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Long weekend breaks are an excellent way to recharge and reset. Whether you are making the most of this year’s bank holidays with a family getaway, or whisking away for a short but sweet romantic staycation, the UK has many excellent destinations to explore. If you are looking for inspiration for your next trip, here are some top long weekend breaks in the UK to try.

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When are the UK Bank Holidays 2023

There are nine bank holidays in the UK in 2023 thanks to the addition of the long weekend for King Charles III’s coronation. The dates of this year’s bank holidays are:

  • Monday 2nd January 2023 – New Year’s Day
  • Friday 7th April 2023 – Good Friday
  • Monday 10th April 2023 – Easter Monday
  • Monday 1st May 2023 – Early May Bank Holiday
  • Monday 8th May 2023 – Coronation of King Charles III Bank Holiday
  • Monday 29th May 2023 – Spring Bank Holiday
  • Monday 28th August 2023 – Summer Bank Holiday
  • Monday 25th December 2023 – Christmas Bank Holiday
  • Tuesday 26th December 2023 – Boxing Day Bank Holiday

5 Top UK Destinations for Long Weekend Breaks

There are lots of reasons why a UK staycation is the perfect option for long weekend breaks. Whether you are looking for beautiful scenery, historic landmarks or exciting activities, there are lots of top destinations to choose from. Here are five of the best places to consider for your holiday this year.

North Wales

It doesn’t get much better than long weekend breaks in North Wales. This destination has everything you need for almost any type of UK staycation. For beach lovers, North Wales’s coastline is utterly gorgeous with sandy beaches reminiscent of the Caribbean. For history buffs, North Wales is overflowing with stately houses and castles to explore. Not to mention all the National Trust Properties in North Wales which offer a unique and fascinating window into the country’s past. Adventurous spirits can get an adrenaline rush zip lining through the sky at Zip World or mountain biking in Snowdonia National Park. Prefer to spend your long weekend breaks getting lost in nature? North Wales offers some of the best stargazing in the UK as well as being home to three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Perhaps just kicking back and relaxing is more your style? Well North Wales has plenty of charming and picturesque holiday cottages ideal for peaceful long weekend breaks. Whatever your style, this UK destination has something for everyone.

Cornwall

For long weekend breaks by the sea, few UK destinations can beat Cornwall. The area is renowned for its great surfing beaches which can provide hours of entertainment for activity lovers. For those who prefer a slower tempo, Cornwall is also home to sleepy fishing villages and picturesque market towns which are wonderful to stroll around at your leisure. If you are planning a romantic Cornwall trip, Kynance Cove is a must visit location. Or take a day trip to the fascinating Eden Project for an experience kids and adults alike can enjoy. What’s more, dog friendly holidays in Cornwall are easy to plan, meaning you don’t have to leave your furry friend behind. There are so many things to do in Cornwall it can be hard to fit it all into one long weekend break! This is a UK destination you’ll want to return to time and time again.

East Anglia

Slightly lesser known but equally wonderful, East Anglia is a fantastic place to visit for long weekend breaks. The area is full of beautiful seaside towns, vast farmlands and magical forests. Dotted throughout are vibrant cities with ancient monuments that beg to be explored. Spend your bank holiday getaway travelling back in time at the Anglo-Saxon burial ground of Sutton Hoo. Harry Potter fanatics can visit the real life filming location of Godrick’s Hollow in Lavenham. Enjoy a peaceful paddle along the river with a pitstop at the pub at Iken Canoe. All these activities and more await you on a long weekend break in East Anglia. For a truly luxurious experience, long weekend breaks at the Wilderness Reserve are next level. A secluded oasis in the English countryside, this is the perfect place to relax and recuperate. However you choose to spend your time in East Anglia, you’ll leave a long weekend break here with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

The Lake District

Long weekend breaks spent in the Lake District are always a treat. There are challenging hikes up dramatic mountains, child friendly walks through fairytale forests and vast lakes for all manner of watersports. Not to mention the area is home to plenty of spellbinding scenery to soak up. Young and old can be enchanted by the magic of Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top House where she drew much inspiration for her books. The rolling hills offer a range of walks suitable for all abilities. Of course the lakes which the district is named after are also a key attraction. Enjoy the view of the water, or make a splash by getting in! This is one of the best UK destinations for long weekend breaks spent getting the family back in nature in summer or playing games around the fire in winter. The Lake District is also ideal for romantic bank holiday getaways spent cosying up in a secluded holiday cottage. Try it for yourself this year and you won’t regret it.

Heart of England

Alongside the perk of being relatively easy to reach from everywhere in the UK, Heart of England holidays have a lot to offer. Covering many counties, including Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, and Shropshire, the Heart of England is overflowing with things to see and do on a long weekend break. Whilst Oxford is packed with fascinating museums and remarkable architecture, the historic town of Stratford-Upon-Avon is full of Shakespearian history. Prefer to spend your bank holiday soaking up fresh air? Long weekend breaks in the Heart of England can offer that too. Walk the Malvern Hills or embrace nature in the Forest of Dean. Whenever you’re planning your long weekend break for, the Heart of England is the perfect destination for every season.

Staycation Inspiration with Cottage Decisions

Once you’ve figured out your ideal destination for a long weekend break, find the perfect accommodation for you with the help of Cottage Decisions. From large group accommodations in North Wales for big family reunions to Cornwall holiday cottages for a home away from home. Wherever your UK staycation may lead you, Cottage Decisions is here to lend a hand.

Rachel D

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