Coastal
Who doesn’t love to be beside the seaside? Take advantage of the UK’s bountiful and beautiful coastline with a coastal getaway. From Cornwall to Brighton, you can indulge in all of the fun that the seaside has to offer.
📍 Brighton
Classic British holiday: three words that sum up Brighton perfectly. The picture-perfect beaches, the iconic pier and the abundance of quirky boutiques, it never ceases to amaze holiday-makers. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming trying to create an itinerary - luckily, we’ve rounded up the best things to do into one helpful guide.
Where to Stay in Brighton?
For accommodation packed with character, you can’t beat England’s most rock ‘n’ roll Hotel Pelirocco. With 19 individually themed rock ‘n’ roll bedrooms, from the Bowie-inspired Rebel Rebel to Dollywood, there’s something to tickle every taste bud. And with prosecco to kick things off, what could be a better summer break?
📍 Bournemouth
With an enviable location on Britain’s South Coast, Bournemouth’s long sandy beaches make it a great choice for a family-friendly short break. During the summer months, the town’s seafront becomes a bustling hive of activity for both adults and kids alike. Combine the town’s Victorian heritage with an unmistakably modern outlook and you’ve got all the ingredients for a great staycation - and our helpful things to do in Bournemouth guide will help make the most of your time here.
Where to Stay in Bournemouth?
Bournemouth has a plethora of hotels but few more upscale than Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel. Within easy reach of beaches, world-class spa facilities and walking distance to the town, whatever’s on the cards for your stay, West Cliff Hotel is the perfect base. Enjoy a restful night’s sleep in a spacious and charming Classic room, followed by breakfast in the morning.
Two Night Coastal Break for Two at Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel
Enjoy upscale accommodation within easy reach of beaches and Bournemouth’s vibrant centre with a Two Night Coastal Break for Two at Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel. You and a lucky guest can enjoy all that the town has to offer, or relax with full use of the hotel’s spa facilities. Whatever’s on the cards for your stay, West Cliff Hotel is the perfect base.<br /> Following each night’s sleep in your spacious Classic room, you can tuck into a cooked or continental breakfast to set you up for the day.
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📍 Exmouth
Effortlessly fusing beautiful coastal views with a modern and cultural hub reputation, Devon’s Exmouth really does have it all. The two kilometres of beaches host all the seaside amenities you’d expect and the vast array of pubs and restaurants ensure you’re not stuck for choice when it comes to where to relax after an action-packed day.
Where to Stay in Exmouth?
For a 5* stay, you’ll want to set your sights on Lympstone Manor Hotel. Set in 28-acres of gardens and parklands, your elegant accommodation boasts views over the fountain and gardens at the front of the house. With spectacular views of the South Devon coast, dinner is covered too in the form of an eight-course Michelin-starred tasting menu and breakfast.
📍 St Ives
A place so beautiful it often features on posters for British tourism, Cornwall’s St Ives is a UK holiday destination everyone should visit at least once. From spectacular beaches to museums, boat trips and surfing, you won’t be left twiddling your thumbs in the dazzling jewel of Cornwall’s crown.
Where to Stay in St Ives?
It’s hard to imagine a more stylish place to stay in St Ives than the boutique The Gannet Inn. Your Cosy room is decorated with its own unique identity, boasting bold décor and a signature interior. Perfectly located to explore nearby coastal walks, a stay here includes a full Cornish or continental breakfast in the morning.
📍 Poole
Situated on the shores of Dorset’s Poole Harbour – the second largest in the world after Sydney – Poole is steeped in maritime history, epic watersports activities and a relaxed Quay. Although well-known for its nautical identity, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover inland too. Bolster your mini-break itinerary with our things to do in Poole guide.
Where to Stay in Poole?
Perched on the tip of the Sandbanks peninsula, the 4* Haven Hotel boasts spectacular views, making it an ideal place for some R&R. Guests have direct access to the seven-mile Blue Flag beach and are within easy reach of boats to Brownsea Island. The hotel itself has a plethora of amenities including a hot tub, plunge pool and seasonal heated outdoor swimming pool.
