Here we've rounded up our top 13 spots to go for a quick weekend break out of London. When the fast pace of the city becomes too overwhelming (and we have all been there) a weekend away is the perfect solution. Spend a few days in the calm countryside or head to a beach destination if you prefer a good sea view. In this guide we bring you some suggestions all reachable by train or if you prefer, by car.
Norfolk
Dive into Norfolk's cool vibes with a visit to Burnham Market - it's like a village straight out of a storybook. Stroll down the cobblestone streets, pop into quirky shops, and then hit up Holkham Beach. Trust me, it's not your regular beach. It's more like nature's chill-out zone with vast sandy stretches and a nature reserve vibe.
Where to stay:
The Hoste, Burnham Market
A boutique hotel in the heart of Burnham Market, offering stylish rooms, a spa, and a restaurant serving locally sourced cuisine.
The Victoria Inn, Holkham
Located near Holkham Beach, this inn combines traditional charm with modern comfort, providing cozy rooms and a relaxed atmosphere.
Where to eat:
The Neptune, Hunstanton
A Michelin-starred restaurant known for its modern British cuisine and seafood.
The Victoria Inn, Holkham
The hotel's restaurant offers fine dining with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients.
Woolacombe Sands, Devon
If you're a beach lover, Woolacombe Sands in Devon is the place to be. The beaches here are legit award-winners, and the views? Jaw-dropping. It's the kind of place where you can just kick back, soak up the sun, maybe try some surfing if you're feeling adventurous, and take in the epic coastal scenery.
Where to stay:
Woolacombe Bay Hotel
Overlooking Woolacombe Beach, this hotel offers contemporary rooms, spa facilities, and stunning sea views, providing a luxurious beachside retreat.
The Watersmeet Hotel
Situated on the cliffs above Woolacombe, this hotel offers elegant rooms, a terrace with panoramic views, and easy access to the beach.
Where to eat
The Boardwalk Restaurant
Located at Woolacombe Bay Hotel, it offers a fine dining experience with panoramic views of the coastline.
The Watersmeet Hotel Restaurant
A sophisticated dining option with a diverse menu and stunning sea views.
Salcombe, Devon
Imagine a town that's all about sailing, sandy beaches, and just looking pretty darn charming. That's Salcombe in Devon for you. The harbor views are postcard-worthy, and the town's got that cool nautical feel. It's like stepping into a little seaside adventure with boat trips, cool beaches like South Sands, and seafood treats.
Where to stay:
Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa
A waterfront hotel with stylish rooms, spa facilities, and a restaurant offering fresh seafood, providing a luxurious stay in Salcombe.
Thurlestone Hotel
Discover the Thurlestone Hotel's timeless charm in Devon. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, our sea-view rooms near Kingsbridge and Salcombe provide an idyllic retreat. Explore coastal walks, charming towns, and more.
Where to eat
The Jetty, Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa
A chic restaurant with a seafood-focused menu and picturesque views of the estuary.
The Victoria Inn, Salcombe
An upscale pub with a restaurant serving modern British cuisine in a stylish setting.
Oxford
Ever wondered what it's like to walk through a place that practically oozes history and smarts? That's Oxford, my friend. It's got these old-school college buildings that make you feel like you're in a magical movie. The Bodleian Library is like the ultimate book fortress, and there are streets that scream 'old-school cool.'
Where to stay
Old Bank Hotel
Located in the city center, this boutique hotel combines modern luxury with historic charm, offering beautiful rooms and a rooftop terrace.
Malmaison Oxford
Housed in a converted prison, this stylish hotel features unique rooms, a trendy brasserie, and a central location great for exploring the town.
Where to eat
Quod Brasserie
Located in the heart of Oxford, this brasserie offers a diverse menu and a vibrant atmosphere.
The Cherwell Boathouse
An idyllic riverside restaurant with a seasonal menu, offering a tranquil dining experience.
Cambridge
Cambridge is like the cool cousin of Oxford. Same smart vibes, but with this chill river scene. You've got King's College looking all majestic, and you can even hop on a boat and punt down the River Cam. It's got that mix of fancy history and laid-back river vibes.
Where to stay
The Varsity Hotel & Spa
With views of the River Cam, this boutique hotel offers modern rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a spa, providing a luxurious stay in Cambridge.
Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cambridge
Set in a former university building, this chic hotel features elegant rooms, a French-inspired bistro, and a central location.
Where to eat
Midsummer House
A two-Michelin-starred restaurant known for its contemporary European cuisine and elegant setting.
Restaurant 22
A fine dining restaurant with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere.
Brighton
Brighton is like the funky beach town that's always throwing a party. Picture this: a pier with rides, narrow lanes with quirky shops, and a Royal Pavilion that's like a palace out of a dream. Oh, and the nightlife? Totally off the charts. It's like the cool kid of the seaside scene.
Where to stay
The Grand Brighton
A historic 4-star seafront hotel with elegant rooms, a spa, and a terrace overlooking the beach.
My Brighton
A contemporary 4-star boutique hotel with unique, themed rooms, located near the Pavilion and the Lanes.
Where to eat
The Salt Room
An upscale seafood restaurant with sea views, offering a diverse menu and a stylish atmosphere.
Isaac At
A modern British restaurant with a seasonal menu, known for its creative dishes and intimate setting.
The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is like that dreamy countryside you see in movies. Think rolling hills, charming villages like Bibury, and these grand places like Blenheim Palace. It's like a painting came to life, and you're right in the middle of it all. Quaint, calm, and seriously Instagrammable.The picturesque landscapes of the Cotswolds can be the perfect antidote to city life. Here we've put together our top 3 picks from the area. If you're interested, you can check out our full Cotswolds guide.
