15 Places to go for a Weekend Away in England

Looking for the perfect escape? Discover the best places to go for a weekend away in England, from charming countryside villages and coastal retreats to vibrant cities.

Sometimes you don’t need a long-haul adventure to feel refreshed — just a change of scenery and a couple of days away. Whether you’re craving sea air, rolling countryside, historic streets or buzzing city life, there are endless places to go for a weekend away in England.

From cosy market towns and dramatic national parks to cultural hotspots packed with food, art and history, England offers the perfect short break for every kind of traveller. Ready to plan your next escape? Here are the best weekend destinations to inspire your getaway, perfect for those wanting to visit England for the first time.

Places to go for a Weekend Away in England

1. London

Of course, we were going to start with London as one of the best places to go for a weekend away in England. Home to famous landmarks, endless museums, cool cafes, incredible street art, and all types of food for every budget, what is not to love about London.

There are many ways to spend the perfect weekend in London but we recommend finding a hotel near Kings Cross (we love the Travelodge options in London), then using the Underground to venture out to the sights. 

If you are visiting England on a budget, there are plenty of free things to do in London, including the many free museums and walking tours around landmarks such as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace; perfect for those visiting London on a budget.

Art lovers can enjoy a trip to the Tate Modern whilst those looking for a bit of fresh air (and socially distanced attractions), can head to Hyde Park, Primrose Hill, or take a Thames Clipper boat along the river. Foodies can head to Borough Market for tasty treats whilst we highly recommend an afternoon tea in London too; there is plenty of best eats in London to try!

After spending some time in the city, head out to explore the seaside town of Brighton, have a family day out in Kent or visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Warner Brothers Studio.

2. York

History lovers will love everything York has to offer, it is one of the more historic places to go for a weekend away in England. Walk around the Roman city walls or head to York Minister; one of Europe’s largest Gothic cathedrals. Head to one of the many museums; the National Railway Museum is a popular unusual place to visit. 

Not only can you enjoy the sights in York but you can also take in the charm of York. With cozy team rooms and cobbled streets, York is a unique city in England. We recommend an afternoon tea at Betty’s or a fine-dining British option at Meltons. 

3. Bath

A trip to England isn’t complete without a few days in Bath, one of the most romantic places to go for a weekend away in England. Whether it is a visit from London or a weekend away in England, a trip to Bath is a must.

This is a beautiful city, full of history offering a unique side to England and a must on your UK bucket list. For a truly unforgettable experience, consider staying at one of the top holiday parks in Somerset, which offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for all ages.

Head to the Roman baths (considered the most important surviving Roman architecture in the country) or head to the gorgeous Georgian-era townhomes on Royal Crescent. Enjoy gorgeous views and take in the fresh air along the Bath Skyline Walk or bathe like a Roman at the Thermal Bath Spa. Plus, there are plenty of family-friendly things to do in Bath too, so you can experience the historic city with everyone.

4. Oxford

One of the first of the many university towns in the UK (and not the only one on this list), Oxford is the perfect weekend getaway for history lovers. Just under an hour away from London, Oxford offers medieval architecture within its colleges alone. Take a guided walking tour then climb the Carfax Tower.

Plus, Harry Potter fans can head to Christ Church College to see the historic buildings that inspired the Great Hall. Stay in De Vere Oxford Thames Hotel for a quieter option just outside of the city. 

5. Cambridge

Newt on our places to go for a weekend away in England, is Cambridge, known for its famous unity. Visit some of the impressive colleges too, head to Fitzwilliam Museum, or get some gorgeous views of the city from St Mary’s Church Tower. 

Head to one of the city’s oldest restaurants ‘Varsity’ for some British classics before taking a ride along the waterways; punting is a popular option for visitors looking for a tour through the city. 

6. The Lake District

If you love going for long, wonderful walks, then head to the Lake District. This rural destination is perfect for those looking for space and camping options and ideal for all types of hikers, plus there are plenty of things to see and do in the Lake District. For easy walks, head along the Orrest Head Fell or challenge yourself with the Helvellyn and Scafell Pike trail. 

Another fun activity is on the lake. Take a boat trip from Ambleside to Bowness-on-Windermere or row your own boat around the lakes.  Photographers should her to Cartmel and Keswick and then visit the World of Beatrix Potter. 

Plus, the Lake District offers some of the best campsites in the UK but you can also find gorgeous cottages, perfect for romantic stays. 

7. Durham

The old city of Durham is now one of England’s most visited UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one of the more fascinating places to go for a weekend away in England. With over 600 listed buildings in the old city center, there is plenty of things for your to do in Durham on your England weekend Getaway.

Head to the Durham Cathedral, the historic Town Hall, and take a walk along the stunning riverside. Durham University offers perfect botanical gardens for some fresh air whilst the 11th-century Durham Castle is another popular spot to visit. This is also a great place to visit if you are looking to save money in England, this city is much cheaper than others in the country.

8. St Ives

This picturesque seaside town is an artistic destination; perfect for when the spring and summer come back around. With golden sandy beaches and a beautiful harbor, St Ives is a photographer’s dream and one of our favourite places to go for a weekend away in England.

Surfers can head to Porthmeor Beach whilst those looking for swimming and family fun, head to Porthminster or Harbour Beach. 

