Guide to the best UK short breaks

Twenty years on from the turbulence of The Troubles and Belfast is thriving. Whilst Northern Ireland is often seen as a junior country in the UK, a visit to the capital will leave you under no illusions as to just how wrong this view is. Aside from having excellent pubs, enlightening museums, and trendy stores that wouldn’t look out of place in East London, Belfast is now home to one of the busiest and most viewed attractions in the UK: the Titanic Experience. This four-day tour gives you the chance to experience the bustling city and this important tribute to the most famous ship in history.

The Titanic Experience is housed in a spectacular building, standing on the site where the famous ship was built and hubristically declared as unsinkable, and is a great historical resource as well as a tribute to the former shipbuilding industry and the passengers who sadly perished over a century ago. The story of the ship is brought to life by exhibitions and audio-visual media, as well as life size reconstructions and interactive features. Other city highlights include Stormont Castle, City Hall, and the famous Peace Wall, offering a both glimpse into our turbulent recent history and a sobering reminder as to how fragile peace is. Northern Ireland’s relatively small size also means we can offer an optional excursion to the otherworldly Giant’s Causeway, a National Trust heritage site. This unique geological formation is breath-taking and a must see for anybody interested in nature. In between all of this, you can sit back and soak up the culture of Belfast, tucking into a hearty meal or having a few pints with the friendly locals.

Nestled in the heart of England, the Peak District beckons as an idyllic short break destination, promising a world of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and tranquillity. Discover quaint villages and historic market towns scattered throughout the region. Explore the cobbled streets of Bakewell, famous for its delectable puddings, or visit Castleton, home to the enchanting Peveril Castle. Each town exudes its own unique character and offers a glimpse into English heritage.

You can also prepare to be captivated by the Peak District's breathtaking landscapes. Towering limestone crags, rolling green hills, and picturesque valleys await your exploration. Witness the ever-changing beauty of the moors, woodlands, and sparkling rivers that define this national park.

Culture and nature combine on this unforgettable trip to the Scottish capital, where you’ll also get a chance to visit Glasgow and the ethereally beautiful Loch Lomond. Undoubtedly one of the best short break ideas in the UK, this trip offers a chance to see the impressive Edinburgh Military tattoo in all its glorious pageantry, as well as explore the beautiful old city and everything it has to offer. The Tattoo is a famous event for a reason, and a chance to see it live is something to tick off the bucket list: you’ll get to soak in all the fun of the military band and be awed by their talent and dedication.

Once you’ve taken in all the capital has to offer, you’ll be able to wander around the glorious beauty of the Trossachs, before cruising around the stunningly serene loch. Live commentary on board means you’ll have all the local knowledge about what makes this area so special, so you can truly appreciate just how incredible this spot is. There’s also the chance to amble around Glasgow and soak in the atmosphere of a Scotland’s largest city, a place that’s truly on the up. The close proximity of all these places means there’s also the option of visiting the Falkirk wheel, a feat of engineering that connects two of the most important waterways in Scotland.

Long stretches of golden sand, calm, cyan seas as far as the eye can see (except on a clear day, when you can see France), and an interesting history of conquest and reconquest: the largest Channel Isle has everything you’d want from a Mediterranean break without having to leave the English Channel. There are a whole host of activities available on this holiday, including a fascinating trip to the famed Jersey War Tunnels. Avid shoppers are also in heaven here: the tax-free status of the island means cheaper prices on many high-end goods.

It’s not just Jersey’s wartime history that’s a draw for those looking for more intellectual pursuits: you can see some of Britain’s best-preserved castles when you navigate around the coast, as well as the gorgeous sweeping beauty of calm bays and rugged cliffs that make up this island. The package finishes with a cruise so you can see the splendour of the island from the water, and truly take in the magnificent coastline. Sun seekers be assured: a hop over to Jersey truly is one of the best short break ideas in the UK.

Venture into the capital over July for a short break which also includes the incredible Wimbledon Tennis Championships. Book one of our travel packages and you will be in with a treat - staying in hotel accommodation with transfers as well as a ticket into Wimbledon itself, with seats on No.1 Court. 

Combine your tennis trip by checking out some of the city's best sights - from the vibrant stalls on Portobello Market to the beautiful Royal Parks.