Travel: Top 5 UK Weekend Breaks For Summer 2021
With restrictions being lifted and a potential return to normal for the summer, we’re looking at the top 5 places in the UK for a short weekend break!
The Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands is known for its natural beauty! In a remote part of the UK, it has sublime landscapes. Hikers flock to the region to climb one of Scotland’s 282 ‘Munro’s – peaks over 3,000ft.
Scotland has many famous distilleries and whisky tasting is a great way to spend a weekend. You can also find out about the local history, tour a gothic castle or enjoy an evening in a cozy pub.
In recent years the North Coast 500 has become increasingly popular – the 500-mile driving route will take you on many highlights of the area including the remote peninsula of Applecross and the wild peatlands of Caithness.
And even better – climb aboard the Jacobite Steam Train and pass through beautiful scenery and travel over the Glenfinnan viaduct – which featured in the Harry Potter movies.
Snowdonia
Snowdonia National Park – known for its views over Wales’ majestic mountains and valleys – is an area of jagged mountains, lakes, and remote villages covering 800 square miles of northwest Wales.
It’s home to the highest mountain in England and Wales – Snowdon as well as Wales’ largest lake, Llyn Tegid.
For the adventure-loving thrill-seekers, check out the world’s fastest zip line, Velocity 2, which reaches 100mph as it whizzes over Penrhyn Quarry.
For those who want a more relaxing trip, check out the sandy beaches of Cardigan Bat or the quirky seaside town of Portmeirion – built in an Italian style and famous for being the backdrop of the 60s show The Prisoner.
Be sure to trek up to the peak of Snowdon, most hikers can reach the summit in five to seven hours. There’s also the option of climbing aboard the Mountain Railway – on the one-hour trip visitors will enjoy the panoramic views.
The Cotswolds
The picture of quintessentially English villages is very much the Cotswolds. The rural area in south-central England is charming, with rolling countrysides, stately homes, and cottages.
The medieval town of Burford is full of charming pubs, and a pretty high street. Daylesford farm shop, cafe, and spa is also worth a visit, you can buy fancy gifts, book in a massage, or stock up on organic veggies.
Make sure you visit one of the Cotswolds’ beautiful English country gardens.
Abbey House has a Grade I Tudor house with a beautiful garden and Painswick Rococo Garden has a maze made from privet bushes!
Make sure you dine at one of the Cotswolds’ superlative eating establishments.
Fancy pubs: The Wild Rabbit at Kingham
Michelin-starred excellence: Cheltenham’s Le Champignon Sauvage
Bath
This small city is known for its stunning Georgian architecture. Just 90 minutes by train from London, Bath is a great place for a weekend break.
Check out the Royal Crescent – a curved row of 30 terraced houses decorated with towering columns. Or take a walk through the Circus p a circle of townhouses surrounding a lawned garden.
Bath is full of history, there are the famous Roman Baths to explore as well as the Jane Austen Centre. The famous author lived in Bath for five years from 1801- 1806 – when it was a fashionable spa town.
Bath is also great for food lovers! The city’s modern and elegant Acorn, which serves veggie dishes in a Georgian setting, and The King William gastropub that first opened in 1867.
For a little afternoon tea try The Pump House – Bath’s most famous restaurant.
Make sure you visit the historic Roman Baths. It’s where the town gets its name from. Walk the original Roman pavement and admire the temple remains, built in 60-70AD.
After, make sure you pop next door to see the Thermae Bath Spa where you can relax in the mineral-rich waters.
Bristol
Bristol is rich in culture and a great City to wander, take in the street art (a lot of Banksy) and the cafe culture.
Bristol is renowned for its creativity and counterculture vibe. It’s home to the street artist Banksy and you’ll see plenty of his work dotted around the city!
The Arnolfini harbourside gallery is also worth seeing. The gallery has a reputation for putting on excellent contemporary art shows.
To really get to know Bristol, you’ll need to check out its neighborhoods. There’s leafy Clifton, home to the Clifton Suspension Bridge – the symbol of Bristol.
For arts and culture check out Stokes Croft – known for its boho vibe, it’s packed with community-run cafes and independent shops.
Bristol is only a 15-minute train ride from Bath – so if you’re heading that way, make sure you pop over to Bristol for a few hours at least!
TRAVEL
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