With busy schedules and social calendars, treating yourself to a getaway can sometimes be a little tricky, so why wait until the weekend to get away? A midweek break could be the perfect solution. You’ll beat the busy weekend traffic and overcrowded attractions, along with cheaper accommodation makes everything a little more relaxed and affordable.
Whether you’re an avid city breaker or love a rural staycation, a little spontaneity and some time off work can only be good for the mind and soul. If you’re thinking of getting away, here are the best midweek breaks in the UK.
Bournemouth
Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside. Nothing screams relaxation more than sitting by the ocean on the golden sand. Bournemouth is a tourist hotspot for British holiday goers with some of the best beaches in the UK. But you can beat the busy beaches by making this a mid-week break. Bournemouth is popular in the summer, but it's remarkable all year round with fantastic shopping, great local trips like Brownsea Island, and the Jurassic coast for great coastal walks. There's something for everybody.
Lake District
The Lake District commonly springs to most minds when you think of the UK's best national parks. Whether you're looking to get active with some hiking, want to be at one with nature, or are keen to observe some of the best views the UK offers, the Lake District can tick all those boxes. When you travel midweek, you're more likely to find bargain accommodation, so you can really make the most of your trip. Unfortunately, you won't be able to see all the lakes in a midweek getaway, but some of the most popular to visit in the area are Windermere, Ullswater, and Wast Water.
Cornwall
Cornwall has been a favourite holiday destination for Brits for decades. With the golden sands, consistently brilliant surf, and stunning scenery. But it's not all perfect Cornish beaches and ice creams; there is something for all crowds and occasions with brilliant galleries, fun family activities, and fantastic local food and drink. With popular destinations including St Austell, Newquay, and Penzance, the only trouble is deciding where to go. Cornwall can get congested at the weekend and bank holidays, so a good hack is to visit Monday to Friday and, if you don't have kids, outside the school holidays.
Manchester
A city packed with culture, fantastic eateries, and an abundance of things to do, Manchester has staked its claim as one of the most popular city breaks in the UK. If you're looking for some retail therapy, you could spend days splashing the cash in the many independent stores or giant shopping centres. As one of the UK's most exciting places for bars and restaurants, you could eat an eclectic mix of foods from around the world, all within walking distance – exceeding the food standards regardless of everyone's diet or taste. If you're going midweek, you'll be glad to miss the busy queues and get at restaurant reservation that bit easier.
Cambridge
Steeped in history and English charm, Cambridge is known across the globe for having one of the oldest and most prestigious universities. Some of history's finest minds have walked the paths and appreciated the spectacular grounds. Even for those who haven't studied here, it's well worth the visit. To release your inner Venetian, you can relish the city by meandering along the River Cam on a punting tour. After you've wandered and floated through the city, you will have worked up an appetite. Whether you're going Michelin-starred, intimate brasseries or family-friendly chains, Cambridge will have something to offer.
Bath
Bath is as rich in history as much as it is in beauty – so much so that it has been anointed a UNESCO World Heritage site. A unique city with a calm pace, wandering around the jaw-dropping Roman architecture and picturesque waterways is a wonderful experience. If you fancy taking a break from exploring, the city also has some fantastic spa experiences and rooftop pools – perfect if you want to give yourself some time back. Whether you're looking for a romantic staycation, fancy some pampering, or are eager to learn about Roman history, beat the crowds with this great midweek getaway.
Glasgow
Tourists often overlook Scotland's largest city for its capital, Edinburgh. But Glasgow's character, charm, and beauty are all the ingredients for one of the best places for a midweek break in the UK. Glasgow translates from "dear green place" in Gaelic, and the Scottish city definitely lives up to its name, with over 90 parks and gardens to explore. It’s also home to the largest civic art collections – perfect if you're one for the arts. You can view the work of some of the greatest painters of all time, including Van Gogh and Degas. Fashionistas will love to scour Glasgow's Style Mile right in the city centre, where you will find your favourite shops as well as unique fashion brands.
If you're looking for one of the best midweek breaks in the UK, don't forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or our Train Tickets app. You can also find information on how to get cheaper train tickets via our special offers page. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
The UK is bursting with fun activities. Whether you're visiting one of the best castles in the UK, the best theme parks in the UK, or the best waterparks in the UK, you can always travel by train. CrossCountry has services running up and down the country to ensure you can get to the places you need to be.
Written by Julia