Discover rejuvenating short breaks in the UK with our in-depth guide. Escape the hustle and bustle and head to one of the country’s best towns or cities for a mini break, whether it’s the charming streets of Edinburgh or the stunning landscapes of Belfast.
Deciding on a destination for your mini-UK break can be stressful. Thankfully, our guide offers recommendations from around the country, highlighting activities and landmarks in each and providing essential hotel information.
The UK is home to many magnificent destinations perfect for a short break. Whether you want to explore museums, join guided tours or unwind in buzzy bars, there’s something for all travellers.
Discover our top recommendations for a UK mini break, with destination ideas and hotel tips from around the country.
Watford is a fantastic option for a short break in the UK. The Hertfordshire town offers something for everyone, from escape rooms and board game cafés to museums and shopping centres. It’s also on the outskirts of London, and you can easily get to the capital via the Overground.
What to do? No mini break in Watford is complete without visiting the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Enjoy a magical experience visiting sets from the iconic film series, including the Great Hall, Gringotts and Platform 9 ¾, checking out props and sampling Butterbeer.
You’ll also find beautiful green spaces where you can admire wildlife and nature in the area. Cassiobury Park, Cheslyn House & Gardens and Oxhey Woods are all worth visiting.
Where to stay? Leonardo Hotel London Watford is an ideal base for your trip. It offers a town centre location and is a short walk from the Harry Potter Shuttle Bus, which takes you directly to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and the Leonardo DREAM bed, and you can grab a bite and a drink at the hotel’s on-site restaurant and bar.
If you’re looking for a cultural escape, Chester is the place to visit. Located in the northwest of England, close to the Wales border, the city was founded as a Roman fort in 79 AD. It’s full of historic buildings and landmarks, including the well-preserved Grade I-listed city walls and cathedral. It’s also a shopper’s paradise, with the Rows, Grosvenor Shopping Centre and Cheshire Oaks all local.
What to do? You can pack a lot into a short break in Chester, with Chester Zoo being one of the city’s top attractions. The zoo is home to more than 27,000 animals and over 500 specials, meaning you can see everything from lions and tigers to chimpanzees and flamingos.
Horse racing fans can enjoy a day at the races by visiting the famous Chester Racecourse. Fixtures begin with the May Festival, with meetings continuing at the venue until September.
Where to stay? Choose Leonardo Hotel Chester for your trip to this historic city. Offering a central location, you’ll be on the doorstep of the racecourse, shops and Chester Cathedral, while also being a 15-minute walk from Chester train station. All rooms are newly refurbished and offer everything you need for a comfortable stay, including air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms and the DREAM bed.
Edinburgh is one of the top tourist destinations in the UK, perfect for a mini break. It’s a beautiful city with stunning architecture at every corner, while also being home to top-class restaurants, unique bars and outstanding attractions.
What to do? Whether you’re booking a two-, three- or four-day break, you’ll never run out of things to do in Edinburgh. It’s a brilliant city for walking and sightseeing, with many iconic landmarks and landscapes to admire, including Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat and the National Monument.
Edinburgh is also awash with exciting tourist attractions, with options suitable for couples, families and solo travellers. Board the Royal Yacht Britannia and explore Queen Elizabeth II’s iconic vessel, enjoy an interactive look into Edinburgh’s dark history at The Edinburgh Dungeon, or head to chocolate heaven with a trip to The Chocolatarium.
Where to stay? Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh offers everything you need for your trip to the Scottish capital. It’s based in the city’s heart and is on the doorstep of Waverley train station, meaning it’s easily accessible. Its spacious and comfortable rooms have high-speed Wi-Fi, mini fridges and Nespresso machines.
Leonardo Hotel Edinburgh City is a cheaper alternative for those working with a budget. It’s located inside a classic Scottish townhouse at the foot of Edinburgh Castle, with the Royal Mile, Princes Street and the Grassmarket within walking distance.
Bristol is great for a cheap short break in the southwest of the UK. It’s a vibrant city with lots going on, especially on the Harbourside, one of the city’s most popular areas. There, you’ll find a range of attractions, including boat trips, Bristol Aquarium and an indoor golf centre. It’s also perfect for foodies, with restaurants offering harbour views and a range of cuisines, including locally sourced seafood.
What to do? One of Bristol’s most unmissable attractions is Brunel’s SS Great Britain. Step aboard and explore the history behind what was the world’s largest passenger ship in the mid-1800s inside two museums. Top off your visit by grabbing afternoon tea, with a selection of sandwiches, pastries and cakes available. Other local museums include Oakham Treasures, M Shed and Bristol Museum & Art Gallery.
Looking for something to do in the evening? Head to Smoke & Mirrors, a 1920s-themed theatre pub where you’ll find fantastic burlesque, comedy and magic shows six nights a week.
Where to stay? Leonardo Hotel Bristol City is your perfect stopping point for a stay in the southwest. It’s an eco-friendly BREEAM-certified hotel offering comfortable rooms and an on-site restaurant, bar and fitness room. Many of the city’s main landmarks are within walking distance thanks to the hotel’s central location, including the Harbourside, Cabot Tower and Bristol Cathedral.
If you’re looking to book a short break in Northern Ireland, where better than its capital city? Famous for being the home of the Titanic, Belfast has everything you need for an enjoyable getaway, from intriguing museums and galleries to gorgeous outdoor spaces.
What to do? Titanic Belfast is a must-visit museum when enjoying a mini break in the city. It’s located on the exact site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard, which was where the Titanic was built and launched. Explore the history of the world-famous vessel across nine interactive galleries, including the magnificent Shipyard Ride.
The Botanic Gardens are perfect for relaxing and admiring plant life. They’re home to some of the oldest seed plants around, alongside an array of hanging baskets, seasonal displays and birds of paradise. Meanwhile, Game of Thrones fans can hop on a bus tour from the city and visit iconic locations from the HBO series, including the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and Ballintoy Harbour.
Where to stay? Book a room at Leonardo Hotel Belfast for your stay in the Northern Irish capital. Each room is comfortable and spacious, with options to suit different budgets. The hotel benefits from a city centre location, with many of the best attractions easily accessible. It also has an on-site restaurant serving a breakfast buffet and meals throughout the day, a bar that shows live sports, and a Costa Coffee.
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