You don’t have to fork out on flights for fun, cheap weekends away in the UK.

There’s no doubt that jetting off abroad is part of the fun for a weekend away. But you don’t have to look further than home soil for your dose of culture or breathtaking landscapes. Or for a weekend of fruity cocktails and cheesy dancing.

Our own floating island is beaming with quaint towns and bustling cities that are waiting for you to explore. And no, you don’t have to spend £8 on a pint in London — the UK has a whole range of places to experience for a cheap weekend away or party vibes with your pals.

If you’re planning on a weekend away going solo, the UK is the perfect place to start. According to our latest ONEderlust survey, 43% of Gen Z have already solo travelled in the UK. And why not? The UK is great.

Struggling to decide where to staycation on your weekend away in the UK? We’ve got the top cities for a staycation getaway. Leave the passports at home.

Destinations for weekends away in the UK

Because no one wants to be in a cramped plane by choice.

Fun weekends away for adults UK

Bournemouth

For a fun weekend away, look no further than the beach city of Bournemouth. Golden sand, friendly people, and a quirky little town centre packed with all your high-street staples and independent secrets.

Brave the water and work up a sweat with the watersports on offer, or thrash your mates at crazy golf (with insane beach views). Or catch some rays on the beach before heading off into town for a few bevs and great food — it’s the ideal destination for a fun adult weekend away. If the weather happens to be pants while you’re there, treat yourself to some retail therapy or swot up on ocean life at the Oceanarium.

Bournemouth is also ranked in the top ten for most social solo destinations in our ONEderlust index, so if you’re heading out alone, it’s the perfect place to meet new people.

Brighton

Another beach city, Brighton is iconic. The LGBTQ+ capital of the UK, you can guarantee that a staycation in Brighton will be nothing but good vibes and laughs.

The perfect balance of old and idyllic, combined with modern and fun, Brighton is a top choice for a fun weekend getaway. Rated third for most social solo destinations in the UK, you’ll meet like-minded people on your solo trip. Or expand your friendship circle by group-tripping.

Explore the lanes and rummage through the vintage stalls. Or if clubbing is more your scene, Brighton’s nightlife is unmatched. Gay bars galore as well as snazzy bars, a trip to Brighton is a must.

Bristol

The cultural hub of Bristol proves to be one of the top cities in the UK for a staycation, whether solo or for a fun adult’s weekend away. With 1.32 bars per km², you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Plus, the lowest hotel price comes in at £33 per night, so it makes for a great weekend away for those on a budget. And leaves more money for fun.

The edgy, indie town is littered with pastel streets and rich culture. Expect street art, museums and amazing nightlife. Or join a brewery tour at one of the many beer-makers in the city for a fun but educational weekend away for adults.

Weekends away for couples UK

Cambridge

The romantic city of Cambridge is a must for a weekend away for couples in the UK. Reminiscent of Italy’s own Venice, nothing is more sickly sweet than a punting tour of Cambridge’s rivers with your boo.

Rated number five according to our ONEderlust index, you can expect an average of nearly 10 landmarks per km² — ranging from the Cambridge University botanical garden to King’s College Chapel.

The gorgeous university city is a quaint backdrop for your couple’s weekend away. Stroll hand-in-hand down the cobbled streets lined with independent boutiques. Or go on a ghost tour of the city that will have you jumping into your partner’s arms.

Edinburgh

The Scottish capital is a fab choice for a couple’s weekend away in the UK. The vibrant city is super welcoming and packed full of amazing sights and things to do. And most importantly, the food options are insane, and there are tons of cool bars that are perfect for setting the scene on your couple’s break away.

Full of culture, you’ll have an endless choice of places to see, like the classic Edinburgh castle or the Scottish National Gallery (for a cute date idea). And if you fancy a laugh, the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions will have you showing off your funny side with your date.  

Rated in the top 10 for most relaxing staycations in the UK, you should leave feeling stress-free, loved-up and rejuvenated.

Chester

Situated by the Welsh border, Chester has a harmonious mix of green space, rich history and urban living. Take a walk along the city’s Roman walls and marvel at the historic sights. Or visit the 1000 year old Cathedral oozing with romantic vibes.

Visit popular stores in old structures or have a gander through the many independent boutiques and local shops in the unique and historic rows. The romantic charm of the streets gives the area a bewitching and unique atmosphere. A must-see for a couple’s weekend away in the UK.

Fun weekends away for friends uk

Liverpool

The cultural and musical city of Liverpool is, of course, a top pick for a fun weekend away in the UK with your friends. A super-friendly city with cool student vibes, you’ll find almost two bars per km² — pub crawl, anyone?

There’s a never-ending choice of bars and clubs, so it’s definitely a chance to boogie to your heart’s content. Or if you fancy a more tame pals holiday, sightseeing on a river cruise or visiting one of the many museums (including the Beatles museum) are great options to make the most of the city.

Expect a weekend full of freshly-made memories and hopefully, no hangovers.

Manchester

Crowned one of the top UK cities for exploring, relaxing and socialising, Manchester is the ideal spot for a fun weekend away with friends. No matter what the vibe, there’s something to suit everyone — from exploring the museums to raving at The Warehouse Project.

With hotel prices in the city being as low as £35, you’ll have no excuse not to spend a fun friends weekend away in the Mancunian oasis. The city also makes a great place for a gal’s weekend getaway full of retail therapy (the shopping scene is incredible) and pampering yourselves at one of the many local spas.

Newcastle

Home of the Geordie accent, Newcastle will guarantee you a fun weekend away with your friends. One full of banter and culture, that’s for sure. Visit the iconic Angel of the North statue, shop around the lovingly-curated selection of independent shops or visit the Biscuit Factory for your fix of art and crafts.

Hotels in Newcastle are available for as little as £28, catering to a student budget for a cheap weekend away in the UK. And with a safety score index of 61.60, it’s also one of the UK’s safer cities to explore, whether solo or with a group.

Read our ONEderlust staycation index for more information about destinations for weekends away in the UK.

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