101 short breaks
Click on the images to discover 101 short breaks personally selected by two of the UK's leading travel writers David Wickers and Mark Hodson. Visit our sister sites for 101 holiday ideas and 101 honeymoons.
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Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
If Dorset is a county you merely drive through to reach Devon or Cornwall, you’re missing a trick. Its Jurassic Coast offers long sweeping beaches, quaint Lyme Regis, arty Bridport, sleepy rural villages and great foodie pubs. Stay at a gorgeous B&B and join a local expert for a fossil hunt on the beaches of Charmouth and Lyme Regis.
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Luxury breaks in Jersey
Jersey was once known for cream teas and coach tours. Now a new generation of visitors is discovering its wild unspoilt beaches which are ideal for thrilling activities such as blokarting and sea kayaking. The island also offers excellent seafront hotels and fine dining, as well as a fascinating glimpse into recent history through the Jersey War Tunnels.
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Cycling in Gozo
Outside of the peak summer months, the Maltese island of Gozo makes for a tranquil escape with its excellent winter sun. Cycle through sleepy hamlets and lush valleys past Baroque churches and honeyed stone farmhouses. Stop for a dip at Ramla beach and try the surprisingly good Gozitan wines and the freshest fish.
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Serviced city apartments
The advantages of staying in a fully-serviced, city-centre apartment are many. The cost is reasonable, compared with a conventional hotel, plus you gain more of a sense of how it feels to live in the city rather than simply visit. And, with all the space and mod cons of a home from home, they’re ideal for families or friends.
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Whisky tours in Scotland
As well as some outstanding chefs, it’s the top quality of the local produce that’s been putting tiny Scottish villages on the foodie map. Give your trip a gastronomic focus, enjoying the freshest of seafood or perhaps a more liquid flavour with a whisky weekend to a couple of distilleries (though perhaps an unfocused weekend might prove a more apt description!)
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The Lake District
Walking is bound to be the prime focus for anyone wanting to enjoy the Lake District, the region that put the great in England’s Great Outdoors. But guests at Gilpin Lodge can also indulge in other activities including fishing with a ghillie or golfing with a pro at Windermere Golf Club. Back at base, a spa and superb three AA Rosettes food await.
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Madeira
The sub-tropical island of Madeira is a perfect winter sun destination for those that want to do more than fly and flop. Set against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs, mountains and lush valleys, Madeira offers an outstanding choice of hotels, including some beautifully-restored quintas, great local restaurants and 600 miles of marked walking trails.
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Weekends for singles
If you’re single, by choice or circumstance, there’s no need to holiday on your own. Travel in company with a singles specialist such as Solo’s which has a wide choice of fun-packed breaks at home and abroad, all hosted by a tour leader who will ensure everyone mixes and gets the most from their trip.
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Ireland’s Mourne Mountains
Just a short drive from Belfast, the Mourne Mountains is an area of outstanding natural beauty and reputedly the inspiration for C.S. Lewis’s Narnia. The granite hills are a haven for hikers, bikers and anybody that wants to experience the peace and beauty of the mountains. They are also home to Slieve Donard, one of Ireland’s finest spa hotels.
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Leeds city breaks
Once written off as somewhere ‘industrial’ up north, Leeds has leisure and pleasure writ large. There’s Harvey Nichols and designer boutiques spearheading the shopping scene, cultural offerings ranging from opera to contemporary British art, major outdoor events and reincarnated heritage buildings.
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Cape Town
Cape Town may seem extravagant for a short break, but overnight flights and virtually no time difference means you can experience this handsome waterfront city in a long weekend without jetlag. With an eye-popping setting, doorstep beaches and attractive vineyards out the back door, Cape Town is a delightful tonic in the midst of a British winter.
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Cottages in East Anglia
East Anglia houses a trilogy of pleasures: seaside, countryside and Broads-side. Its long coastline offers fine sandy beaches and birdwatching. The interior has market towns and flinty rural churches built on the proceeds of the medieval wool trade. And the huge patchwork of the Broads is a boater’s paradise. Explore from a cosy cottage or stately manor house, yours for the weekend.
