From less obvious locations to famous tourist spots, there are many incredible places to take a last-minute UK break. Great Britain is diverse in landscapes, culture, and landmarks, and its history dates back thousands of years.
Whether you're looking for a place to escape with your family for the weekend or fancy taking a city break for a romantic getaway, you'll find plenty of inspiration here!
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Last Minute Break in Bath
Bath is one of the prettiest cities on our list. It is famous for its Roman baths, dating back to 60 AD, when the spa city Aquae Sulis was founded.
For its history and charm, Bath is a terrific destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life for the weekend.
The town's idyllic streets are lined with quaint cafes, perfect for relaxing with tea or coffee. And, if you need further tranquility, there are plenty of modern spas, too.
For those seeking a last-minute break in the UK, Bath may tick all your boxes. Its stunning architectural highlights and unpretentious atmosphere make this English city unique.
Weekend Breaks in York
As the capital of Yorkshire, the beautiful city of York is a hot spot for party-goers and families who want to soak up the Viking history.
The ancient walls surrounding the city were built thousands of years ago, while the eateries, York Minster, independent shops, and The Shambles also make it worth a visit.
Whether working with a budget or wanting to splash out, there is a perfect spot to stay for every visitor to the city. Many locals host guests in their homes, while York also offers luxurious boutique hotels.
Last Minute Aberdeen Deals
Scotland has many gems to offer the world, and while Aberdeen may not instantly spring to mind, it is a location worth considering for a last-minute break.
This beautiful port city in northeast Scotland is perfectly placed between the mountains and the sea. Visitors can enjoy the moors, vast dunes, farmland, and white sandy beaches all in one trip—what more could an outdoorsy man or woman want?
Visitors travel to this spot during winter to catch a glimpse of the northern lights, and The Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House Hotel & Spa, with its luxurious settings, is a hotspot for accommodation.
You'll find plenty of idyllic places to stay at MyHotelBreak in Aberdeen. It's a fantastic last-minute break destination for those eager to explore the UK's lesser-known cities!
Reasons To Visit Glasgow for the Weekend
An ideal location for those seeking a shopping-filled weekend, Glasgow is one of the most vibrant cities in the UK. The port city also has its fair share of cultural venues, including museums and some of the country's leading galleries.
Glasgow is one of Europe's most dynamic cities, renowned for its friendly locals and intertwined neighborhoods. Musically, the Scottish city always has something to offer for those who fancy an impromptu concert. It's not hard to catch a live show here.
The city is walkable, making it appealing to families and couples alike. You won't need a strict itinerary to enjoy its offerings. On the food map, Glasgow's restaurant scene is diverse. There are lots of options for accommodation, regardless of your budget.
Liverpool has Great Places to stay
Famous for its accent, football culture, docks, and, of course, as a cultural hotspot for music, Liverpool is undoubtedly one of the coolest locations in the UK.
Those searching for last-minute breaks will find plenty of affordable offers here and plenty to do while visiting! The birthplace of the iconic rock group The Beatles and home to the Tate Liverpool gallery, Liverpool offers plenty to keep everyone entertained.
On an architectural note, the city is mostly modern and boasts a busy center, meaning you'll have plenty of options for food and lodging. If you're visiting by car, the coast is a short ride away too!
Brighton
For those seeking a seaside escape or a last-minute break to a coastal destination, Brighton ticks the boxes and more. The town of Brighton itself has everything you'd expect - arts and crafts shops, quirky murals, plenty of places for a bag of chips, and lots of quaint cafes.
However, one architectural attraction that makes Brighton stand out is its Royal Pavilion. A fascinating palace in the middle of the town, it beautifully combines the visual styles of India and China.
Brighton offers a wide selection of places to stay, from chain-style comfortable hotels to independent spots such as artists' houses. It's no wonder many visitors flock to the town each year to take in its British seaside charm.
Durham
The northeastern town of Durham has more than meets the eye. Here you'll find a welcoming atmosphere and beautiful scenes of the old castle overlooking the River Wear.
The imposing cathedral is at the top of this hilly city, as seen in Harry Potter. You'll find independent coffee and cake shops, cafes, and traditional restaurants down the road.
A popular drinking spot for those looking for lively nightlife, Durham is affordable and just a short train ride from the northeast's capital, Newcastle.
