View of the Peak District at sunrise, with the sun creeping over the mountains

Guide to the best UK short breaks

Ancient ruins, stunning mountain views, and some of the best beaches in Europe: it’s easy to forget just how much a staycation has to offer. After all, there’s a reason millions of tourists come to our fair isles every year, but it’s easy to take what’s on your front doorstep for granted. The UK is still an underrated destination for all kinds of holidaymaker, whether you’re a culture vulture or just want to unwind in a paradisiacal setting, especially now when it’s easier than ever to head to Land’s End, John o’Groats, and everywhere in between.

The four countries and crown dependencies that make up the UK and the surrounding islands all offer something unique and inspiring to the potential visitor, from the breath-taking beauty of the highlands to the delicate biodiversity of the Welsh rainforest or a great variety of cultural cities.

It’s simply up to you to take advantage of what’s on offer, but first you have to decide what you want to do. We’re here with some of the best short break ideas in the UK; with any of these you’ll undoubtedly come away with a renewed appreciation for this wonderful land and memories that will last a lifetime.

 

Nmh Belfast Titanic Quarter

Belfast & the Titanic Experience

Twenty years on from the turbulence of The Troubles and Belfast is thriving. Whilst Northern Ireland is often seen as a junior country in the UK, a visit to the capital will leave you under no illusions as to just how wrong this view is. Aside from having excellent pubs, enlightening museums, and trendy stores that wouldn’t look out of place in East London, Belfast is now home to one of the busiest and most viewed attractions in the UK: the Titanic Experience. This four-day tour gives you the chance to experience the bustling city and this important tribute to the most famous ship in history.

The Titanic Experience is housed in a spectacular building, standing on the site where the famous ship was built and hubristically declared as unsinkable, and is a great historical resource as well as a tribute to the former shipbuilding industry and the passengers who sadly perished over a century ago. The story of the ship is brought to life by exhibitions and audio-visual media, as well as life size reconstructions and interactive features. Other city highlights include Stormont Castle, City Hall, and the famous Peace Wall, offering a both glimpse into our turbulent recent history and a sobering reminder as to how fragile peace is. Northern Ireland’s relatively small size also means we can offer an optional excursion to the otherworldly Giant’s Causeway, a National Trust heritage site. This unique geological formation is breath-taking and a must see for anybody interested in nature. In between all of this, you can sit back and soak up the culture of Belfast, tucking into a hearty meal or having a few pints with the friendly locals.

Recommend tour

Titanic Exhibition, Belfast
Belfast and the Titanic Experience
Northern Ireland
+ 3 More
  • Visit the spectacular Titanic Belfast exhibition
  • Enjoy a fascinating guided tour of Belfast's major landmarks
  • The chance to join an optional tour of the Antrim Coast and visit the extraordinary Giant's Causeway
  • 4 days from £535 pp

  • Dates Available

    November 2024 - December 2025

  • Duration

    4 days

  • Depart From

    11 airports

  • Excursions

    2 included

  • Meals

    3 included

View of the Peak District at sunrise, with a gate at the forefront of the image and a trail that leads all the way to the mountains in the far distance
Peak District, England

Short breaks at the Peak District

Nestled in the heart of England, the Peak District beckons as an idyllic short break destination, promising a world of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and tranquillity. Discover quaint villages and historic market towns scattered throughout the region. Explore the cobbled streets of Bakewell, famous for its delectable puddings, or visit Castleton, home to the enchanting Peveril Castle. Each town exudes its own unique character and offers a glimpse into English heritage.

You can also prepare to be captivated by the Peak District's breathtaking landscapes. Towering limestone crags, rolling green hills, and picturesque valleys await your exploration. Witness the ever-changing beauty of the moors, woodlands, and sparkling rivers that define this national park.

Recommend tour

View of the Peak District at winter, with snowy mountains and the sun creeping over the edge of the land
Christmas in the Peak District
England
+ 2 More
  • Set off on a walking tour of the charming thermal spa town of Buxton
  • Stroll around pretty Bakewell, the home of the famous pudding
  • Call at Chatsworth House, decked in extravagant Christmas décor
  • 6 days from £840 pp

  • Dates Available

    December 2024

  • Duration

    6 days

  • Tour only

    Make your own way

  • Excursions

    4 included

  • Meals

    11 included

High angle view of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, with a man wearing a red jacket walking down the mountain
Loch Lomond, Scotland

Loch Lomond and the Edinburgh Tattoo

Culture and nature combine on this unforgettable trip to the Scottish capital, where you’ll also get a chance to visit Glasgow and the ethereally beautiful Loch Lomond. Undoubtedly one of the best short break ideas in the UK, this trip offers a chance to see the impressive Edinburgh Military tattoo in all its glorious pageantry, as well as explore the beautiful old city and everything it has to offer. The Tattoo is a famous event for a reason, and a chance to see it live is something to tick off the bucket list: you’ll get to soak in all the fun of the military band and be awed by their talent and dedication.