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Rome
It wasn’t built in a day, nor can Rome be seen in a weekend – unless you want to charge around like a headless gladiator. Limit your choices by focussing on an area of the city such as the Centro Storico around Piazza Navona with its Renaissance palaces and Baroque fountains. For a retail fix, the stylish Via Condotti is nearby.
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Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris has come a long way since it opened its doors in 1992. It now comprises two outstanding theme parks with many new rides and attractions to wow adults and teenagers, as well as younger children. Easy access by Eurostar or road, plus seven themed hotels on site and generous family deals make this an easy, well-priced treat.
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Horse riding holidays
Whether an expert or beginner, experience the thrill and sense of freedom that comes with exploring beautiful countryside on horseback. In the UK, you can visit Wales, Cornwall, Cheshire and the Yorkshire Dales, riding scenic trails or galloping through the surf on wild open beaches. For guaranteed sunshine, head for Andalucia or Tuscany.
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Venice
Described by Truman Capote as “like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs in one go”, Venice is a city built for show, its sights global icons of art and architecture. Its canals and bridges make it ideal for wandering - and getting lost. Let the magic rather than a map take over. If you’ve never been, you’re in for one of travel’s most romantic treats.
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Kiev
Straddling both banks of the Dnipro river, Kiev is one of the new generation of city break contenders. Its sights, survivors of Mongol and Nazi invaders and including museums, theatres and World Heritage churches, made it a finalist in the 2010 European City of Culture - but you’ll also relish the tree-lined boulevards and abundance of greenery.
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National Trust working holidays
Looking for something more meaningful from your next break? The National Trust runs hundreds of working holidays where you can chip in with tasks such as herding goats and repairing drystone walls. Starting at just £60, these breaks allow you to meet like-minded people while helping to conserve the countryside.
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Isle of Wight themed breaks
For sheer variety, nowhere in Britain can match the Isle of Wight. It’s as if all the natural assets of southern England have exhibited their wares on one stall. The island has long been a magnet for lovers of both food and history and now you can take advantage of Wightlink’s new booklets, giving inside-track suggestions on places to see and people to meet.
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Lucknam Park Hotel
Even the approach to this grand Palladian mansion, along a mile-long drive arching through 500 acres of parkland, is outstanding. Just six miles from Bath, Lucknam Park offers an array of activities including walking trails, horse riding, swimming and tennis, plus fine dining and a superb new spa.
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Belgrade
The former Yugoslav capital on the banks of the Danube is a match for many of Europe’s better-known historic cities. Its compact pedestrianised centre is packed with interesting shops, bars, restaurants and museums. Prices are low, and the nightlife ranks among the most exciting on the continent.
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GoldenEye bungee jump
On an extreme sports weekend in Switzerland you can recreate one of cinema’s most famous stunts when James Bond in GoldenEye took a bungee jump off the top of the Verzasca Dam. Other high-adrenaline thrills on offer include abseiling, mountain biking, paragliding and white water rafting.
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London theatre breaks
Don’t take a risk buying a London theatre ticket from a tout. Book an inclusive package with a specialist tour operator and you’ll get a night in a centrally-located hotel along with guaranteed tickets to the show of your choice. And there’s no need to book months in advance, as late deals are often available.
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Tipi camping in Cornwall
Rather than camp in a conventional tent, enjoy the space and warmth of a traditional Indian tipi. Located in a wooded valley near the north Cornish coast, the site boasts a spring-fed lake and virgin woodland. In the best Swallows and Amazons tradition, founders Elizabeth and Alan offer a fun break with minimal environmental impact.
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Activity breaks in the Cotswolds
Combine a visit to the most classic of English landscapes with a choice of water-based activities on a network of 140 lakes that cover an area the size of Jersey. Using the Cotswold Water Park Hotel and Spa as your base, you can sail, waterski, wake-board, canoe, go fishing and learn to dive.
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Aldeburgh
On the Suffolk Heritage Coast, Aldeburgh is one of Britain’s prettiest seaside towns. The Wentworth Hotel gazes across the shingle beach with an air of solid reassurance. Brightly furnished with antiques, log fires and Russell Flint prints, special touches include binoculars in its seafacing rooms and a bar menu that occasionally lapses into Swahili.
