Our Top 7 Favourite UK Weekend Getaways

Need to recharge or simply get away for a couple of days? We’ve brought together some of our favourite places in the UK for the perfect weekend away. From lodges, yurts and treehouses to woodburning saunas, roll top baths, 5-star spas and dog-friendly escapes, there’s something for everyone. Whatever your reason for hitting the road – enjoy!

Escape to the country at this rural retreat and hideaway with breath-taking views of the glorious Cotswolds.  Nestled on a family farm in the quintessential village of Bibury, this beautiful stone barn conversion pays homage to everything Cotswolds. All the 5 original barns have been sumptuously transformed into contemporary luxury self-catered accommodation, with charming names like The Grain Store, Bull Pen, The Stables and Cart Shed. The barns can accommodate between 6 and 10, with all the comforts of home and more. There’s a fantastic choice of cosy gastropubs in the village and Blenheim Palace and The Cotswolds Wildlife Park are nearby. In fact, it’s the perfect base to explore all the gems of the Cotswolds.

                                                           

You can’t help but fall in love with this place. An eclectic collection of properties dotted across an 8000-acre estate of woodland, lakes and rolling pastures and the breath-taking, natural beauty of rural Suffolk. Unlike any place you’ve visited before, The Wilderness Reserve project has cleverly combined nature, history, and relaxation into one big, beautiful package. Its 15 properties include a Grade II listed manor house, restored 15^th century barn, and thatched cottages, all lovingly restored to accommodate from 2 to 38 people. The list of experiences is inspiring, too. For the adventurous there’s archery, axe throwing, falconry and fire-eating. Lake swimming, water activities and cycling for the sporty. And indulgent massages and delectable hampers for those who want to take it easy. And that’s just a taster. How many days are there in a weekend?

If you’re looking for a glorious retreat spot far from the madding crowd, look no further than Netherby Estate on the Border Esk River. Its cosy lodges, wooden tree houses and woodland yurts make the perfect hideaway for a long weekend. The scenery is simply stunning, with amazing views of the Scottish border and the Cumbria countryside. The Border Esk river is a fishing haven, in summer it’s sea trout and winter salmon. Cosy is the name of the game at Netherby, think rugs, cushions and bean bags, quirky reclaimed artefacts and wood burning hot tubs. If you do venture out of your nest, the woodland trails bustle with roe deer and birdlife and you stumble on parts of Netherby’s rich and colourful history, like the hidden swing bridge and original peel tower. Think Swiss Family Robinson with mod cons.

 

 

If you like a little romance and glamour mixed in with your woodland getaway, the North Star Club is for you. This indulgent retreat is located in Sancton in the Yorkshire Wolds. With its 8 unique suites and hideaway suites, the spacious rooms have cosy seating areas and are decorated in posh rustic style, modern, decadent and glam, with lots of thoughtful details. We particularly love the Amy Johnson Suite, named after the heroine and famous lady pilot (who was a local), and decorated in robust glamour in her honour. With the beautiful city of York just a stone’s throw away, a selection of gastro pubs and Michelin starred chefs and restaurants on your doorstep, and a farm shop selling local produce on-site, you can’t help but fall in love with this magical hideaway. The woodlands never looked so seductive.

Looking for something out of the ordinary, Cley Windmill in Norfolk is a 5 Storey Tower Mill. Originally built in the early 19^th Century, it’s now a hotel or windmill hotel if that’s the right term. Steeped in history, this former working windmill is perfect for a romantic weekend away or a get-together with friends and family. There are 8 uniquely shaped bedrooms in different parts of the mill and self-catered options on the grounds. The architectural work is amazing and worth a stay just to admire the craftsmanship. The candlelit dining room is a real treat. Lovingly converted and restored to a new glory, if you’ve always dreamed of staying in a windmill – here’s your chance.

 

Indulgent spa break anyone? What better place than Bath, home of the legendary healing waters. For a contemporary take on the city’s thermal water heritage, the Gainsborough Bath Spa is the place to be. With its glass atrium spa, beautifully designed natural thermal pools, steam room and ice alcove, we can see the weekend just rolling by. Aside from the menu of luxury spa treatments, the bedrooms at the Gainsborough are out of this world. Contemporary, with a hint of tradition, the key word is luxury. Sumptuous bedding, silk eye-masks, heated bathroom floors - we’re feeling pampered already. The hotel restaurant and cocktail bar are perfect if you don’t want to stroll too far. If you are feeling rejuvenated, the lively restaurants and bars of Bath or right on your doorstep.

 

We don’t want to leave out the traditional country pub, an effortless way to relax and unwind of a weekend away and the Black Lion in the picturesque village of Long Melford fits the bill. This 15^th Century Inn has it all, relaxed luxury, good food and lots of atmosphere. There’s plenty of history, too. Stroll around the quaint village square, browse the markets or take a rowboat. There’s also a big welcome for furry friends. Their custom muddy paws package includes all natural handmade dog treats, wax-based paw oil, cosy blanket, and special menu. With fresh country walks and hearty Suffolk breakfasts, we think you’ll all be happy. Who said three’s a crowd?