Weekend breaks in the UK are booking up so here are our chicest picks to beat the rush

Reader, we’ve been frantically Googling the best weekend breaks UK-wide of late. I don’t know about you, but the promise of warmer weather being on the horizon has made me want to travel and explore everything the UK has to offer. Living here permanently means that it’s all too easy to forget about the stunning and interesting areas there are to explore. If you’re sticking with the UK for a quick getaway, you can afford to be last-minute, too (though we recommend booking as soon as you can for our picks below) as there’s way less faff involved. Sure, we’d all love to hop on a plane to somewhere far-flung, but when you’ve only got a few days on annual leave left, a 12-hour flight isn’t particularly convenient. So, why not get better acquainted with the place you call home?

Britain can totally hold its own against the cosmopolitan European cities we often opt for – if only you know where to look. It boasts rolling countrysides, fish and chips by the sea and abundance of pasties… and hotels, holiday cottages and campsites are filling up fast for the 2023 summer season. So, if you’ve got a free weekend ahead or perhaps the forthcoming bank holidays, it’s worth turning your attentions to the humble British holiday.

First, you’ve got to decide where to go. Within just a couple of hours from London, you’ll find miles upon miles of unspoilt coastline, as well as cute and quaint villages. There’s Cornwall, Devon and the beautiful coastline of the Gower Peninsula which are stunning even in the cooler weather. Or how about a trip to the New Forest? Further afield – and more tempting in the autumn – are the UK’s beautiful cities. There’s Bath for the thermal spa, Brighton for the independent shops and fantastic array of restaurants, and Edinburgh for culture and history. Oh, and did we mention that England has 10 National Parks? 10! How spoilt are we?

In celebration of spring, summer and, finally, some lighter evenings, we’ve rounded up the best destinations for a weekend break in the UK to take full advantage. In this edit, you’ll find the Peak District, Cornwall, Edinburgh and The Cotswolds – to name just a few. Whether you’re a city person or prefer the great outdoors in the countryside, there’ll be something for you here. Perhaps you’ll even come across a location you’ve not yet been. Oh, and for each, we’ve provided a suggestion of the best Airbnb or hotel in the area with details of its upcoming availability, so you can relax from booking through to the big departure day.

The best country weekend break destinations | The best seaside weekend break destinations | The best city weekend break destinations | Our Airbnb, hotel and rental top picks to book now

Where is best to go for a weekend break, at a glance