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Sandwich in Kent
Sandwich is a real gem. One of the best-preserved medieval towns in England, it is a charming little place, its fascinating nooks and crannies easily explored on foot. At its heart, beside the River Stour, is the Bell Hotel which has great-value rooms and superb local food. Perfect for a weekend.
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Wales activities breaks
“Don’t just sit there, be here” is the motto of Black Mountain Activities whose menu of pursuits covers rock climbing, abseiling, kayaking, orienteering, caving, high ropes, raft building and hill walking - more than enough to fill a few weeks let alone a weekend. Accommodation is in their own three-star lodge in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
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Kenya safari
Kenya for the weekend? Yes, it can be done. Spend three nights at a lodge in the Masai Mara where you can see the Big Five and – if your timing is right – the migration of the wildebeest. There’s also an option to take a hot-air balloon safari. Overnight flights in both directions mean you can minimise time off work.
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Continental mini-cruise
Never been cruising? Dip a toe in the water on a mini cruise. With a wide range of ships and itineraries to chose from, including the Channel Islands, France, Belgium and Norway, it’s a perfect way to find out if cruising is for you, and an effortlessly relaxing weekend away.
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Yoga short break
Have you ever returned from a holiday feeling you need another one to recover? That won’t happen with a yoga break. Spend a few days in a stylish retreat enjoying yoga classes with world-class teachers and healthy food and you’re guaranteed to arrive home feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
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Battlefield Tours
You don’t have to be a military history buff to enjoy the drama and emotion of standing in the field of a monumental battle. Neither can you fail to be moved by the cemeteries and memorials, particularly when accompanied by a knowledgeable historian who can bring these haunting landscapes back to life.
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Avignon by Eurostar
With direct Eurostar services from London’s St Pancras, you can zip down to the Provencal sun in less then six hours. As well as intrinsic interest – including its 14th century ramparts, medieval Palais des Papes and Le Pont of all ponts – Avignon also has direct rail links to Nimes and Aix en Provence.
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Hiking in Slovakia
The Tatra Mountain range in Slovakia is one of Europe’s last great wildernesses, home to brown bears, wolves, lynx and chamoix as well as jaw-dropping scenery. Take a hiking break with an expert guide, staying in pensions and local hotels. Cycling, rafting and photography courses can also be arranged.
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Scilly Isles
The Scilly Isles offer hiking, boating, birding, swimming and fishing, or you can simply soak up the tranquility back at base. Indulge yourself at the 16th century Star Castle with its warm hospitality and dramatic location. They can even organise helicopter transfers from Penzance to maximise your time on the island.
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Wildlife holidays on Dartmoor
Explore the glorious wild countryside of Dartmoor where you can take a course in bushcraft, learn survival skills, woodcraft and personal development. There are short breaks for adults and kids plus kayaking, night expeditions and wildlife tracking. Pack a tent, switch off your phone and enjoy nature in the raw.
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The Royal Scotsman
One of Europe’s most scenic railway journeys is also its most luxurious. The Royal Scotsman, part of the Orient-Express stable, travels the West Highland Line, leaving Edinburgh on a gentle chug through a wild landscape of glens, lochs and mountains. Trips take from 2 up to 7 nights, and the train berths at night to ensure you sleep soundly.
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Fitness breaks
Work on your fitness against the dramatic backdrop of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. You’ll stay in a stylish hilltop kasbah where a team of personal trainers will design a programme to suit your aims and fitness level. Choose from running, hiking, mountain biking, boxercise, core training and cardio. Relax in the pool and enjoy superb meals on the sun terrace.
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Cairo
Cairo is home to one of the world’s finest museums, a collection of ancient treasures that includes King Tut’s gold death mask. Must-sees include the Pyramids and the Sphinx, but lesser known sights are equally memorable, including the amazing warren of traders in the Khan el Khalili market and Mohammed Ali’s castle-like mosque.
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Reykjavik city breaks
Reykjavik is a youthful, compact, friendly city set in dramatic countryside and less than three hours’ flying time from the UK. Wander around art galleries and museums, linger in stylish restaurants and cosy coffee bars then take a healing dip in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon. If you have the energy, party the night away at the city’s legendary bars.
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Pas de Calais
It may be just a hop across the Channel but in pockets of the Pas de Calais you’ll feel as immersed in the “real” France as if you’d driven half way across the country. Authentic, simple and great value, La Ferme du Vert ticks every box for us, not least for its unpretentious cooking. It also has a collection of farmyard animals that will delight the children.