Complete your UK weekend getaway with a trip through the narrow streets. St Ives offers quirky shops, unusual cafes, and gorgeous cottages. For delicious food, head to Porthminster Beach Cafes, and of course, make sure you pick up a Cornish pasty and cream tea before leaving. 

9. The Cotswolds

Known as one of the prettiest places to go for a weekend away in England, the Cotswolds is perfect no matter what time of year you visit. There are so many beautiful villages in the Cotswolds to explore, plus, there are many Airbnb rental options here, so you can have your own space whilst enjoying a weekend away here. 

Head to Bibury, Stanton, Kingham, or Bourton-on-the-Water for picturesque villages or visit historic castles and houses such as Sudeley Castle and Blenheim Palace; there is plenty of things to do in The Cotswolds.

For a little more distance, take a walk through Painswick Rococo Gardens or head along the Cotswold Way (a 100-mile walking tour from Chipping Campden to Bath). When you aren’t in a local cozy pub, head to Stroud’s Saturday farmers’ market for some of the best local produce in the UK. 

10. Liverpool

Of course, we couldn’t look at the best places to go for a weekend away in England without mentioning Liverpool, arguably one of the best cities in England.

This is one of the best places to go for a weekend away in England for Beatles fans; you can enjoy the museum whilst the Albert Dock is a wonderful dock full of restaurants, bars, and the occasional food truck during the summer months. Liverpool makes for a great girls’ weekend away and these travel packing hacks will help you fit in all those essentials!

Football fans can head to a game (once stadiums are open for everyone again) before enjoying the many happy hours in the city center. 

11. Brighton

Brighton is one of the most vibrant seaside cities in England, offering a refreshing mix of beachside fun and creative culture. A stroll along Brighton Palace Pier is a must, whether you’re chasing nostalgia in the arcades or enjoying classic fish and chips with sea views.

The city’s pebble beach may not be sandy, but it’s perfect for long walks and sunset watching. Just a short walk from the seafront, you’ll find the exotic Royal Pavilion, a former royal residence with striking domes and lavish interiors.

Beyond the headline attractions, Brighton’s personality really shines in The Lanes, a maze of narrow streets packed with independent boutiques, vintage shops and cosy cafés. The food scene is diverse and exciting, with everything from vegan eateries to fine dining restaurants.

Evenings can be as lively or laid-back as you like, thanks to the city’s thriving music and fantastic rooftop bars in Brighton. The city is compact enough to explore in a weekend but lively enough to keep you entertained from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon.

Brighton is easily connected to other cities like London via train but we recommend checking out the bus and coach options for the cheapest ways to travel England.

12. Manchester

Manchester is a city that blends industrial heritage with a cutting-edge cultural scene; there is plenty of things to do in Manchester. Its red-brick architecture and historic canals tell the story of its industrial past, while neighbourhoods like the Northern Quarter showcase colourful street art and independent businesses.

Football fans can tour iconic stadiums, while music lovers can explore the city that helped shape the UK’s indie scene. The city’s museums and galleries add depth to any weekend itinerary.

Food is another reason to visit, with everything from global street food markets to stylish rooftop restaurants. Manchester also boasts a thriving nightlife, with live music venues and cocktail bars dotted across the city centre.

During the day, you can relax by the canals in Castlefield or browse quirky shops in Ancoats. It’s energetic, diverse and full of character, making it ideal for a dynamic weekend away.

13. Chester

Chester feels like stepping into a storybook, with its black-and-white Tudor buildings and remarkably preserved Roman walls; one of the fascinating places to go for a weekend away in England. Walking the full circuit of the ancient city walls offers elevated views over the rooftops and the River Dee.

The Rows, a unique two-tier shopping gallery, are unlike anywhere else in the country. Chester Cathedral stands proudly at the heart of the city, offering impressive architecture and peaceful cloisters.

Beyond its history, Chester has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that makes it perfect for a slower-paced weekend. Riverside walks along the Dee are especially scenic on sunny days, and boat trips add a different perspective to your visit.

With charming cafés and traditional pubs scattered throughout, Chester offers both culture and comfort in equal measure.

14. Bristol

Bristol is creative, colourful and effortlessly cool, making it a brilliant city break destination. The Clifton Suspension Bridge provides one of the most iconic views in the South West and is particularly impressive at sunset.

The harbourside area is packed with restaurants, museums and converted warehouses that now house cultural spaces. Street art, including works by Banksy, adds an urban edge to the city’s historic streets.

Bristol’s independent spirit shines through its markets, music venues and locally owned cafés. Foodies will love the diverse dining scene, from waterfront dining to casual street food.

15. Canterbury

Canterbury is steeped in history, with its magnificent cathedral drawing visitors from around the world. The narrow medieval streets are lined with timber-framed buildings and independent shops that give the city a timeless charm.

Exploring the cathedral’s impressive architecture and learning about its significance is a highlight of any visit and its distance from the capital makes this a great day trip from London.

A boat tour along the River Stour offers a relaxing way to see Canterbury from a different angle. Quaint tearooms and cosy pubs provide perfect pit stops between sightseeing. The city feels lively yet intimate, with just enough attractions to fill a weekend without feeling overwhelming. Canterbury is an ideal destination for travelers seeking culture, heritage and a gentle pace.

---

How to visit England on a budget

Places to Go for a Weekend Away in England FAQ