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Where to go for a weekend away in the UK 2026

Two days off, one brilliant escape. Whether you’re after coastal walks, hot tub breaks, or simply time together without distractions, the UK delivers weekend breaks in (buckets and) spades. From Cornwall’s beaches to North Wales’ mountains, your perfect weekend getaway is closer than you think.

Here’s where to go for a weekend away in the UK in 2026.

A young family looking over the watersports taking place on the lake at our stunning Retallack Resort & Spa.

Key takeaway

The UK offers unforgettable weekend breaks in 2026, from coastal escapes and countryside retreats to spa stays and adventure-filled getaways
Top UK weekend destinations include Cornwall, North Wales, the New Forest, the Isle of Wight, Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire
Weekend breaks suit every traveller, including couples, families, groups, girls’ trips, and dog-friendly holidays
Hot tub weekend breaks remain one of the most popular UK short break options, perfect all year round
Bank holiday weekends are ideal for maximising annual leave and enjoying longer UK breaks without extra time off
Lodges and caravans across the UK provide flexible, great-value accommodation for short breaks and weekend escapes

When is the best time to go for a weekend away in the UK?

Pretty much anytime works for a weekend away in the UK:

Spring brings blossoms and longer days, perfect for exploring
Summer means beach trips and outdoor adventures
Autumn provides gorgeous colours and fewer crowds
Winter weekends feel extra cosy with hot tubs and log-effect fires

Bank holidays give you bonus time without using annual leave, while off-season weekend breaks can mean quieter parks and better value on lodge breaks and caravan holidays. Pick whenever suits your calendar.

UK weekend away ideas

The UK’s packed with brilliant weekend away ideas, each offering something different. Here are five spots that consistently deliver unforgettable escapes.

Cornwall weekend away

Sun-soaked beaches and artsy coastal towns
Surfing lessons, coastal walks, and the freshest seafood
Independent boutiques and galleries in St Ives
Beach days followed by hot tub evenings
Local gin distilleries and waterfront dining

Where to stay: St Ives Bay offers comfortable caravans and luxury lodges with coastal views and on-site facilities that make relaxing effortless.

New Forest weekend away

Woodland walks where deer and ponies casually wander past
Peaceful trails, perfect for clearing your head
Cosy pubs with hearty Sunday roasts
Spa sessions (for proper relaxation)
Easy exploring without complicated planning

Where to stay: Sandy Balls combines forest serenity with spa luxury, plus hot tub lodges tucked into woodland for total escape.

Stunning views of the heart and beyond from Good Friday Hill at our Sandy Balls Resort in The New Forest.

North Wales weekend break

Mountains meet the sea in a seriously dramatic fashion
Zip World for adrenaline seekers
Snowdonia hiking (as gentle or challenging as you fancy)
Charming villages and local spas
Beach days with mountain backdrops

Where to stay: Barmouth Bay gives you mountain-to-sea views, spacious hot tub lodges and caravans, and access to both adventure and total chill.

Isle of Wight weekend away

Vintage seaside charm without the crowds
Paddleboarding, beach huts, and brunch spots galore
Monkey Haven, Amazon World Zoo, and Wildheart Animal Sanctuary to satisfy your wild side
Boutique shopping in Cowes
Coastal paths and hidden beaches

Where to stay: Whitecliff Bay brings coastal views and on-site restaurants for effortless group dinners.

Lincolnshire weekend away

Big skies and peaceful countryside, perfect for unwinding
Charming market towns and traditional seaside resorts
Visit Bransby Horses to see the magnificent creatures up close
Miles of coastal paths and nature reserves
Historic sites, including Lincoln Cathedral

Where to stay: Tattershall Lakes offers lakeside luxury with water sports, a spa, and activities all on-site.

A pre-teen child is climbing on a wodden structure with a bright orange helmet, torso harness and a pully rope system. The child is looking up to judge his next move as he accends higher on the structure.

Best weekend away for couples in the UK

Just the two of you, nowhere to be, and proper time together. These couples' holidays say ‘romance,’ without trying too hard.

Where to go	Why it’s great	Where to stay	What to do
Essex	Serene coastal vibes, fresh seafood, sunsets that last for hours	Mersea Island – tranquil island life with romantic hot tub lodges right by the water	Mersea Island Vineyard, Beth Chatto Gardens, hot tub under the stars
Lincolnshire	Peaceful lakes, stargazing opportunities, total escape from routine	Cleethorpes Pearl – modern comfort with coastal proximity and beachside relaxation	Gibraltar point national nature reserve, Steep Hill, sunset beach strolls
Yorkshire	Traditional seaside feel, dramatic coastline, delicious local eats	Woodland Lakes – forest walks with Yorkshire charm in peaceful surroundings	York Castle Museum, Filey Beach, Ingleton Waterfalls Trail

Two of our stunning lodges at Woodland Lakes, overlooking onto a small lake on a sunny, cloudy day with blue skies.

Best weekend away with kids in the UK

Family weekend breaks mean slowing down together: adventures, hot chocolate or ice cream stops, and quality time without the rush. Lodges offer space to spread out, while caravans deliver brilliant value for families watching the budget.

