Top Relaxing Weekend Getaway Ideas in the UK and Europe

The United Kingdom offers a wonderful choice of fabulous destinations for a relaxing weekend getaway, from quiet rural escapes to sophisticated cities. Whether you’re a fan of the great outdoors or prefer to delve into history and culture, you’ll enjoy a relaxing escape in these handpicked locations for an unforgettable weekend break.

Breathtaking landscapes, picture-postcard villages and oodles of old-fashioned charm make the Cotswolds the ideal destination for a relaxing weekend getaway. Splash out on a country house hotel, perhaps with spa or hot tub, for the ultimate in relaxation. There are spectacular stately homes like Blenheim Palace (a World Heritage Site) to explore, heavenly hikes through forests and hills, and charming villages for afternoon tea or perusing antique shops. However you like to relax on your weekend breaks, you’ll find something for you in the Cotswolds.

One of the UK’s loveliest and most unspoilt corners, Norfolk boasts stunning wild beaches, traditional seaside towns and historic landmarks. It’s a dreamy place to get away for a relaxing weekend, with plenty to do whether you’re travelling with your partner, the kids or friends. You could admire the colourful beach huts and picturesque harbour of Wells-next-the-Sea on the north Norfolk coast, visit the glorious nature reserve at Blakeney, or even sail along the intricate network of rivers and lakes in the Norfolk Broads.

Historic, picturesque Oxford is a wonderful place for a relaxing and romantic city break, ideal for couples. Soak up the history and culture in the remarkable Bodleian Library or the Ashmolean Museum, or simply stroll around this enchanting and beautifully preserved haven of learning. Superb restaurants, unique boutiques and exclusive spas provide refined city pleasures at an alluringly tranquil pace.

Popular weekend destinations like Paris or Rome are fantastic but can be a little too high-energy if you are hoping for a relaxing break. Fortunately, our very special European city options offer an abundance of culture, great food and stunning skylines – but are also perfect for unwinding and relaxing.

You’ll enjoy all the best of Italy – fabulous food, incredible history and breathtaking architecture – without the crowds in captivating Bologna. Lose the map and get lost in the medieval old quarter, admiring the famous porticoes, and pick out local delicacies at the divine Mercato di Mezzo. You’ll return refreshed and revived after your perfect weekend getaway.

The capital of the Balearic Islands is a charming little city where time seems to stand still, perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway and a chance to recharge your batteries. Linger over lunch on sunny squares, amble along the waterfront to watch the boats bob in the harbour, spend an hour or two in one of the fantastic museums, or treat yourself in the city’s elegant boutiques. Plus, there are stunning golden beaches close to the city centre if you feel like soaking up the sunshine on your weekend escape.

Malta’s capital city is a beautiful time capsule, a miniature walled city of golden stone overlooking a magnificent harbour. It’s ideal for a weekend escape, combining sunshine, culture and a slow Mediterranean pace that invites you to relax and unwind. You can dawdle in the old stone streets, stopping for coffee or some local pastries, or visit the spectacular cathedral, legacy of the Knights Templar. Close by you’ll find the mesmerising Megalithic Temples (a World Heritage Site) and some delightful beaches where you can soak up the sun.

We’ve picked out some of our favourite places for a wonderful family weekend break that will be as relaxing as it is enjoyable.

For a memorable weekend getaway with the family, the New Forest offers an idyllic blend of natural beauty and child-friendly attractions. You can go wildlife watching in the New Forest National Park, or explore the fabulous network of cycling and walking trails, suitable for any age. There are scenic steam train rides at Exbury Gardens as well as fun attractions at Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World – guaranteeing a perfect weekend getaway with the kids.

The Isle of Wight is another winner when it comes to a wonderful weekend escape with the family. There are cliffs, waterfalls and woodland walks, as well as castles, steam trains and treetop trails. Plus amusement parks and a museum for dino-mad kids. With all this to offer, the Isle of Wight promises a truly unforgettable family escape.

If you’d like to take the family a little further afield for a relaxing weekend getaway, laid-back Copenhagen is a fantastic choice for a European break. From the Tivoli Gardens amusement park right in the middle of the city to an enormous aquarium, this effortlessly stylish city is a top choice for a weekend escape for all ages. Rent some bikes and explore Denmark’s capital via its vast network of safe, family-friendly cycle paths, or take a ferry ride with the kids to visit the city’s famed emblem, the Little Mermaid.

If you’ve got a little more time, these are some suggestions for places to escape for a long weekend where you can really relax and unwind.

Brighton in East Sussex is a colourful, enticing city by the sea, with a fabulous array of attractions that will give you plenty to do over a long weekend. Stroll along the iconic Brighton Palace Pier, explore the opulent Royal Pavilion, browse the independent boutiques and galleries of The Lanes, or relax on a deckchair on the city’s famous pebble beach.

Escape to Seville, perhaps the most romantic city in Spain, to amble through whitewashed streets ablaze with bougainvillea. This is a city made for aimless wandering, perhaps stopping for an ice cold sherry and some tapas as the whim takes you. The spirit of Al-Andalus lives on in the breathtaking Real Alcázar palace and the Giralda belltower, as well as in the ancient bathhouses, where you can relax and disconnect in time-honoured style.

Glorious Art Nouveau architecture and the serene Danube make Budapest a blissful spot for a long weekend in Europe. Relaxation is in this city’s DNA, particularly in its lovely spas, a local tradition that dates back millennia. An abundance of impressive palaces, engrossing museums and intriguing neighbourhoods make staying a little longer more than worthwhile. Enjoy a traditional Hungarian dinner on a charming square, take a stroll along the banks of the Danube and finish with drinks on the waterfront – the recipe for a perfect getaway.

From sweeping seascapes to charming countryside retreats and captivating historic cities, these destinations all offer the perfect backdrop for a relaxing and unforgettable weekend getaway.