Beautiful Places in the UK for a Weekend Getaway

The UK is not short of incredible places to explore on a short weekend break. From discovering iconic sights and hidden gems to admiring the country’s rugged coastline with golden sandy beaches and secluded coves, there are many fun activities to enjoy in the UK, regardless of the type of getaway you’re after.

Cornwall

Boasting picturesque coastal towns, breathtaking scenery and beautiful beaches, Cornwall is one of the best places for a weekend getaway in the UK. It has enough attractions and fun activities to keep you busy the entire weekend, whether travelling alone, with friends, or with family. 

Start your weekend by driving to the charming Cornish town of Newquay, home to incredible beaches surrounded by towering dramatic cliffs, including Fistral Beach, the surfing hotspot of Cornwall. Stay in one of the beachfront hotels of Newquay, giving you easy access to the town’s lovely beaches. 

The next day, begin with a sumptuous breakfast, then hike along the Southwest Coast Path to Watergate Bay. You’ll pass by gorgeous beaches worth a stop for a refreshing swim. Walk further ahead until you reach the famous Bedruthan Steps. These are incredibly stunning rocky outcrops jutting from the coastline. 

For lunch, drive to Padstow, Cornwall’s gastronomic capital. The lovely harbour town is home to fantastic restaurants serving delectable seafood. Next, explore Boscastle. With towering cliffs on either side and a beautiful stream running through the middle, Boscastle is undoubtedly charming. You can then hike the Southwest Coastal Path from Boscastle to reach another lovely town, Tintagel.

Bath 

There are plenty of places to explore around Bath, making it an exciting area to visit for the weekend, especially if you are fond of history and heritage. Here, you can spend your days exploring the ancient Roman Baths, marvelling at the majestic Abbey, or hiking the Bath Skyline, where you can admire the city’s most epic views.

Bath is a compact and pedestrian-friendly city, and most sights are within walking distance of each other. Therefore, the best place to explore is on foot. Begin exploring The Circus, a circular row of Georgian townhouses built around the 1700s. From the Circus, make your way towards the Royal Crescent, one of Bath’s most iconic landmarks. These rows of terraced houses look magnificent and are considered one of the best examples of Georgian architecture in the UK. After your walk, the best place to relax is in the gorgeous Parade Garden, which offers some of the best views of Pulteney Bridge.

The following day, visit the ancient Roman Baths, one of the city’s biggest draws. Built around 70AD, they are some of the world’s most well-preserved Roman remains. After visiting the Roman Baths, head to the Bath Abbey nearby. Marvel at the magnificent Gothic monastery, established in the 7th century.

The Lake District

As the largest national park in England, the Lake District is the perfect place to spend a relaxing weekend break. It’s home to shimmering lakes, majestic mountains, and small lively towns with quaint narrow streets and cosy pubs. Given its gorgeous natural scenery, the Lake District is the perfect place to unwind and immerse in the great outdoors.

The best place to kick off your weekend in the Lake District is the lovely village of Bassenthwaite, a perfect spot to soak up the Lake District’s stunning views of nature. Hike to the top of Sale Fell, where you can admire the tranquil views of Bassenthwaite Lake. Next, drive to Derwentwater in Keswick, and enjoy a scenic stroll along its shores. Stroll towards Friar’s Crag viewpoint, which juts out into the lake, and where you’ll see the Cat Bells towering above. 

Spend your second day exploring the picturesque towns of Bowness and Windermere, home to Lake Windermere. At 17 km long, Lake Windermere is the largest lake in England. Meanwhile, Bowness sits along the shores of Lake Windermere and is one of the best places to visit when exploring the lake on a boat trip.

Dorset 

Weymouth, a beautiful seaside town, is an ideal starting point for a weekend getaway in Dorset. Spend the day strolling the pretty streets, chilling out on the lovely harbour, or hanging out at the beach. There are also several accommodations for the whole family here, perfect for those visiting Dorset with a large group.  

Durdle Door is another beautiful place to explore on your weekend break in Dorset. Make a quick stop at Man O’War Beach, discover the Corfe Castle, and visit the Tank Museum. Next, drive to Bridport, passing along the scenic Jurassic Coast Road to enjoy the most epic views. 

Bridport is a lovely market town with many great hotels and inns, making it an ideal base for your weekend getaway in Dorset. Check out the Bridport Museum and the Alleyways Antiques Centre. The town is also home to great pubs and restaurants, where you can indulge in a fancy dinner.

The next day, drive to West Bay and enjoy scenic strolls by the beach. Hike up the hill and into the South Coast Way path until you reach The Hive Beach. You can spend the rest of the day swimming, relaxing, or playing with the kids.

Scotland

Scotland is another place to get away from it all and spend a relaxing weekend break in the UK. While most people would spend their weekends in big cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, you’ll find many other incredible places to explore and spend your weekend.

For foodies, indulge in a gastronomic feast at the beautiful East Neuk of Fife. From freshly cooked seafood to traditional fish & chips, it has every possible dish you crave. After your feast, it’s time to explore, starting at the sunny seaside area of Angus. Discover its dramatic castles, such as the Dunnottar Caste, and marvel at its stunning glens.

If you’re outdoorsy, the best place to spend your weekend is at the Cairngorms National Park. Explore the park on wheels, cycling along its many stunning cycle paths that loop around the park. You can also indulge in water sports, from kayaking to canoeing and white-water rafting.