Two Night Break for Two at Sandbanks Hotel, Poole
Escape to the seaside with this Two Night Break for Two at Sandbanks Hotel in Poole. You’ll be welcomed into this 4* hotel for two unforgettable nights in a double or twin room with a full English breakfast each morning.
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📍 Carnoustie
You might not know it but with breath-taking scenery of rolling green hills and sandy white beaches, Scotland’s Carnoustie is the perfect holiday destination. Located in the historical county of Angus, there’s so much to see and do here - from the picturesque 19th century Barry Mill to the bay with windsurfing, sailing and yachting opportunities.
Where to Stay in Carnoustie?
The ultimate hotel in Carnoustie for golfers, the 4* Carnoustie Golf Hotel overlooks a Championship golf course, the sea and nearby town. Local heritage includes Affleck and Claypotts Castles as well as Arbroath Abbey. But we feel you’ll be hard-pressed to leave the tranquil oasis of your twin room and the hotel’s multitude of spa and health facilities. Topping things off is a dinner allowance in the hotel’s flagship Calders Bistro.
One Night Coastal Escape with Dinner for Two at the Carnoustie Golf Hotel & Spa
Get ready for a memorable coastal break together at Carnoustie Golf Hotel & Spa. With extensive facilities and an amazing location overlooking a Championship golf course, the sea and nearby town, you can get away from it all without sacrificing on things to do.
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📍 Jersey
If ever there was a perfect summer break idea, it’d be the Channel Islands' Jersey. Just a hop, skip and jump from London, Jersey is the sunniest spot in the British Isles with stretches of inviting golden sand and soaring cliffs. This small land is a foodie paradise bursting with flavour thanks to an abundance of local produce as well as being a mecca for thrill-seekers with secluded beaches for just about every watersport under the sun.
Where to Stay in Jersey?
Nestled in woodland, the Chateau la Chaire is a boutique hotel where every room is named after a different flower. Inside each distinctive and unique room lies all of your modern conveniences as well as attractions like Rozel Bay just a short walk away.
📍 Dover
Views in the UK don’t get much more magical than the famous White Cliffs of Dover. Over 300 ft high, they make a truly remarkable backdrop for your summer escape. Far more than just a port, Kent’s Dover is home to a wealth of history, culture and other notable sights of which we have summarised in one comprehensive Things to Do in Dover article.
Where to Stay in Dover?
With such an idyllic backdrop, it’s only right to turn your summer getaway into a spa break. Designed with your comfort in mind, your accommodation at the Dover Marina Hotel is a gorgeous Sea View guest room, boasting contemporary luxuries. Start the day with a 30-minute spa treatment, take advantage of the on-site wellness facilities and enjoy dinner one evening.
📍 Truro
Truro is the perfect spot to achieve anything in Cornwall. It’s a short drive from world-famous attractions such as The Eden Project and a base to explore the nearby exotic beaches and quaint fisherman villages. Check out our top Things to Do in Truro to help navigate your way around Cornwall’s only city.
Where to Stay in Truro?
Surrounded by the idyllic cliffs and headlands that make up the Cornish Coastal Footpath, this characterful Portloe bolthole is the perfect place to soak up those summer vibes. There’s plenty of scope for exploring some of England’s most inspiring scenery and your bedroom is equipped with a deep bath and deluge shower en suite for extra relaxation.
Two Night Cornish Coastal Escape for Two at Lugger Hotel, Portloe
Get away together with a coastal escape at the award-winning, The Lugger Hotel. Surrounded by the idyllic cliffs and headlands that make up the Cornish Coastal Footpath, this characterful Portloe bolthole is the perfect place to enjoy Cornwall.
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📍 Cromer
Last but not least on our list of coastal destinations is Norfolk’s Cromer. A quintessential English seaside town, Cromer retains much of its Victorian charm and natural, architectural features. From beaches to walking routes to that mandatory seafront ice cream, there’s so many Things to Do in Cromer.
Where to Stay in Cromer?