Once you’ve taken in all the capital has to offer, you’ll be able to wander around the glorious beauty of the Trossachs, before cruising around the stunningly serene loch. Live commentary on board means you’ll have all the local knowledge about what makes this area so special, so you can truly appreciate just how incredible this spot is. There’s also the chance to amble around Glasgow and soak in the atmosphere of a Scotland’s largest city, a place that’s truly on the up. The close proximity of all these places means there’s also the option of visiting the Falkirk wheel, a feat of engineering that connects two of the most important waterways in Scotland.

Recommend tour

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo lined up in formation infront of Edinburgh castle night time
The Edinburgh Tattoo
Scotland
+ 4 More
  • Enjoy a reserved seat to observe the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
  • Experience a short orientation tour of Glasgow with some time for self-exploration
  • Join an optional boat trip across Loch Lomond and a tour of the beautiful Trossachs
  • 4 days from £765 pp

  • Dates Available

    August 2025

  • Duration

    4 days

  • Depart From

    7 airports

  • Excursions

    2 included

  • Meals

    4 included

Long shot of Mont Orgueil Castle, showing part of the harbour below it and two people sat on the wall between the harbour and the sea, the buildings beside the harbour and the houses on a hill behind it, on a sunny day with a blue sky
Mont Orgueil Castle, Jersey

Jersey

Long stretches of golden sand, calm, cyan seas as far as the eye can see (except on a clear day, when you can see France), and an interesting history of conquest and reconquest: the largest Channel Isle has everything you’d want from a Mediterranean break without having to leave the English Channel. There are a whole host of activities available on this holiday, including a fascinating trip to the famed Jersey War Tunnels. Avid shoppers are also in heaven here: the tax-free status of the island means cheaper prices on many high-end goods.

It’s not just Jersey’s wartime history that’s a draw for those looking for more intellectual pursuits: you can see some of Britain’s best-preserved castles when you navigate around the coast, as well as the gorgeous sweeping beauty of calm bays and rugged cliffs that make up this island. The package finishes with a cruise so you can see the splendour of the island from the water, and truly take in the magnificent coastline. Sun seekers be assured: a hop over to Jersey truly is one of the best short break ideas in the UK.

Recommend tour

Long shot of Mont Orgueil Castle, showing part of the harbour below it and two people sat on the wall between the harbour and the sea, the buildings beside the harbour and the houses on a hill behind it, on a sunny day with a blue sky
Jersey - The Sun-Kissed Channel Isle
United Kingdom
+ 4 More
  • A guided tour of the island
  • Learn about the German Occupation at Jersey War Tunnels
  • Stay in St Helier, Jersey’s charming capital
  • 6 days from £749 pp

  • Dates Available

    April 2025 - October 2025

  • Duration

    6 days

  • Depart From

    11 airports

  • Excursions

    3 included

  • Meals

    5 included

Close up of two glasses of champagne, a basket of strawberries, tennis balls and rackets on some grass
Wimbledon Tennis food and drink

Wimbledon in London

Venture into the capital over July for a short break which also includes the incredible Wimbledon Tennis Championships. Book one of our travel packages and you will be in with a treat - staying in hotel accommodation with transfers as well as a ticket into Wimbledon itself, with seats on No.1 Court. 

Combine your tennis trip by checking out some of the city's best sights - from the vibrant stalls on Portobello Market to the beautiful Royal Parks. 

Recommend tour

Close up of two glasses of champagne, a basket of strawberries, tennis balls and rackets on some grass
Wimbledon Tennis Break - Three days (including coach transfers)
England, United Kingdom
  • An exciting full day of tennis action, including return transfers between your hotel and Wimbledon, and the services of a tour manager
  • Reserved seats on No.1 Court with its retractable roof - guaranteed play whatever the weather!
  • Opportunities to immerse yourself in the energy of the crowds, spot tennis players, celebrities and well-known TV personalities
  • 3 days from £439 pp

  • Dates Available

    July 2025

  • Duration

    3 days

  • Depart From

    Make your own way

  • Meals

    2 included

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