The Best Types of Breaks For Couples in the UK
The Best Types of Breaks For Couples in the UK
Some time away from the daily routine can be the perfect way to connect or reconnect with your partner. If you really want to spend some quality time together, it’s a good idea to choose a weekend break centred around activities that you both enjoy, whether that’s the great outdoors or the excitement of the city. In this guide, we take a look at some of the best types of breaks for couples in the UK and offer a few suggestions for the perfect location for your next romantic getaway.
Where is a Good Break or Getaway for Couples in the UK?
The UK offers lots of great options for weekend breaks, short breaks and romantic getaways. If you want to plan a trip, a good place to start is to think about the kinds of couples activities you want to enjoy while you’re away. To give you some inspiration, we’ve selected five of the best types of breaks for couples in the UK and suggest some locations where you can enjoy a memorable getaway.
Shopping break
A shopping break is a great choice for a couples getaway, especially if you’re still getting to know one another. You can have fun browsing the stores and stop for regular romantic interludes in a café or restaurant. There are lots of excellent shopping destinations in the UK, both outdoor and indoor, which feature a mix of shops, eateries and entertainment, so you can enjoy a lively romantic getaway.
Why not try? Whether you’re bargain hunting or window shopping the designer brands, manchester has plenty of great options. the huge arndale centre and adjacent market street host the high street names, while new cathedral street is your best bet for high-end retail. you can also browse the shopping areas of king street, spinningfields and the jewellery quarter. come during the festive season for the well-loved christmas market. the city also boasts lots of excellent restaurants, bars and live entertainment venues, so you can easily fill a fantastic weekend break. travel to one of three mainline train stations and get around the city on foot or by the city’s buses and trams.
Theatre break
If you and your partner love live entertainment, why not spend your next romantic getaway taking in some fantastic shows? A theatre break can be a wonderful opportunity to share some refined quality time together. Some city hotels offer special ‘theatre’ deals so you can enjoy a night or two away and a show. Likewise, some restaurants offer pre- and post-show dining options. Of course, entertainment covers more than just the theatre. Maybe you and your partner would prefer a live music, comedy or cinema break instead?
Why not try? For world-class theatre, it’s hard to beat london’s west end. the area around shaftesbury avenue attracts high-profile shows year-round, many of which run for years and feature big-name performers. there will be a range of ticket prices for each show, so you can grab a bargain. check out the matinee and preview performances for cheaper tickets. there are also lots of legitimate ‘last minute’ ticket services, which are great if you don’t mind what you see. you can also enjoy a wide selection of lower-key shows, comedy, film and music every night at venues across the city. travel to london by train from across the uk and get around easily using the many public transport options.
Golfing break
A golfing break is a wonderful way for couples to spend some time together and can be a great gift idea for retirement or a landmark birthday. There are plenty of challenging Championship-level courses across the UK. Many are part of countryside resorts that feature lovely accommodation, grounds to explore, restaurants and (often) spas, offering relaxing short breaks or weekend getaways.
Why not try? scotland is famed for its superb, world-renowned golf courses. indeed, the country is home to around 550 courses, including the likes of st andrews, carnoustie and muirfield, making it the perfect choice for a memorable golfing break. scotland is also a beautiful country with spectacular open spaces, historic sites, characterful cities and rugged coastal areas. travel here by car to reach more remote areas or catch the train to one of the hub stations, such as glasgow central or edinburgh waverley. glasgow is home to 94 of the country’s golf courses, while scotland’s capital hosts 67, so you can combine a city break with a round or two.
Seaside break
If you want to enjoy romantic walks on the beach, lovely sunsets and cosy evenings in a traditional pub, a seaside break might just be the perfect choice for your next weekend away. Choose a bustling seaside resort if you want lots of things to do or head for a more secluded spot to enjoy some alone time. Some of the smaller seaside communities can shut down for the off-season, so local hotels, restaurants and cafes may close. High season will be more expensive, as well as getting quite crowded. So, we would advise booking early, avoiding the school holidays and opting for a weekday break instead of the weekend, especially if a rare stretch of fine British weather is forecast!
Why not try? The South-West of England boasts some wonderful beaches, and is home to vibrant seaside resorts, big cities, and out-of-the-way coastal areas. Head to the buzzing hubs of Exeter, plymouth or bournemouth or to the traditional resorts of weymouth, torquay or falmouth. explore the 22-mile english riviera in south devon or visit the uk’s most southerly point at land’s end. the counties of devon, dorset, somerset and cornwall are also home to quaint villages and some beautiful countryside, including dartmoor national park. travel by car for maximum flexibility but the area is also well-served by trains and domestic flights.
Spa break
Whatever type of activities you enjoy during your weekend getaway, a spa break can turn your time away into a pampering romantic escape. A spa break will include overnight accommodation and, usually, some meals, as well as access to the hotel’s leisure facilities. Many of our packages also feature one or more spa treatments, while couples packages might include some romantic touches, such as a bottle of bubbly in your room on arrival.
Why not try? For a fab shopping spa break, you might like Macdonald Manchester Hotel & Spa, which enjoys a prime city centre location close to Manchester Piccadilly station and is an easy walk from the great retail areas. Book now.
To enjoy London’s great shows, the central NYX Hotel London Holborn by Leonardo Hotels – one of our exclusive luxury spa hotels – is an easy walk or Tube ride to the West End and the capital’s other attractions. Book now.
If you’re searching for an extra special golfing break with plenty of spa luxury, Carnoustie Golf Hotel and Spa offers overnight packages and access to the famous Championship course (extra fees may apply). Book now.
Finally, for a couples spa break by the seaside, the Mercure Bournemouth boasts a fantastic location a few minutes’ (downhill) walk from the lovely sandy beach and promenade, as well as the town centre and railway station. Book now.