Where to stay
The Double Red Duke
Experience classic elegance at The Double Red Duke hotel, where timeless style meets modern luxury in a picturesque setting.
Estelle Manor
Estelle Manor is one of the most talked about hotels and for a reason the propriety is beautiful and so is the service.
Where to eat
The Lygon Bar & Grill
A stylish restaurant at The Lygon Arms, serving classic British dishes in a refined atmosphere.
The Brasserie At Calcot
Experience culinary excellence at The Brasserie At Calcot, where local flavors blend seamlessly for an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Windsor
Picture a town that's all about castles and classic British charm. That's Windsor for you. The castle here is like the real deal, and there's this long walk where you can just wander and pretend you're in a royal fairy tale. It's regal, it's historic, and it's got that charming English vibe.
Where to stay
Fairmont Windsor Park
Experience unparalleled luxury at Fairmont Windsor Park, where refined elegance and exceptional service redefine the essence of luxurious hospitality.
Sir Christopher Wren Hotel & Spa
Situated on the Thames, this hotel combines historic charm with modern amenities, featuring comfortable rooms and a spa.
Where to eat
The Brasserie at Sir Christopher Wren Hotel
A riverside restaurant offering a blend of modern and traditional British cuisine.
Clarence Brasserie & Tea Room
Located in Macdonald Windsor Hotel, it offers a sophisticated dining experience with a diverse menu.
Canterbury
Canterbury is the kind of place where you can soak up some serious medieval vibes. The cathedral is like the superhero of the town, and you can take a boat ride down the River Stour. It's like stepping into a time machine but with cool old buildings and stories to boot.
Where to stay
ABode Canterbury
Housed in a converted medieval building, this hotel offers chic rooms, a stylish restaurant, and a central location near Canterbury Cathedral.
Cathedral Gate Hotel
A charming hotel with cozy rooms, located just steps away from Canterbury Cathedral, providing a traditional and welcoming atmosphere.
Where to eat
The Ambrette
A critically acclaimed restaurant offering modern Indian cuisine with a British twist.
Cafe des Amis
An upscale Mexican restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere and a diverse menu.
Cornwall
Cornwall is like the artsy cousin of beach destinations. You've got St Ives and Padstow, which are like these cute fishing villages straight out of a painting. And then there's the Eden Project, which is like a giant greenhouse of wonders. It's chilled out, coastal, and seriously creative.
Where to stay
St Ives Harbour Hotel & Spa
Overlooking Porthminster Beach, this hotel offers sea-view rooms, a spa, and a restaurant with panoramic views of the coastline.
The Old Quay House Hotel
Set in a former seamen's mission, this boutique hotel features individually styled rooms and a waterside location in Padstow.
Where to eat
Porthminster Beach Cafe
Overlooking St Ives Bay, this restaurant offers seafood-focused dishes in a stylish beachfront setting.
Paul Ainsworth at No.6
A Michelin-starred restaurant in Padstow, known for its creative British cuisine and elegant ambiance.
New Forest
Imagine a forest that's not just any forest but a 'New Forest.' It's got this posh hotel called Limewood, and you can chill among ancient trees and maybe spot some wildlife. It's like a nature escape with a touch of luxury. Tranquil, green, and maybe a bit posh.
Where to stay
Limewood Hotel
A luxurious 5-star hotel in the heart of the New Forest, offering stylish rooms, a spa, and a renowned restaurant.
The Montagu Arms Hotel
A historic 4-star country house hotel with elegant rooms and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Where to eat
Hartnett Holder & Co
Located at Lime Wood Hotel, this restaurant offers a menu created by renowned chefs Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder.
The Terrace Restaurant at The Montagu Arms
A fine dining restaurant with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
Lake District
The Lake District is like nature on steroids – in a good way. You've got lakes that look like they're from a fairy tale, towns like Keswick that are like storybook villages, and mountains that practically dare you to climb them. It's like an adventure waiting to happen, with postcard-worthy views around every corner.
Where to stay
The Samling
A 5-star boutique hotel overlooking Lake Windermere, offering luxurious rooms and a fine-dining restaurant.
Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa
A 4-star hotel situated near Derwentwater, featuring comfortable rooms, a spa, and panoramic views.
Where to eat
HRiSHi at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House
A Michelin-starred restaurant offering modern British cuisine with a focus on locally sourced produce.
Lake View Restaurant at Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa
A restaurant with panoramic views, serving a diverse menu with a contemporary twist.
Bath
So, Bath is basically the spa town that's also a history buff's dream. You've got these ancient Roman Baths that are still hanging around, and the whole place has this fancy vibe with Georgian architecture. It's like stepping back in time, but with a touch of elegance and spa-worthy relaxation.
Where to stay
The Gainsborough Bath Spa
A 5-star hotel with a Roman-inspired spa, luxurious rooms, and a prime location near the Roman Baths.
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
A 5-star hotel set in a Georgian crescent, offering opulent rooms, a spa, and stunning views.
Where to eat
The Bath Priory Restaurant
A Michelin-starred restaurant offering gourmet dining with a focus on local and seasonal produce.
The Circus Restaurant
Located in a historic Georgian townhouse, this restaurant serves modern British cuisine in an elegant setting.
Conclusion
There are plenty of good options (for all different tastes) for a nice getaway from London so pack up your bags and enjoy a weekend of peace and tranquillity.
