These Are The Best Destinations For A Weekend Escape

We are well and truly in the swing of the year, with the promise of summer and its holidays still on the distant horizon. Why not break up the icy monotony with a weekend escape? Here in the UK, we are blessed with a plethora of gorgeous destinations, complete with homely pubs, lengthy walks amid nature and lovely boltholes to nestle down in. We’ve teamed up with Classic Cottages to share our favourite UK destinations for a weekend escape.

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The Best Destinations For A Weekend Escape

Cornwall

Cornwall has captured the hearts of authors, foodies and holidaymakers for centuries – and it’s clear why. Stroll past colourful houses, cycle by sweeping farmland, and enjoy the nation’s freshest seafood. Settle down for a weekend in famous St Ives for cute cobbled streets and a picturesque harbour – or escape to Penzance for its burgeoning food scene. 

STAY: No 1 Polvellan, Mousehole

Venture to Mousehole, a fishing port just south of Penzance, for ocean views best enjoyed from the panoramic terrace. Sleeping up to six guests across three bedrooms, this stylish apartment is nestled into the cliff with an open plan living space flooded with natural light. Cook up a storm in the kitchen, dine on the pretty terrace, sink into comfy armchairs or absorb spellbinding sea views from the window seat with your furry friend at your side (discover more dog-friendly cottages here). Regardless, you’ll relish flopping into the cocooning beds after a long day of exploring beautiful Cornwall.

BOOK IT: Sleeps up to six. Dogs welcome. Seven nights from £1068, with short breaks available. classic.co.uk 

Sussex

Moving east, Sussex is the ideal destination if you’re looking for a weekend escape a little closer to London. This slice of seaside heaven is home to 90 miles of coastline – but there’s also the gorgeous rolling South Downs, pretty cobblestone villages and ancient cathedrals to enjoy.

STAY: Castlemans Coach House

Just outside of Sedlescombe, gather the whole family together to enjoy this restored former coach house, sleeping up to eight guests with space for two cots. The gorgeous, ivy clad exterior introduces Castlemans Coach House’s characterful nature immediately, continuing inside with exposed beams, an ornamental fireplace and quirky wooden floors. With two living areas, there is plenty of space to play games and enjoy each other’s company – even the open plan kitchen-dining area facilitates conversation while dinner is cooked on the gas-fired Aga. In warmer months, sit out on the rose bordered terrace, the perfect space for al fresco dining.

BOOK IT: Sleeps up to eight. Dogs welcome. Seven nights from £1322 with short breaks available. classic.co.uk 

Dorset

Famed for its fossils, Dorset is a sunny southern haven brimming with nooks and crannies ripe for exploring. It makes for the perfect weekend escape for nature lovers, with the countryside and the coast right on your doorstep. Pick your cottage based on its proximity to the county’s storied delights – like Durdle Door or Lulworth Cove. Or just choose somewhere cosy to hunker down for the weekend.

STAY: Poorton House

Tuck yourself up in this quintessential country cottage, complete with thatched roof, cottage garden and rural location. Inside, the property’s history shines through a large inglenook fireplace, exposed beams and wooden and flagstone floors – but the country kitchen is modern, equipped with all of today’s conveniences while maintaining that lovely cottage charm. Snuggle up and read a book by the pretty fireplace, or make the most of the local amenities: Bridport is nearby with its twice weekly market and numerous antique shops. Or venture to the nearby nature reserve and the hillfort, Eggardon Hill. There’s also a welcoming pub in the local South Poorton village. 

BOOK IT: Sleeps up to six. Seven nights from £872, with short breaks available. classic.co.uk 

Featured image: Castlemans Coach House.