Award-winning, 4* The Grove is a real jewel in the crown of Cromer’s accommodation. Unwind in your Orchard room, toast to summer with prosecco and enjoy the heated pool and four acres of tranquil gardens. There’s even a secret private path leading directly to the beach.
City
Prefer the faster pace of city life to endless days spent on the beach? A city hotel break is the ideal solution.
📍 York
Only second to London as the most popular UK city break destination, the northern charm of York is truly unparalleled. Coincidentally, there’s a lot of things to do in York, so if you ever decide to venture out of the hotel, you’re in for a world of discovery.
Where to Stay in York?
An 18th-century Georgian manor house, Mercure York Fairfield Manor Hotel blends modern amenities with old-world style. It is well-placed for exploring the city, with the centre just a 15-minute drive away. An open, spacious lounge and sweeping oak staircase within the hotel add that extra touch of opulence.
Two Night Break for Two at the Mercure York Fairfield Manor Hotel
Unwind with a Two Night Break for Two at the Mercure York Fairfield Manor Hotel. Find yourself in the glorious Yorkshire countryside in this stylish 18th century Georgian manor house. The hotel blends old-world style, like a sweeping oak staircase, with modern amenities and 21st century comfort.
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📍 Edinburgh
With more parks, gardens and walks than you can count on two hands, a visit to Scotland’s capital Edinburgh will surely make for a memorable summer urban escape. Take a wander down the Royal Mile, explore the city’s fascinating history and sample its growing food scene with some of the country’s finest pubs and restaurants housed here.
Where to Stay in Edinburgh?
This is a place of quiet enchantment. The Roseate is home to 35 luxurious rooms and suites in a prime location in the heart of Edinburgh. Refined, relaxed and intimate, the boutique hotel exudes timeless and understated charm. Unwind in the garden conservatory, treat the taste buds to afternoon tea or head out to explore the vibrant Scottish capital.
📍 Bath
Known for its rich Roman history and honey-coloured Georgian architecture, Bath is one of the most popular places to visit in Britain. Though it’s stunning all-year round, the city really comes to its own during summer. The warm season brings the opportunity to see the iconic Roman Baths by torchlight, which provides an unforgettable experience. And our guide of Things to Do in Bath highlights there’s far more to the city than meets the eye.
Where to Stay in Bath?
Book yourself one night at the 5* Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa - a recommendation that we have been dishing out for a long time. Located on the famous Royal Crescent, this exquisite venue is a tourist attraction in its own right. Each room is unique with beautiful antique features and contemporary facilities and breakfast in the morning will round things off.
📍 London
We couldn’t talk about the best UK summer breaks without mentioning one of the most popular cities in the world: London. Hundreds of tourist attractions, beautiful architecture and free-to-enter museums combine to ensure the capital’s a hard place to get bored. With dozens of boroughs rolled into one, you could pick an area for a weekend and still not discover everything it has to offer. Luckily, we’ve broken London into different sections right here to help make the task easier.
Where to Stay in London?
There’s a lot of London hotel breaks on offer out there but we’re particular fans of The Bermondsey Square Hotel. Overlooking the weekly Bermondsey antiques market, your base for the night is less than a mile away from a tube station and hosts all kinds of amenities from a Grohe drench super shower to a luxury bed.
One Night London Boutique Escape for Two at The Bermondsey Square Hotel
Escape to London to the trendy and boutique surroundings of The Bermondsey Square Hotel with this One Night London Boutique Escape for Two. Overlooking the weekly Bermondsey antiques market, your comfortable base for the night is located less than a mile away from London Bridge tube station and just a short distance from the City, the Design Museum, The Shard, Tate Modern and the eclectic Borough Market.
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📍 Manchester
Rounding off our city breaks for your summer getaway is the home of the industrial revolution - Manchester. There’s no denying it’s not the most attractive city in the UK but the shopping, music and sport will more than make up for it. The chic, converted warehouses and glass skyscrapers are a far cry from what the city once was.
Where to Stay in Manchester?