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Delhi
For time-poor adventurers, a quick fix of India is hard to beat. The capital Delhi offers a seductive mix of historic sights and modern metropolitan thrills. Regular flights make it easy to squeeze into a short break, though you may want to pick up an extra suitcase to bring home your shopping haul.
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Hong Kong
Jet lag, it seems, holds little fear for the new breed of short breakers, especially those willing to splash out on a flat bed in business class. Hong Kong, set on a dramatic neon-lit harbour, is Asia’s most thrilling city, a culture shock of night markets and dim sum, songbirds and sampans, backstreet temples and bargain shopping.
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The Red Sea
Although scuba divers are constrained by the safety rules about flying when visiting on a short break, you can still goggle at the underwater marvels of the Red Sea as well as enjoy the resort’s broad menu of watersports and safaris in the desert which spreads beyond the back door. The weather is hot and the water warm year round and the hotels are excellent.
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Ski weekends
There are few more exhilarating weekend breaks than a quick blast of skiing in the Alps. Leave your desk on Thursday lunchtime and you can be carving big fat turns the next morning. With a specialist tour operator at the helm, you can squeeze in four full days on the piste, and be home by Monday evening.
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Iceland jeep safari
Although you tend to hear more about its financial difficulties than its natural assets, Iceland is a magnificent wilderness of glaciers, hot springs, fjords, waterfalls and whales – illuminated by the midnight sun in summer and the Northern Lights in winter. A jeep safari is the perfect way to delve deep.
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Sorrento
Sorrento has been putting out the welcome mat for British travellers since the 18th century. As well as the stunning clifftop location, it’s ideal for hopping across the Bay of Naples to Capri by boat, taking a spectacular drive along the hairpins of the Amalfi coast, jumping on the train to Pompeii or strolling to the crater summit of Vesuvius.
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Palma, Mallorca
Most Brits on holiday in Mallorca see little of the capital, Palma, except its airport. Pity. This charming, authentic Spanish city has superb tapas bars, museums, seafood restaurants, fabulous shops, 10th-century Arab baths and a huge Gothic cathedral. Plus you can take the vintage train for a day trip to the delightful town of Soller.
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Dolphin watching breaks
You don’t need to travel half way round the world to see spectacular marine life. Head up to Scotland’s Moray Firth to watch wild Bottlenose dolphin from both the shoreline and at sea in a chartered boat. Stay in a converted 18th century brewery in the beautifully conserved town of Cromarty.
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Learn to sail in Devon
If the idea of a sailing holiday appeals, but your nautical experience extends no further than the local boating pond, head to Dartmouth for a 2-day RYA Start Sailing course for beginners, sleeping on board. If you’re sailed before, brush up your skills with the RYA Competent Crew or a more advanced course amongst fellow yachties and expert instructors.
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Tunis
Flying time from the UK is less than three hours, making Tunis an ideal exotic weekend break. The food is superb, there’s a medieval souk barely touched by tourists, Roman ruins and the Bardo, one of Europe’s top museums. Don’t miss the treasures of Carthage and the stylish seafront village of Sidi Bou Said.
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Exotic Marrakech
The big decision in magical Marrakech is whether to stay in town in a traditional riad, or outside the city walls. We favour the tranquility, sense of space and incandescent night skies of the latter, in a hotel like Tigmi, a 30-minute drive from the souks, snake charmers, acrobats and fortune-tellers of Djemaa el Fna.
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Photography and painting breaks
Memories of your break will be much more meaningful when snapped on camera or captured on canvas under the guidance of a professional. You’ll enjoy interesting venues, expert tuition and top tips plus the chance to learn from, and make friends with, your fellow students.
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Seville
The city of Seville is a work of art. Even the most well-travelled would be hard pushed to name a more finely-crafted inner city than the Barrio Santa Cruz, a romantic quarter of flower-decked houses and squares cooled by dancing fountains. It’s a scene crying out for the burst of flamenco guitars and castanets.
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Constable country
The Stour and Dedham Valleys in Essex-Suffolk border country are where you’ll find the landscapes immortalised by John Constable. Inspect scenes little changed since they were first canvassed, including Flatford Mill and the parish church at Dedham. Our choice of hotel is the stylish but informal family-run Maison Talbooth.
