10 underrated corners of the UK for a weekend break
Despite our tendency to neglect them, fleeting weekend breaks within the UK can be among our greatest trips away. They are often an afterthought, and not planned as far in advance, but can be just as pleasurable as the large, overseas holiday. And it’s rather delightful that, away from the more bustling, popular spots, there are still lesser-known gems to be found.
Here are some of the unsung corners of our nation that deserve more tourists in 2024, from the coast of Northern Ireland to the Calder Valley. For more inspiration read our guide to the best long weekends in Europe.
Leeds
Leeds has a whole calendar of new cultural events taking place this year, from the Northern Ballet’s interpretation of Beauty and the Beast in June, to guided food tours around the city.
There are already a host of overlooked attractions – like the marvellous Kirkstall Abbey – that are worth a visit. It’s the Meanwood district, however, that was highlighted in our round-up of Britain’s coolest neighbourhoods: a welcome, green artery for the curious visitor, stuffed with artisan bakeries and independent shops.
As for places to eat, the people of Leeds are rather spoilt. Trinity Kitchen is an unbeatable spot for a quick lunch, while Ox Club is perfect for a treat. It would be remiss not to mention Three’s A Crowd, too, where the Moroccan spiced lamb comes highly recommended.
Where to stay
The Bells Serviced Apartments offers six beautifully restored self-contained apartments in a 17th-century building for £231 per night.
Quebecs has an enviable central location and sumptuous furnishings, with prices starting at £109 per night.
The Calder Valley
Perhaps you know about Halifax’s Piece Hall, the 18th-century trading courtyard that’s nearly indistinguishable from a Venetian palazzo. Hebden Bridge’s hippyish reputation probably hasn’t passed you by, either. The wider Calder Valley, however – a sweeping, heather-filled slice of West Yorkshire that both towns fall within – remains relatively unknown.
It is worth visiting just for a wander among the moorlands, but then there’s the brooding, eternally misty Todmorden, which is home to an indoor market serving impressively good coffee. Hike towards Pendle for moody cloudscapes one minute, glowing, sunlit hillsides the next. Literary types can turn the other way for a stomp across Brontë country, or head towards Sylvia Plath’s burial place in Heptonstall.
Where to stay
The Hebden Townhouse has inviting and spacious rooms that overlook the town’s canal. Prices start at £135 per night.
The Malverns
For a charming getaway, the Malverns have plenty of charm but no crowds. Once a water-cure destination for the masses (Charles Dickens brought his ailing daughter here), Great Malvern itself is the perfect gateway to rolling hills, heritage properties and bountiful farm shops. Its famed, pure waters are celebrated in May, when locals dress its many, many wells with vaguely pagan offerings of foliage.
It isn’t solely the folk traditions that make the Malverns so bucolic (although there is, incidentally, a folk music festival in Upton). The area leans into its cultural heritage, with a week of concerts dedicated to its most celebrated son, Elgar. It’s rumoured that he mirrored the opening notes of Nimrod to his favoured Malvern hills, the mapping out of which is a rather lovely challenge while you’re wandering the country lanes.
For something slightly rowdier, wait until summer for Malvern Rocks, a live music event that takes place towards the end of July.
Where to stay
The Malvern, on the edge of town, has modern rooms, an excellent restaurant and spa facilities. Prices start at £174 a night.
Exmouth
If the idea of a summer crush has you thinking of Padstow’s heaving harbour, it’s time to sack off that annual Cornish pilgrimage. Instead, consider Exmouth, tucked away on the jagged, Jurassic coast.
It’s the retiring cousin of the brash staycation spot, all glorious sloping sands and colourful shop fronts. The recently revitalised waterfront is the perfect spot for a carefree sundowner: there’s no need to battle for bookings or perch among hundreds of other families. Cyclists can make the most of converted railway lines, which have been reworked into pleasingly flat trails along the estuary.
The Devonshire town is not, however, totally off the map – Michelin-starred Lympstone Manor is notable to foodies for its tasting menus, all stubbornly sourced from local producers. Mickey’s Brasserie is equally stylish (plump for the lobster), while posh ice creams can be found at Café Patisserie Glacerie. You’re bound to fall in love.
Where to stay
Come for the food, stay for the rooms: nights at Lympstone Manor start at £245 per night.
Ring of Gullion
Unesco has recently declared The Ring of Gullion, the Mournes, and Strangford Lough and Lecale in Northern Ireland a Global Geopark. These National Landscapes (once Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) are, undoubtedly, spectacular.
This new accreditation, however, combines the powers of the three, meaning that their vast geographical history will be marked out as significant. As “geopark” suggests, the emphasis is very much on the environment – audio guides direct visitors through hill walks, rock climbing trails and coastal drives.