The canal-side Velvet Hotel, housed on the vibrant Canal Street in the heart of Manchester’s Gay Village, is unashamedly opulent. The lounge bar hosts regular club nights and the 200 sq. ft of wonderful decadence ensure all your needs are catered for. And breakfast each morning will arrive in the form of a Continental Breakfast Box delivered to the bedroom.
Countryside
The siren call of the country air can be hard to ignore, and countryside getaways are the best way to get out into the wilds of the UK during summer.
📍 Windermere
Scenic, remote and one of the real treasures of Britain, a break in the Lake District will cleanse your soul. Home to the largest lake in the Lake District, Windermere is surrounded by stunning mountain peaks and villages, which thrive in summer with tourists. There’s also a large number of attractions to keep holiday-makers entertained.
Where to Stay in Windermere?
Overlooking Lake Windermere, the refined early 19th century Merewood Country House Hotel is nestled amongst 20 acres of stunning landscaped gardens and woodlands. A cosy blend of tradition and contemporary comfort, the hotel boasts an Edwardian conservatory bar, which is the perfect place to enjoy a drink with lakeside views.
📍 Perth and Kinross
A firm favourite amongst foodies and outdoor enthusiasts, Crieff is a charming Scottish market town set amidst Perthshire’s stunning scenery. The bustling town centre is home to a wide range of family-run businesses and there’s plenty of educational trips to be made at the Caithness Glass Visitor Centre and The Famous Grouse Experience.
Where to Stay in Perth and Kinross?
Summer is the prime time for glamping and nestled into the woodland of Culdees Castle lies luxurious cabins handcrafted from natural materials. Furnished to the highest standards, the cabins are well equipped with electricity, kitchen and bathroom facilities, and even a luxurious double bed. Each cabin has a fire pit and BBQ to soak up those long summer evenings.
📍 Ambleside
Synonymous with stirring natural splendour, you’ll fall in love at first sight with Cumbria’s Ambleside. Hikers will thrive from all the circular trails around the area and history buffs will delight in the raft of historical figures that have lived or worked in this charming town.
Where to Stay in Cumbria?
The Langdale Hotel really offers the whole luxury Lake District package, including access to some of the finest walking and biking routes in the country. The 35-acre Estate offers something for everyone from Brimstone Spa, long-considered one of the best spas in the Lake District, to the finest accommodation in a Signature room.
📍 Ruthin
One of the most historic towns in Wales, Denbigshire’s Ruthin offers the perfect base for a revitalising summer break. With exciting hiking and challenging cycling trails all on the doorstep, you can’t go wrong soaking up the summer vibes here. Not to mention the beaches of Llandudno are just a short drive away.
Where to Stay in Ruthin?
Steeped in history, Ruthin Castle dates back from Arthurian legend through to the English Civil War, and was once owned by King Henry VIII. A stay here can involve walking among the walls, taking in the countryside or exploring the nearby market towns at your leisure. And your double room accommodation in the castle means you’ll have a pretty epic story to tell after.
📍 Peak District
When looking for some respite, those in the know choose a UK summer break in the Peak District. Lush, green and not short on country pubs, it’s pretty easy to get to wherever you live in the country. Although it’s pretty great to visit all year round, the diverse programme of music, food and traditional events to attend are too good to miss.
Where to Stay in the Peak District?
Set in 262 acres of landscaped grounds, the grand 19th century Shrigley Hall hotel excels when it comes to comfort and quality. Kick things off with a glass of bubbly on arrival and the rest of the time is yours to spend as you wish exploring the nearby attractions including the Peak District National Park and Lyme Park.
Two Night Peak District Break for Two at The Shrigley Hall Hotel & Spa
Escape to glorious surroundings for a mini-break with this Two Night Peak District Break for Two at The Shrigley Hall Hotel & Spa. Set in 262 acres of landscaped grounds, this grand 19th century hotel excels when it comes to comfort and quality.
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Summary
Hopefully by now, you've found a UK summer break that's calling your name and gives you something to look forward to. But fear not, we've got hundreds of short breaks across the country so you're sure to find the getaway for you.
