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Weekend Getaways in the British Countryside

One of the surprise blessings of 2020 was our renewed appreciation for holidaying in the UK. For large parts of the year, travelling abroad and negotiating airports during a pandemic felt rather daunting, so many of us stayed closer to home.

Luckily the Great British staycation has also experienced somewhat of a revival in recent years. Long gone is the image of seaside capers and uninspiring accommodation – to be replaced by sumptuous destination hotels, gourmet food and drink, and some epic adventures. Throw into the mix the UK’s pristine coastline, ancient forests, buzzing cities and charming villages, and you have all the ingredients for a fantastic holiday.

If you’re anything like us, having spent much of the year under lockdown you’re probably longing for some fresh air and a change of perspective once restrictions lift. So we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite UK weekend getaways to replace the hustle and bustle of daily life with long walks, luxurious lodgings, local pubs and a selection of spoiling country comforts.

The Cotswolds

Quintessentially English, the Cotswolds are bursting with rustic rural charm. This is picture-perfect England at its most enchanting, a delightful tangle of honey-hued villages, sprawling gardens, handsome market towns and beautifully preserved medieval churches, all wrapped up in idyllic countryside.

Boasting an array of stylish accommodation and delicious local produce cooked to perfection in trendy gastro pubs, this is a magical location for a weekend getaway. Our charming Cotswolds weekend break includes a day’s private guided tour around the rolling hills and picturesque villages at the heart of the region, and lunch at a modern British inn showcasing some of the region’s delectable gastronomy.

Your base is a Cotswolds gem, a historic manor house that’s been lovingly restored. There’s a spa for pampering, cookery school if you want to brush up your skills – and plenty of space for kicking back and enjoying some well-deserved downtime. 

One of the surprise blessings of 2020 was our renewed appreciation for holidaying in the UK. For large parts of the year, travelling abroad and negotiating airports during a pandemic felt rather daunting, so many of us stayed closer to home.

Luckily the Great British staycation has also experienced somewhat of a revival in recent years. Long gone is the image of seaside capers and uninspiring accommodation – to be replaced by sumptuous destination hotels, gourmet food and drink, and some epic adventures. Throw into the mix the UK’s pristine coastline, ancient forests, buzzing cities and charming villages, and you have all the ingredients for a fantastic holiday.

If you’re anything like us, having spent much of the year under lockdown you’re probably longing for some fresh air and a change of perspective once restrictions lift. So we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite UK weekend getaways to replace the hustle and bustle of daily life with long walks, luxurious lodgings, local pubs and a selection of spoiling country comforts.

The Yorkshire Dales

A windswept corner of ‘God’s Own Country’, the Yorkshire Dales has a delightfully rugged appeal. The countryside is majestic, ancient glacial valleys and wild heather-filled moorland, mixed with crashing waterfalls and dotted with grazing sheep and cattle. Wildlife abounds – as do cosy country pubs, picture-postcard villages, and fascinating heritage sites.

The beauty of the region has a longstanding reputation as a muse for writers, artists and film location scouts – and we’ll demonstrate why on our luxurious weekend getaway in the Yorkshire Dales. Guests enjoy a private chauffeured tour around the atmospheric moorland that inspired Wuthering Heights, broken up by a mouth-watering nine-course tasting lunch with specially paired wines at a Michelin two-starred restaurant.

You’ll also have the opportunity to wander vast abbey ruins and picturesque water gardens, and relax in style at the exquisite Grantley Hall.

South West Scotland

Scattered along Scotland’s western shores, the Hebridean islands offer the ultimate in rugged seclusion. The coastline is pure magic. Remote islets, sheltered coves and secluded sea lochs abound with marine and avian wildlife, their bounty featuring highly in the region’s gourmet dining scene.

On land, quaint fishing villages rub shoulders with whisky distilleries, while the region’s rich history is evident. Our South West Scotland short break calls for a long weekend – but we promise, it’s worth it!

This trip blends two nights at imposing Glennapp Castle with an island hopping trip and glamping adventure on the Glennapp boat. Observe whales and other wildlife, feast on succulent seafood, sample whiskies at renowned distilleries, and stay in peaceful solitude in your luxurious tent.

If this has whet your appetite for a weekend getaway in the Great British countryside, start planning your trip today. All our holidays can be adapted to suit your requirements. To find out more, contact sales@weekendgetaway.co.uk or call +44 208 877 4940 for more information.

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