Weekends don’t need to be spent catching up on chores or stuck in the same old routine. With a bit of planning, it’s possible to escape for two or three days and come back recharged, without draining your account.
Across the UK, there are plenty of places where you can unwind, explore or try something different. From coast to countryside, cities to quiet retreats, here are weekend escapes that suit every taste and budget.
List of Top Weekend Escapes in the UK
1. Wells, Somerset
Wells often flies under the radar, but it’s regularly rated as one of the best-value city breaks in the country. With hotel prices hovering around £90 per night, you can enjoy a proper escape without the price tag of a bigger city.
Stroll through medieval streets, visit the stunning cathedral, or explore the Bishop’s Palace gardens. For history buffs, Wells offers a walkable timeline of architecture and heritage without needing expensive entry tickets or guided tours.
2. Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Sheffield’s industrial history has given way to a lively, affordable city with green spaces, good food, and strong links to the outdoors. For culture lovers, there’s the Millennium Gallery, street art walks, and plenty of live music in local pubs. Just outside the city, the edge of the Peak District is perfect for a quick hike or bike ride.
Gamers and casino players won’t feel left out, venues in the city centre often include board game cafés and retro arcades. For casino players, many well-known casinos offer poker nights and low-stakes tables.
If traveling to the city centre is a bit of stretch, many safe non Gamstop casinos in the UK offer a wider range of gaming options, including live dealer games, tournaments, and extras you won’t find in-person like welcome bonuses, cashback offers, and variations of classics like poker, blackjack and slots.
3. Manchester
Whether you’re into cards or football, Manchester has you covered. A few well-known casinos offer a mix of games and live entertainment, making it easy to add a bit of excitement to your night. Sports fans can swing by the National Football Museum, while affordable hotels and Airbnbs in and around the city centre make it easy to stay without overspending.
The Northern Quarter is a great spot for music, indie shops, and late-night bites. Gamers will find bars with consoles and arcade machines dotted around town. Even a rainy weekend feels full in this city, there’s always something going on.
4. The Peak District
If you like your weekends active and outdoors, the Peak District delivers. Hikers can tackle routes like Stanage Edge and Mam Tor for sweeping views, while runners will find long trails that test both stamina and scenery. Mountain bikers can take on the twists around Ladybower Reservoir or the Pennine Bridleway.
If you prefer a slower pace, then the villages of Bakewell and Castleton are ideal for pub stops, browsing local shops, and just taking it all in. Accommodation ranges from campsites and hostels to cosy cottages, many of which are reasonably priced. It’s easy to go off-grid here for a few days without going far.
5. The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds are the picture of rural England. While the more popular towns can get busy, you’ll find better value and fewer crowds in places like Northleach or Nailsworth.
This is the kind of weekend where you wander through bookshops, stop for long lunches, and take relaxed walks through the countryside. It’s also a great choice for food lovers, with markets, delis, and farm shops offering plenty to snack on or take back to your cottage.
6. Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Scarborough has that classic seaside feel without the steep prices. Budget stays are easy to find, especially if you book ahead. Spend your day exploring castle ruins, strolling along the cliffs, or playing a few old arcade favourites.
Ghost walks are popular in Britain and a tour in the evening adds a little thrill, usually costing less than a tenner. It’s an easy-going escape that keeps things fun and affordable.
7. The Lake District, Cumbria
With its calm lakes and winding hills, the Lake District is always a solid choice. There’s no shortage of walks, from serious climbs like Helvellyn to gentle paths around Windermere.
Towns like Keswick and Ambleside have a good range of budget-friendly B&Bs and hostels. If you’re into books, you’ll find plenty of links to Beatrix Potter and Wordsworth tucked into the area too.
8. Llandudno, Wales
Tucked along the north coast, Llandudno offers a slower pace with some seriously good views. It’s close enough to Snowdonia for a day of hiking, but also has plenty of charm right on its doorstep, pastel houses, quiet beaches, and pubs with hearty food. Conwy Castle is just a short trip away, and the Great Orme adds a bit of adventure whether you explore it on foot or hop on the old tram.
9. The Highlands, Scotland
If you’re looking to breathe deeply and clear your head, the Highlands are hard to beat. Between the lochs, forests, and castles, it’s easy to fill a weekend without much spending.
Keen swimmers and kayakers can take on Loch Morlich or Glen Etive, though you’ll need to bring your own gear. For those keeping things low-key, Fort William and Aviemore offer peaceful places to stay and plenty of room to roam.
10. York, North Yorkshire
York packs in centuries of history without feeling like a museum. You can walk the old city walls, pop into the cathedral, and browse tiny shops, all in one afternoon. Its famous ghost tours are a must for anyone who enjoys a spooky story or two. With most of the city’s highlights easy to reach on foot, there’s no need for taxis or tour buses either.
11. Oxford, Oxfordshire
Oxford might be known for its university, but there’s plenty here for a weekend escape. Libraries, colleges, and narrow alleys offer a mix of architecture and literary history. Grab a coffee where Tolkien once sat, or check out one of the many free museums. Depending on the time of year, you might even catch a public lecture or guided walk that gives you a new view of the place, without spending a penny.