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Lundy Island
Lundy, or ‘Puffin Island’, sits in the middle of the Bristol Channel. It’s an escape from the rest of the world with just one pub, a farm, two lighthouses and a year-round population of around 20. You can stay in a cottage, campsite or castle, exclusively available through the Landmark Trust, whose work in restoring and sustaining historic buildings is fantastic.
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Rent a lighthouse
Britain’s coastline is dotted with lighthouses. Whilst technology may have rendered many of them obsolete, you can stay in the former lighthouse keepers’ cottages for a coastal break with a real sense of history plus a guarantee of great sea views and bracing walks. From North Yorkshire to Alderney, there’s a superb choice of locations.
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Lille by Eurostar
Although engulfed by industrial sprawl, the old heart of Lille is a pearl. The cobbled streets, which parade elegant 17th century Flemish architecture, are a hive of boutiques and good restaurants (tops for seafood is A l’Huitrière on rue des Chats Bossus) while the Palais Des Beaux Arts is rated as France’s second most important museum after the Louvre.
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Riga
Riga is a buzzing, cosmopolitan city of parks and boulevards, opera houses, coffee shops and galleries. The Latvian capital has an attractive Old Town with winding cobbled streets and medieval churches. It’s extremely good value, the museums are superb and the nightlife is nothing short of frenetic.
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Sleep on a luxury yacht
Play at being captain on your own floating gin palace for the weekend. Rather than stay in a holiday cottage or apartment, you can spend your nights afloat on a boat, securely tethered in a marina with all the facilities you need, including hook ups for electricity. Three West Country locations are on offer, but we’re confident there’ll be more.
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Breaks in St Petersburg
St Petersburg is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Its art collections, palaces and grand architectural set pieces are matched only by its magnificent hotels. Whether you go in winter when the snow is thick under foot, or in summer when the “white nights” offer dazzling evening skies, you’ll be beguiled.
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Private jet holidays
Private jet travel is not the sole preserve of the mega rich. Get together with a few friends and a trip to Paris and lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant can cost less than £1,000 each. It’s not just the onboard luxury you’ll love. You can fly from a hassle-free local airfield and even if you’re late, the aircraft will wait for you.
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Pentre Mawr Country House
One of our favourite family-run country hotels is Sychnant Pass in North Wales. Now the couple behind it – Graham and Bre Carrington-Sykes – have gone one better and opened Pentre Mawr, a luxurious guest house with pool and fine dining in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Best of all are the safari-style tented lodges with private hot tubs.
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Surfing in Cornwall
You may not master surfing in a couple of days, but you’ll get a taste of this fun, exhilarating sport, and quite possibly get hooked. Cornwall is the place to learn with its gorgeous safe beaches. Head for the sheltered and pretty Harlyn Beach for top quality tuition on a regular surf board or try the easier Hawaiian-style stand-up paddleboarding or sea-kayaking.
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Birdwatching weekends
A birdwatching holiday offers the chance to see a range of interesting species from local residents and summer visitors to impressive flocks of wintering wildfowl. In the company of an expert guide, a single weekend can take you to a mixture of exciting habitats from forests, heathlands and wetlands to the coast. Pack your binoculars.
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Florence
The crucible of the Renaissance, Florence is packed with art and architectural treasures. You can avoid the inevitable crowds by travelling out of season, but if you are tied to busy times at least lower your stress levels by pre-booking timed entry to the Uffizi. Best time to see David is when the doors of the Galleria dell’Accademia open.
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Monet’s Garden, Giverny
Arguably the most famous garden in the world, it’s hardly surprising that Monet’s ‘water lilies’ garden in Giverny, restored to the artist’s original design to provide colour throughout the year, is a place of pilgrimage for gardeners and art lovers alike. Easy to reach from the UK, it can be neatly combined with an escorted jaunt to Paris and Versailles.
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UK party houses
If you’re planning a family gathering to celebrate a special birthday or anniversary, or want to get together with friends for the weekend, consider renting a large house. Some of the grander mansions give you the option of a private chef, so you can ensure everyone is fed and watered without having to fret about shopping, cooking or washing up.
