found those quiet corners where you can hear your own thoughts again. All thanks to the seasoned wanderers who’ve shared their top picks for 2024’s must-visit UK weekend breaks!