There are rather more activities than one might expect, however, if all that sounds a bit staid. A jetty at Camlough is popular for canoeists. There’s a long history of horse riding in the region. Then there’s the golf, at both the Cloverhill and Royal County Down courses. It is, however, the remarkable scenery that you’ll undoubtedly return home effusive about.
Where to stay
The secluded Killeavy Castle Estate sits at the centre of 350 acres of farm and woodland. Prices start at £180 per night.
Dundee
Art lovers already know that the UK has hidden pockets of creativity, like the Tate at St Ives or the Hepworth Gallery in Wakefield. It’s Dundee, however, that boasts an outpost of the V&A, which next year has exhibitions on the history of the kimono and urban photography.
If visitors don’t get their fill, there’s also the Victorian McManus Galleries, or the Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre, both of which are situated right in the heart of the city. For history, follow the winding Maritime Trail to the preserved HMS Unicorn, or explore textile-mill-turned-museum Verdant Works.
Perhaps most remarkable, though, is the ease at which one can get to a genuinely wild landscape. A short drive will take you to Tentsmuir Forest, a wander through which will deliver you to a secluded stretch of beach. The majestic Angus Glens are similarly accessible, which, if you tire of the urban creatives, provide a marvellous escape.
Where to stay
The Malmaison Dundee was described as “cheeky chic” by our reviewer and occupies a prime location near the railway station. Prices start at £65 per night.
Norwich
While Kent and Surrey are becoming renowned for their wineries, the vineyards of Norwich are more of a secret. The city’s Wine Week (June 14 to 16), however, aims to change this with a programme of talks and tastings. In fact, the week draws on an ancient history: the Romans were known to grow grapes in the region, meaning the local tipples have a long heritage. Tickets are £15, and include access to the events, live music and plenty of samples.
It’s a fine reason to visit, but that needn’t be the only lure: an afternoon could easily be spent at Yalm, an upmarket food hall in the centre of town. Or visit slightly later in the year, for Norwich Summer Sessions: free, live entertainment taking place across July and August.
Where to stay
Well-loved gastropub The Ingham Swan has rooms, including in a converted stable block, from £150. Those travelling with children might prefer The Assembly House in the centre of the city, which charges around £195 per night.
Wrexham
To those not au fait with Wrexham, it is probably best known for its celebrity-owned football side (actor Ryan Reynolds took over the club in 2020). It is, however, a remarkably good base for a family holiday as the city has a whole host of child-friendly activities, not least at the inventive community centre Tŷ Pawb. The gallery space has been designed with kids in mind, all flexible furniture and blackboard walls, plus weekly play sessions for very creative games of hide and seek.
Elsewhere, Xplore! Science Discovery Centre is, as you would expect, a good place to start, or you could wait until Christmas for panto at Grove Park Theatre. For something more grown up, a walk around the ghostly Minera Lead Mines can make for an invigorating Sunday afternoon.
Where to stay
The Grosvenor Pulford Hotel is a short drive into the borderland countryside, with leisure facilities including a gym and spa. Prices start at £96.
Queensferry
Queensferry occupies a stretch of coast northwest of Edinburgh, but sees nowhere near the number of visitors. It’s a haven for engineering buffs, framed by the Forth Bridge, the Forth Road Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing. On its borders, you’ll find Hopetoun House, a tranquil stately home with majestic grounds.
The town also occupies a crucial place in British history. Military buffs will want to visit to see where the Royal Navy set off for the Battle of Jutland; in the Battle of Britain, the town incurred German bombings that are now largely forgotten.
For those looking for something weirder, visit in the summer and parade through the streets with the Burryman, a ceremony in which a local is covered in, unsurprisingly, burrs and flowers. It’s quite the sight.
Where to stay
The Hawes Inn occupies a prime position by the Forth Bridge and does a good line in Scottish breakfasts. Prices start from £109 per night.
Newcastle
Newcastle is not exactly unknown, but is certainly unsung. The city is tucked beneath brooding, stone arches, its industrial architecture working as an alluring frame for its winding streets. There’s the Baltic, a brilliant modern art gallery, that is worth a trip in itself, plus the lively collection of great food and even greater pubs in the Ouseburn end of town.
For the unconvinced, twin a trip to the city with a tram ride out to the coast. The sweeping, endless beaches at Tynemouth and Whitley Bay are remarkable even on the most bracing of days. In summer, they’re bustling but in no way busy. This corner of the north east is, perhaps, the most overlooked of all.
Where to stay
Experience Newcastle’s Victorian heritage (and extensive outer woodlands) by spending the night in Jesmond Dene House. The Grade-II listed Arts and Crafts building boasts charming views and a fine dining menu, at very competitive prices. A one-night stay starts at £90.
This story was first published in December 2022, and has been revised and updated.