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Rent a VW Camper van
Is there a cooler way to explore the back roads of England than in a retro-style VW Camper van? Hire one of these colourful iconic vehicles and you’re free to drive and sleep just about anywhere. All mod cons are included – fridge, gas hob and grill, heater, CD player and speakers. A 3-night break from Friday to Monday costs from just £325.
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Tromso and the Northern Lights
The ‘Aurora Borealis’ - meaning the Dawn of the North - is one of the planet’s most spectacular natural performances. Although sightings of these great ghostly arcs of colour dancing across the night sky can never be guaranteed, the odds are highest from Tromso in the north of Norway, which is suprisingly easy to reach from the UK.
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Petra
One of the classic ’see before you die’ destinations, the rose red city of Petra, carved straight out of the sandstone escarpment, ranks alongside the Pyramids as a triumph of ancient architecture. With its scores of temples, palaces, theatre, tombs and a museum, it’s a rewarding destination, even if only for a short stay.
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West Sussex
West Sussex is rightly renowned for its delightful coastal treasures, such as West Wittering, Littlehampton and the city of Chichester. But inland, it’s also home to the South Downs, soon to become the UK’s newest National Park. Visit stately homes, castles and famous gardens, all underpinned by cosy pubs and some meticulously-restored historic hotels.
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Opera and ballet
Whether you fancy a night at the opera, a trip to the theatre or one of Europe’s leading classical festivals, why not have everything taken care of. Travel, accommodation and tickets are all included – just choose from a selection of destinations including Paris, Dresden, Prague, Milan and Vienna.
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Malta
Compact and easy to reach, Malta has 7,000 years worth of sites and sights. Skip the beach and explore the Megalithic temples and palaces of the Knights of St John, the ancient walled city of Mdina, cathedrals and catacombs, the impressive Museum of Roman Antiquities and Valletta’s maze of narrow streets.
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Special events by coach
Travel is about great experiences, whether it’s attending a thrilling sporting event or witnessing a unique celebration. But buying tickets and organising transport can be a nightmare. That’s why you need a specialist company to do all the hard work for you, and lay on a comfortable coach to get you there. So you can sit back and enjoy the show.
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Supernatural weekends
Want a weekend to set the nerves on edge? One to leave you with spooky memories? These supernatural breaks at a choice of hotels – all haunted of course – are guaranteed to put the wind up even the most cynical of guests. Who knows, the odd ghost or two may even put in a surprise appearance.
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Health and fitness retreat
If you feel overworked and unfit, give yourself a full service and MOT at a luxury health and fitness retreat. Head to a stunning location from Tuscany to Morocco with an expert team of yoga teachers, personal trainers, nutritionists and massage therapists to tone your body and cleanse your mind.
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Tall ships cruise
With its towering masts, billowing sails and brass and mahogany trimmings, the Star Flyer is a traditional sailing ship with all mod cons. There’s a choice of short breaks on the French and Italian Rivieras – with Corsica, Elba and Portofino among the ports of call – plus a cruise to coincide with the Monaco Grand Prix.
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Dubrovnik city breaks
The millennium-old walled city, Byron’s ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ with its honey-stoned buildings, terracotta roofs and cobbled streets has been fully restored to pearly perfection after its wartime pounding. Built by the Venetians, Dubrovnik gives easy access to a choice of islands just a short ferry hop away.
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Cookery course in Spain
A cookery course is a great way to immerse yourself into the culture of a destination. Not only will you have fun learning new techniques in the kitchen, you’ll visit markets, meet local people and fellow foodies. For a taste of the ‘real Spain’, head to the majestic hills of Andalucia. Yum!
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Athens and the Acropolis Museum
Away from the peak months of summer, Athens is perfect for a weekend break, particularly since the opening in 2009 of the New Acropolis Museum, £100m worth of dazzling modern architecture crammed with Classical treasures. Athens also excels at the contemporary, as evidenced by the city’s stylish collection of designer hotels.
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Vienna
Brimming with tradition and oozing with culture, Vienna is the place to hear Strauss, see countless works of art and be overwhelmed by pompous, imperial architecture. Even a break for coffee and cake involves stepping back in time. Ride the famous ferris wheel in the Prater and you’ll be in the heart of the Hapsburgs’ hunting ground.