London
There are countless cool locations in London. From staying in the heart of the city to finding accommodation in the outer zones, the excellent public transport systems here make getting around a breeze.
There are plenty of attractions to explore, from prominent landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge to the trendy corners of Covent Garden, including Neal's Yard.
Families, couples, friends, and solo travelers will all appreciate the cultural diversity in the city's restaurants, art, museums, and entertainment.
Oxford
Besides being known for its prestigious university, Oxford is an excellent getaway for anyone interested in British history.
With roots in higher education dating back to medieval times, the town's colleges offer some of the finest examples of traditional architecture.
Everywhere you turn, you'll find a stunning design to take in, and when you need a break from touring it all, there are plenty of cozy coffee shops.
Visitors to Oxford are also in for a treat when choosing accommodation. While the city is a bit on the pricier side, there are year-round offers for a last-minute break in the UK.
Bristol
Bristol consistently comes out on top as the 'happiest' city in the UK, and after visiting the city, it's easy to see why! Less than two hours from London by rail, a weekend escape to the port city can do wonders for any workaholics needing a break from the capital.
Bristol boasts an array of must-visit galleries housed in old warehouses and wharves. Thanks to an active local arts and crafts community, there are also many entertainment and shopping opportunities.
Getting around the small city on foot is easy enough, and there are lots of hop-on ferries available when visiting the attractions. You'll find a mix of classy boutique hotels and more basic options for accommodation.
Cardiff
There is plenty to see and do in the capital city of Wales. Cardiff's endearing local dialect attracts visitors to the bay city on the coast.
From historical sights, including mighty castles that stand almost entirely intact, to the shops that line its main high street, there is something here for every type of visitor.
Cardiff excels when it comes to the arts. There are plenty of art trails to follow and many museums, including the National Museum.
The picturesque city makes it a pleasant place to retreat to for a long weekend, and the surrounding waters have long inspired its culture. The Welsh town is affordable and excellent for families seeking a last-minute break in the UK.
Newcastle
Newcastle is at the heart of northeast England and is a popular weekend getaway destination. Perhaps the city's friendly locals make it so charming, but outside of its inhabitants, Newcastle has lots to offer its visitors.
From the contemporary art gallery, The Baltic, to the streets adorned with countless bars and cozy eateries, the city is excellent for those looking for a calm atmosphere.
If you fancy a shopping spot, this one has a perfect balance between higher-end stores and independent shops selling local arts and crafts.
In the evening, head down to the quayside and take in the spectacular water views dominated by the Millenium Bridge.
There are also different types of accommodation options available, from 'posh' places to rest your head after a day of sightseeing to budget hotels.
Manchester
Manchester has established itself as a cultural hotspot on the UK map, rivaling larger cities such as London and Edinburgh.
If you'd like to immerse yourself in a fun community over a weekend break, consider the friendly city of Manchester.
For foodies, there are endless restaurants to choose from with interesting spots around every corner.
The city is also blessed with art, from the Manchester Gallery of Art to The Whitworth, which showcases some of the country's best collections. For hipsters, the Northern Quarter is adorned with pretty bars, laid-back pubs, and unique shops.
Manchester is accessible on foot, and the trams serve the city well, meaning you can get from A to B in minutes. You won't need to spend a fortune to stay in Manchester either.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland and home to the Fringe Festival, is not short on landmarks or charm. For this reason, it is a top break destination in the UK, with millions of visitors traveling to the city each year.
Its historic castle sits atop the Old Town, which is lined with Scottish boutique shops, pubs to dive into during the chillier months, and a healthy choice of spots to grab a bite to eat.
Outside of its history and bagpipe music, the city offers its fair share of whiskey. And Princess Street is a shopper's paradise.
You won't need to spend a fortune to visit the globally recognized Scottish capital. However, it is worth planning ahead of your dates to ensure the best deal is found.
Edinburgh's center can be easily accessed by bus if you stay on the outskirts, while once in the city's heart, it's easy to get around on foot—be prepared for plenty of hills, though, and wrap up warm!
As you can see, the UK has a variety of locations for last-minute breaks. Whether you go to a busy city or choose a more remote setting, always check accommodation deals ahead of booking for the best savings!
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This story is brought to you in partnership with Myhotelbreak.com.