Where to go	Why it’s great	Where to stay	What to do
Hampshire	Coastal fun with beaches, activities, space for everyone	Mill Rythe – family-sized accommodation near Hayling Island’s beaches	Paultons Park (for Peppa Pig World), Marwell Zoo, New Forest cycling
Nottinghamshire	Woodland adventures and National Trust exploring	Clumber Park – forest trails and lots of family-friendly facilities nearby	Sundown Adventureland, Sherwood Forest, National Justice Museum
Dorset	Jurassic Coast exploring, beaches, endless outdoor adventures	East Fleet Farm – coastal access with plenty of camping options	Fossil-hunting, Monkey World, Corfe Castle

Best group weekend away in the UK

Mates reunited, no compromise necessary. Book multiple caravans close together or go for a larger lodge – these spots handle weekend group holidays brilliantly.

Where to go	Why it’s great for groups	Where to stay	What to do
Lincolnshire	Lakeside calm with space to spread out and socialise	Appletree – rural hideaways perfect for peaceful group escapes	Cycle the water railway, Moggs Eye beach, Fantasy Island
Yorkshire	Coastal charm with big lodges and classic seaside vibes	The Bay Filey – sea views, spacious hot tub accom, easy beach access	North York Moors National Park, Whitby, Filey Beach
Cornwall	Adventure meets relaxation with activities and evening chill time	Retallack Resort – group accommodation with luxury touches	Eden Project, water sports at Retallack Resort, Healey Cornish Cyder Farm

Exterior of barn area at Retallack Resort and Spa overlooking the lake and beautiful Cornish countryside.

Ideas for a girls' weekend away in the UK

Whatever your crew’s vibe, there’s a girls' weekend away in the UK awaiting. Pick your perfect escape and make those memories.

Trip vibe	Where to stay	What to do	Packing tips
Lodge luxury	Sandy Balls or Barmouth Bay (with hot tub and spa access)	Spa treatments, prosecco hot-tub sessions, forest walks	Matching robes, face masks, comfy evening wear
Gorgeous glamping	St Ives Bay, for that Instagram-worthy escape	Coastal walks, evening relaxation, sunset photos	Fair lights, portable speaker, thick blankets
Beach-side bliss	Whitecliff Bay or Retallack Resort (with sea views)	Beach yoga, boutique shopping, seafood lunches	Swimwear, layered outfits, reusable water bottles

Where to go for a weekend away with your dog in the UK

Your four-legged friend deserves weekend adventures, too. Luckily, Away Resorts parks welcome dogs in our caravans and lodges, and offer brilliant locations for both of you to explore.

Best dog-friendly UK holiday destinations:

Sandy Balls: Woodland trails through the New Forest, where your dog can sniff to their heart’s content
Golden Sands: Sandy paws and sea breezes on the North Wales coast
Appletree: Peaceful paths and accommodation with enclosed decking, perfect for anxious dogs
Barmouth Bay: Beach access and mountain walks your pup will love

Pack an old towel for muddy paws, bring their favourite blanket, and check out dog-friendly pubs nearby. Few things beat a pint with a snoozing dog by the fire after a proper walk.

Top weekend away in the UK with hot tubs

Hot tub weekend breaks are their own category of brilliant. Picture coastal views, bubbles flowing, and the perfect temperature to melt all your stress away.

Many Away Resorts parks offer hot tub accommodation alongside pools, spas, and restaurants, making it easy to find your perfect spot.

Parks with hot tub options:

St Ives Bay: Sea-view lodges where evenings become unforgettable
Retallack Resort: Barn-style luxury lodges with hot tubs
Tattershall Lakes: Lakeside lodges with leisure facilities
Sandy Balls: Woodland lodges with spa access nearby

The best part about a hot tub holiday is that they work all year round. Summer means evening dips under stars. Winter brings steaming escapes with frost in the air. Spring and autumn deliver that ideal temperature balance. These lodges are always popular, so booking early is recommended.

Bank holiday break ideas in the UK

Bank holidays give you bonus time without touching your annual leave. Here’s how to make the most of those extra days.

Holiday type	Where to stay	When to go	Why you’ll love it
Camping adventure	Clumber Park with forest exploring	May or August bank holiday	Longer days, outdoor fun, family memories
Hot tub hangouts	Tattershall Lakes for maximum relaxation	Any bank holiday works	Social vibes, on-site everything, zero planning stress
Coastal break	St Ives Bay or Whitecliff Bay	Spring or summer bank holidays	Beach weather, walks, and lunches

How to maximise your annual leave for a weekend away

Smart leave planning turns bank holiday weekends into proper breaks. If the bank holiday falls on a Monday, take Friday off, or the Monday if it lands on Friday. This means you’re using only one leave day for a four-day break. Add Tuesday and/or Thursday for a slightly longer trip, or book around Easter holidays or Christmas holidays for extended breaks. Check 2026’s bank holidays and plan accordingly.

Tips for planning the ultimate UK weekend away

Book accommodation early, especially for bank holidays and popular parks and lodges
Check the resort facilities before arriving, so you know what to plan and bring (pools, restaurants, activities, etc.)
Pack layers (British weather is unpredictable)
Download offline maps in case you lose signal on your walk
Pre-book restaurants during busy weekends
Allow buffer time for travel (traffic happens)
Bring board games or cards for cosy evenings
Check policies to find dog-friendly beaches, attractions, and restaurants if bringing pets
Remember: sometimes the best plan is no plan at all!

Plan your weekend break in the UK with Away Resorts

Your perfect weekend away in the UK is waiting. From coastal adventures to woodland retreats, family fun to romantic getaways, Away Resorts makes weekend breaks effortless.

Comfortable caravans and lodges, brilliant locations, and everything you need to recharge properly. Book early, pack the essentials, and discover why two days away can feel like a lifetime of memories.