Weekend Escapes From London

London is undoubtedly one of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK. With its thousands of years of history, thriving arts and culture and world-renowned monuments, there’s hardly anyone in the world who wouldn’t recognise an image of Big Ben or the River Thames.

However, over the past year’s lockdown hotels such as the Chilworth London Paddington Hotel have had to modify the way they cater for guests. Over the COVID pandemic and the ongoing restrictions, holidays have had to be taken a lot more locally, and so it’s been predominantly Brits, Londoners and keyworkers staying at many of the luxury hotels in the city.

Whilst holidays within the country will soon be allowed again, international travel is still off the cards. Even in the lead up to the summer, it’s uncertain whether we’ll be able to travel abroad yet for our holidays and this means that many of our plans will have to remain local, although not as local as before. If you’re a local Londoner fed up with local 2-night London hotel deals in your own city, this list of weekend break destinations that are easily reached from the UK capital should help to formulate your summer break plans.

Yorkshire Dales

With its iconic sandstone villages and dramatic moorlands, the Yorkshire Dales is a very attainable escape to the country. With trains from Kings Cross taking less than three hours, there are many satellite villages and towns such as Ilkley and Burley in Wharfedale that are easily reachable from the city and give you easy access to some of the areas most beautiful walking trails and nature reserves.

Brighton

Whilst the coastal party city might not be fully up and running just yet, there’s still plenty to enjoy in COVID restricted Brighton. From boutique shopping to classic British pleasure beaches, come the summer Brighton will be teeming with fun in the sun and weekend adventures.

Oxford

Oxford is a mere hour and a half out of Paddington and not only is it situated on the edges of the scenic Cotswolds area of outstanding natural beauty, but has a millennia-long history itself. The university town holds one of the most famous educational institutions in the world and with it comes many tourist attractions, museums and galleries.

Norfolk

Norfolk and especially North Norfolk is an often overlooked holiday destination and one that is as if not more relaxing than a spa day massage in Paddington London. Alongside the sand duned coastlines and rustic villages, you’ll find some of the best seafood in the UK, as well as canal-riddled walking trails through the boggy Norfolk Broads.

Manchester

Trains from Euston to Manchester rarely take more than three hours, and once in the city, you’ll be right in the heart of the music capital of the UK. with Manchester’s long history of music and industrial ingenuity, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, especially when live music and retail industries begin to open up again. Manchester is situated close to the beautiful Pennines mountain range as well, meaning that those who want more greenery than a weekend of urban exploration can offer will have another dimension to their visit.

Edinburgh

Located in the lowlands of Scotland is the heart of Scottish politics and history. Located around a castle-clad hill, Edinburgh is an extremely scenic city that’s steeped in history, nature and vibrant arts culture.