Our top picks for long weekends around 2 hours from home…
The UK is bursting with beautiful places to stay. A break in any of our UK hotels will have you feeling a world away from your everyday, but without the long journey time. We have done the research for you and listed out below our favourite places to stay across the UK, that are perfect for a long weekend away.
If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is how many amazing places there are to be discovered right on our doorstep. From countryside retreats not far from London, to the stunning vistas of the Scottish highlands, to cosy city escapes or village hideouts, there are plenty of fantastic places just waiting to be uncovered. Seek out adventure, a family-friendly escape, spa break, or a romantic getaway for two within a couple of hours from your home. Find time to reset and refresh, whether it’s a weekend spent walking the countryside or being pampered in magnificent spas, our handpicked collection of fabulous luxury properties across the UK, offer something for everyone.
Where to go for a UK weekend break if you are from Scotland:
The Fife Arms
For a taster of quirky countryside in the heart of the Cairngorms, you can do no better than the Fife Arms. Far removed from city life, it’s very much tartan, but with a twist. Thanks to their extensive gallery and collection of objects d’art, Victorian style mingles with an eclectic mix that will have you sipping cocktails next to Picasso’s and a Queen Victoria original! To take advantage of the breath-taking Cairngorms, the resident ghillie is on hand to organise any excursions, or to advise on the plethora of walks available.
Dunstane Houses
The Dunstane Houses are excellently located for you to explore Edinburgh in style. Wonderfully welcoming staff are exactly what you’d expect from a family-run hotel, making for a relaxed and informal atmosphere. During your stay, they truly do enough to make your time more enjoyable, fulfilling every request with a smile. Surrounded by gorgeous, original features that epitomise Scottish heritage chic, you’ll also have the opportunity to try delicious meals constructed from locally-sourced ingredients, and sample their vast range of whiskeys and gins.
Gleneagles
The Glorious Playground! Gleneagles has quickly become a Scottish icon, and for good reason. The majestic hotel relaxes within an 850-acre estate, that includes golf courses and sprawling grounds. Classy interiors are reminiscent of the hotel’s Art Deco origins, exuding an air of sophistication and old-fashioned glamour. Though most famous for its world-class golf, Gleneagles offers an immense list of activities, from wildlife photography to gun-dog training. Go for a long weekend to be fully immersed in countryside pursuits and get your tweed fix.
The Glorious Gleneagles playground
Where to go for a UK weekend break if you are from the North of England:
Linthwaite House
A very special hotel nestled deep in the Lake District. Not only does the Linthwaite sit within 14 acres of grounds, but it boasts stunning views over the spectacular Lake Windermere. The architecture, effortlessly combines Edwardian elegance with contemporary design, making Linthwaite House the grandest in the area. Weekends spent here are splendid, offering as much walking as you could possibly desire, soaking up the fresh country air and admiring the stunning scenery.
Middleton Lodge
A remarkable, almost entirely self-sustainable, Georgian stately house. Middleton Lodge reclines at the end of a grand, tree-lined drive between the wild North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales, in a 200-acre estate of its own. History is soaked into the beautifully-designed accommodation and the surrounding area, including the town of Richmond. Before grabbing your wellies and exploring the magnificent grounds, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious food cooked from home-grown or locally-sourced ingredients. Middleton Lodge is perfect for a weekend break, or is nicely positioned for a wonderful pit stop between England and Scotland.
The lovely Linthwaite House
Where to go for a UK weekend break if you are from London:
Heckfield Place
After just an hour of travelling from London, you’ll feel miles removed from the crowds when you reach Heckfield Place. It’s difficult to stifle a gasp when you first look upon the elegant Georgian mansion set within 400 acres of gardens, woods, and farmland. Deep in the Hampshire countryside, there’s an air of simple but sophisticated luxury. Now restored with extraordinary imagination and vision, you can relax in a quintessentially English setting, surrounded by countryside wildlife, eat food fresh from the farm, and go wild swimming in the lake.
Thyme
Thyme is an absolute favourite of Holly’s! It’s an intimate and wholly unique English country retreat rooted in the spirit of the Cotswolds. Thyme is a village within a village located on a 150-acre working farm, with water meadows, gardens, orchards, and a natural spring to explore, here nature is celebrated as the most important element. There’s something to do here in every season: when it’s warm, take a dip in the outside pool, and during the colder months curl up by the fire inside. Whatever the weather, make sure to get your boots on for some walking and head out to discover the stunning quaint Cotswolds villages!
Dormy House
Another glorious hotel in the idyllic Cotswolds, Dormy House is perfect for a spa break. Originally operating as a farmhouse in the 1600s, a bold makeover has created a stylish country retreat, complete with original beams, flagstone floors, and large fireplaces. It’s so relaxed and comfortable, you’ll have shaken the stress of ordinary life within minutes, settling into the relaxing beat of casual living. The spa is a special feature, spanning several floors and offering a range of treatments. Dogs are also very welcome, so bring your furry friends and wander the 400-acre grounds together!
The dreamy Dormy House
Where to go for a UK weekend break if you are from the South of England:
Endsleigh
Stumbling onto this historic house immersed in fairy tale woodland and gardens, you might just believe Endsleigh is a land of ancient fantasy. The hotel was found in 1814, after the Duke of Bedford deemed it the most beautiful location in Devon – and we’re inclined to agree! On the edge of Dartmoor, it’s calm, remote, and quiet. It’s enormously tempting to arrive and do very little as this is a place to relax and recharge your batteries. However, we recommend you take the time to explore your spectacular Dartmoor surroundings too.
Chewton Glen
A modern country house blessed by unrivalled location makes Chewton Glen sophisticated living at its most luxurious. Formally presented at the end of a manicured croquet lawn, it’s surrounded by ancient woodland, and within walking distance of the sea. From the moment you arrive, the attentive team will ensure every part of your stay is effortless. There’s plenty to occupy yourself with, from the amazing spa to the vast list of activities, including tennis, swimming, or their 9-hole golf course. Having the New Forest on your doorstep does absolutely no harm either! Chewton Glen is a brilliant place to escape for a long weekend or a few days more…
The Newt
In south Somerset, this luxury Georgian country estate preserves elegant grandeur and understated simplicity. The Newt is set against a classic West Country backdrop, complete with a deer park, working farm, extensive native woodland, and meticulously designed gardens. You can sip on homemade cider, explore the magnificent grounds, or feast upon seasonal produce sourced from the kitchen garden. It’s definitely a place for enjoying fresh air and country walks whilst exceptional staff take care of absolutely everything. Make sure you book in advance to avoid missing out!
The near-perfect Newt
With such an array of UK weekend breaks to look forward to, it might be hard to choose!
Speak to one of our friendly experts, Philippa, Gemma, or Jo to advise where would be best for you today, by phone (01306 264 005), or via email ([email protected]), or