The year might be steadily drawing to a close, but there’s still time to squeeze in a weekend break or two! The UK boasts a rich heritage and there’s plenty to do and see outside of London, so whether you live here already or you’re planning on making a special trip – be sure to check out these fantastic destinations where you’ll be guaranteed to have a good time!
Cambridge
The famous University town of Cambridge makes for the perfect weekend getaway offering a picturesque city centre jam packed with historic buildings, boutiques and eateries. Visiting the University buildings is a must, as is punting! You simply can’t visit Cambridge without heading down to the river for a punt, you can either join or a tour or if you’re brave enough you can hire out a boat for the day. In the summer be sure to pack a picnic, and in the winter, make it a blanket! Other points of interest include the Fitzwilliam Museum, the Botanic Gardens and the American Cemetery which is based just 10 minutes from the city centre.
Where to stay? Accommodation in Cambridge can be fairly costly. Hunt out a boutique hotel or stay in nearby Newmarket. The Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa offers luxury right on the doorstep of Cambridge. It’s also home to an award winning restaurant and five bubble rated spa!
Bath
Set in the rolling countryside, Bath is a truly stunning city known for its beautiful architecture and historical sites. Your first stop has to be the Roman Baths, this complex offers an amazing insight into a real Roman site for public bathing. It’s one of the most popular attractions in the UK and doesn’t disappoint! For literature fans, the Jane Austen centre is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. Celebrating Bath’s most famous resident, you can enjoy a snapshot of what life would have been like in that era and everything that inspired Austen’s novels. If you’re in need of a quick snack then make your way down to Sally Lunn’s historic eating house for one of her infamous buns. Then why not spend a few hours visiting Bath’s impressive collection of boutiques? Be sure to bring your credit card.
Where to stay? Bath is home to many guest houses and hotels, but for the perfect central location The Abbey Hotel is ideal.
York
Fancy a scare? York is home to many ghost tours as well as the York dungeons! There’s something to do around every corner here, so make sure you plan your itinerary before you go. As well as ghouls, York is also big on chocolate and you can make a visit to the York Cocoa house for a delicious chocolate tasting experience or workshop! The York Castle museum is another attraction to add to your list, as well as the Jorvik Viking centre, to learn all about the fascinating history of York. For a spot of retail therapy, head to The Shambles. Dating back to the fourteenth century the Shambles is picture perfect with overhanging timber framed buildings, you’ll feel as though you’re walking down Diagon Alley!
Where to stay? There are plenty of different accommodation options to satisfy tourists in York, but for a quirky hotel room and ideal location try Hotel Indigo.
Oxford
Meet Cambridge’s biggest rival! Another beautiful University town, Oxford offers equally beautiful architecture as well as the famous Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology. Enjoy one of the city’s walking tours for an insider insight into the city secrets, and be sure to make a visit to the Bodleian library, it’s full of history and truly stunning. To satisfy your hunger, Oxford offers a diverse range of culinary delights from burger bars, to more traditional English pub settings. Be sure to also visit the city’s covered market, it’s one of Oxford’s most popular destinations and offers 40 stalls selling everything from cookies to clothes.
Where to stay? The Old Bank offers a central location plus plenty of style and character!