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Family breaks, North Cornwall
With its clifftop views and huge range of activities for children and grown ups, Sands Resort is ideal for families. Located between Padstow and Newquay, nearby attractions are great too. Jamie Oliver’s 15 and the beauty of Bedruthan Steps are within easy reach, and Newquay Airport is five minutes away.
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Brussels by Eurostar
Brussels is often overlooked as a city break destination. In fact, it’s a feast for foodies, with some 2,000 restaurants – including 36 with Michelin stars – and it’s remarkably easy to reach by Eurostar. Best of all, swanky hotels offer great weekend deals when the Eurocrats have scurried home to their families.
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Ice Hotel
Sleeping on a block of ice may not strike you as the most comfortable of short breaks but the Ice Hotel, which lies north of the Arctic Circle, is one of Sweden’s leading attractions. Most guests spend a night in this amazing frozen palace, cocooned in sleeping bags and on reindeer skins, followed by a night or two in a more conventional hotel room.
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The Grove
The Earl of Clarendon’s stately pile, just 18 miles from London’s Hyde Park, is all about urban chic in the countryside. The seemingly endless activities on offer at The Grove are top notch, and the 300-acre setting is nothing short of spectacular. It’s also a handy bolthole for sheer indulgence, relaxation – and not a hint of bling.
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Walking in the Seine Valley
Follow the snaking River Seine between Caudebec en Caux and the village of La Bouille. This well-signed trail is a notch up from easy but you’re rewarded by tracks through deep, silent forests, gentle riverbank paths and views of magnificent abbeys. Then, having burned off the calories, indulge in guilt-free dinners.
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Wine tasting in Gloucestershire
English wine is alive, well and very much on the ascendency according to discerning quaffers, both at home and abroad. In Gloucestershire you can not only visit one of the largest vineyards in the country, the 100 acre Three Choirs, but you can also sleep and dine on site - so there’s no need to limit your testing of their fine pinot noirs and other produce.
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Walking in Scotland
You’ll find the UK’s finest walking in Scotland, whether you want to scale Ben Nevis or hike along the West Highland Way. But don’t wander off aimlessly – join a group tour or allow a team of expert guides to design a route for you, book charming B&Bs or country inns, and arrange daily luggage transfers.
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Swimming breaks
Love swimming? Rather than plough up and down your local pool, why not enjoy the beauty and freedom of swimming in open water, in the Lake District, the Norfolk Broads or cruising down the Thames in Oxfordshire. A swim guide, safety boat, overnight accommodation and luggage transfers are all included.
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Tickets for special events
Turn your city break into a truly memorable holiday by snapping up tickets to a concert or cabaret show, a night at the theatre, a helicopter flight or a sporting event. Whether it’s a dinner show in Paris, a Sunday Lunch Jazz Cruise in London or tickets for a Knicks game in New York, this is bound to be the highlight of your whole trip.
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Hiša Franko, The Soca Valley
In the pristine setting of Slovenia’s Soca Valley – perfect for walking breaks – is one of our favourite small hotels in Europe. Hiša Franko has stylish modern rooms flooded with natural light above a world-class restaurant. Owners Valter and Ana are delightful and the eight-course tasting menu is sensational, as well as being great value.
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Cycling in Catalonia
The ideal way to get to know the richly diverse landscapes of Catalonia is on two wheels. Travelling from the mountains to the sea, you’ll pass through medieval hill towns, vineyards, forests and fishing villages. Each evening your luggage will be waiting at your hotel, so you can unwind over a delicious meal featuring regional food and wine.
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Tennis holidays
Take a tennis course in the Alps and you can improve your technique, enjoy the glorious mountain setting and make new friends. Many Alpine resorts have excellent tennis facilities with courses suited to both beginners and experts. In summer you can add hiking and mountain biking. In winter you can combine indoor tennis with skiing.
And finally...
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St Ives
Bathed in a halo of sunlight, St Ives has long attracted artists as well as those seeking more conventional seaside pleasures, including surfing. Along with the Tate and Barbara Hepworth’s studio, several galleries sell the work of local artists. Avoid the high season and stay in the luxurious and contemporary Sail Lofts apartments for the perfect break.
