Words: Aobh O'Brien-Moody
The upcoming Easter long weekend offers the perfect excuse to escape the daily grind with a much-deserved jaunt. This year, rather than casting your gaze to far-flung regions, why not make the most of what’s on your very doorstep?
Whether you’re longing to fill your lungs with sea air, seeking to school yourself in history or simply wanting to enjoy a few days of peace and quiet in the countryside, these 10 long-weekend destinations will help you see the UK in a whole new light and lend you a fresh sense of appreciation for what this country has to offer.
Yorkshire Dales
Discover the natural beauty of the north — think rolling hills, flower-filled meadows and impressive waterfalls — with a trip to the majestic Yorkshire Dales. Boasting a plethora of walks of varying lengths as well as 900 kilometres of bridleways, by-ways and green lanes, it makes a particularly perfect escape for active types.
Stay: Swinton Park Hotel, North Yorkshire
Falmouth
Tradition meets creativity in the charming Cornish harbourside town of Falmouth, where arts students from Falmouth University mingle with local fishermen. There’s plenty to do, from paddleboarding and blustery beach walks to exploring the botanical gardens.
Stay: The Floathouse Amelie, Falmouth
Peak District
Chocolate box villages, craggy hills, quaint pubs and stately homes characterise the Peak District, which stretches across the Pennines and edges into five counties: Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Staffordshire, West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire. There are scenic strolls aplenty, so pack your walking shoes.
Stay: Callow Hall, Ashbourne
Pembrokeshire
Oft-overlooked in favour of more touristy Cornwall, this stunning stretch of south Wales coastline lays claim to some of the best beaches in the UK, from Barafundle Bay to Freshwater West. There are also plenty of quirky villages to potter around, including Britain’s smallest city, St Davids.
Stay: Roch Castle, St Davids
Jurassic Coast
From the iconic natural landmarks of Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door to the quaint seaside towns of Lyme Regis and Weymouth, there’s plenty to experience along the Jurassic Coast’s 95 miles of dramatic coastline. As its name suggests, this part of the UK is famously one of the world’s richest sites for prehistoric remains, so book a fossil hunting walk for the full experience.
Stay: The Pig on the Beach, Dorset
Somerset
Looking for a culture-packed city break? Head to the charming town of Bath. Partial to a countryside ramble? Wander the walking trails of Exmoor National Park. Cutting-edge art spaces, elegant architecture, wild swimming ponds and manicured gardens: Somerset has something for everyone.
Stay: The Newt, Bruton
New Forest
Boasting over 220 square miles of pastureland and heathland, much of it occupied by wild horses and ponies, the New Forest is the largest unenclosed forest in southern England. As well as its abounding nature, the region offers some of the country’s finest options for foodies, from Angela Hartnett and Luke Holder’s Hartnett Holder & Co to The Terrace at the Montagu Arms Hotel.
Stay: Lime Wood, Lyndhurst
East Sussex
Coast, countryside and culture combine to make East Sussex one of the UK’s best long-weekend destinations. And it’s all only an hour or so from London. Amble through the ancient woodland of Ashdown Forest, shop for antiques in the quaint towns of Rye and Lewes or brave the waters at Birling Gap. And once you’ve worked up an appetite, pop into one of the many cosy pubs for some triple-cooked chips and a pint of local ale.
Stay: Port Hotel, Eastbourne
Edinburgh
If it’s a city escape you crave, Edinburgh never disappoints. Steeped in history yet always innovating, Scotland’s lively capital is brimming with culture and creativity. And spring is the perfect time to visit, after a biting winter and before the crowds of the Edinburgh Festival.
Stay: Gleneagles, St Andrew Square
Hebrides
At the other end of the spectrum is the wild and rugged Hebrides, a Scottish archipelago of over 100 underpopulated islands that serves as the UK’s (equally as beautiful but somewhat less sunny) answer to the Greek Islands. Immerse yourself in nature as you keep an eye out for puffins, otters, bottlenose dolphins and deer.
Stay: Broad Bay House, Isle of Lewis
Getting around: A Blacklane chauffeured airport transfer or City-to-City ride is the most reliable and luxurious way to avoid travel chaos during one of the UK’s busiest times of year to travel - Easter weekend. Whether you're planning to head home or escape to a warmer climate for the long weekend, Blacklane offers reliable door-to-door chauffeur services across the UK and more than 50 countries. Their first class fleet includes Mercedes-Benz S-Class L, BMW 7 Series L, Audi A8 L or EVs such as Mercedes-Benz EQS, and all rides are carbon offset.
For more travel inspiration, discover the best city breaks to take this spring...
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