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Last Minute uk Breaks


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Why travel to the UK?

Booking a last minute break in the UK can be exciting, offering everything from dazzling nights out in the city to quiet solitude in the country’s “green and pleasant land”. Whether you're travelling to the UK from near or far, the country is a great place to visit with terrific views and multi-layered history. The country’s museums and galleries are world-renowned and the landscape is littered with craggy castles, opulent estates and heritage sites to visit. Book a last minute trip to the UK and explore one portion of this rich and vibrant country.

The Voyage Privé travel expert’s opinion on last minute travel to the UK

The UK is a diverse and exciting country for last minute travellers. Cities like London and Edinburgh are perfect for romantic getaways, with a plenitude of cutting-edge restaurants and famed theatre performances to ensnare the senses. Or perhaps you want some much-needed fresh air with long hikes in the country followed by a round of drinks in a welcoming pub. The entire country is jam-packed with iconic landmarks to explore on a last minute break. The difficult decision now is to choose where.

The top things to do or see in the UK

1. Experience London

As the epicentre of the country’s cultural institutions, you could spend a lifetime exploring the city’s museums and galleries and still have more to see. Take a tour of the city’s iconic landmarks before heading out off the beaten tourist track to the atmospheric ruins of Saint Dunstan in the East or the sleepy canal network of Little Venice. London offers something for everyone as the perfect location for a last minute city break.

2. Lose Yourself in a National Park

The UK has 15 national parks, from the mountainous Cairngorms in north Scotland to atmospheric Dartmoor down in Devon. This is where you’ll find the UK’s famed verdant valleys and majestic craggy fells and hills. The UK’s national parks make ideal last minute getaways. You'll find well-trodden trails like the great Pennine Way which cut through three of these national parks. Take a hike, explore nature and round off your trip in your country hotel’s cosy bar.

3. Take a Whisky Distillery Tour

The UK loves to drink more than just tea. Whisky distillery tours are an ideal way to get to know Scotland and its nectar of the gods. Whether you’re looking for the peat monsters of the Scottish Islands or soft and sweet flavourings of the Speyside region, a whisky experience is a fantastic excursion. You can explore many of the country’s most beloved drams on the newly inaugurated Malt Whisky Trail. What’s more, the trail will transport you through Scotland’s famed glens, lochs and highlands.

4. Settle into Village Life

The UK’s villages conjure nostalgic images of a quieter time. From freshly mown village greens to welcoming pubs and chatty market squares, villages are the ultimate stress reliever. You'll find everything from chocolate-box villages like Bilbury in the Cotswolds to sleepy ports like Clovelly in Devon. Take things slow and indulge in a late afternoon cream tea after a walk through pastoral landscapes.

5. Eat a Sunday Roast

The Sunday roast is a British institution. Eateries across the country, both humble and haute, offer a variation of this classic and comforting staple. Consisting of a typical slice of roasted meat with vegetables, Yorkshire puddings and gravy, this is one of the best ways to spend a sleepy Sunday. The Sunday roast is ideally eaten within a charming pub complete with a roaring fire and a pint.

What hotel to choose for a last minute trip to the UK

1.

Mystery Hotel London 5*

Get your last minute getaway off to an exhilarating start with a stay in a mystery hotel. We have negotiated such a good deal on this five-star hotel that we’ve had to keep the hotel’s name secret. Located in London’s bustling docklands, this is the ideal location for a romantic escape, with sky-view eateries and bustling bars as well as quick connections into the city via DLR.

2.

InterContinental Edinburgh The George 5*

Edinburgh’s romantic streets and historic attractions make it the perfect last minute getaway. The InterContinental is located right in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town, close to the National Portrait Gallery and the city’s premier dining and shopping districts. Even better, the hotel’s restaurant and bar are among the city’s best, meaning that you can relax in-house after a day exploring Scotland’s capital.

3.

Hipping Hall 5*

Hipping Hall is idyllically located between the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District, two national parks renowned for their sensational beauty. The hotel itself is set within serene grounds in a gorgeous, but unpretentious, country house. Enjoy a quiet, tranquil stay in the countryside with a romantic meal at Hipping Hall.

Practical information about the UK

What is the weather like in the UK?

The UK’s weather is famously variable, with sizzling summers, dreary winters and everything in-between. In general, the weather is at its best in summer, with accommodation reaching peak rates during the August school holidays. National parks can become crowded and cities bustling with higher tourist traffic. Shoulder seasons like spring and autumn see cooler temperatures but spectacular scenes, with blossoming flowers and scarlet leaves. Winter can be breathtaking too, especially within large cities like Edinburgh and London, but expect reduced rural services and wet and cold walking conditions.

What to budget?

When it comes to attractions and activities, museums and galleries are generally free throughout the UK, with special exhibitions costing upwards of £20+. Historical and natural sites are varied in admissions prices, with popular sites like Cliveden House costing £16+/- to enter. It’s best to factor in these attractions into your daily budgeting. You can save money in tourist hotspots like London with deals like the London Pass which cover transport and entry into attractions. As for other expenses, you should tip 10% on meals. Pubs do not expect tips unless there is table service.

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