What are the best destinations for a weekend getaway in the UK?

Popular destinations include Bath, the Lake District, Windsor, the Scottish Highlands, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Ascot, and the New Forest. Each offers unique attractions and experiences.

How long is a typical short break at Macdonald Hotels & Resorts?

Short breaks typically range from 1-3 nights, perfect for a quick escape or a long weekend.

Are Macdonald Hotels & Resorts family-friendly for short breaks?

Yes, many of our hotels offer family-friendly amenities and are located near attractions suitable for all ages.

Can I book spa treatments as part of my short break package?

Absolutely, many of our hotels feature luxury spas where you can book treatments to enhance your stay.

What's included in a typical short break?

It is up to you. During booking, you can choose to include dinner and breakfast with your room. Or consider a golf or spa break for a comprehensive package with meals and treatments. Offers including attraction tickets and extra services are also available. Check your chosen location’s offer page to see all available offers.

Are there seasonal offers for UK weekend getaways?

Yes, we regularly offer seasonal promotions and special packages. Check our website or sign up for our newsletter for the latest deals.

Can I combine a city break with countryside relaxation?

Certainly, many of our hotels, like Macdonald Houstoun House near Edinburgh, offer easy access to both city attractions and rural scenery.

Are Macdonald Hotels & Resorts pet-friendly for short breaks?

Many of our hotels & resorts do welcome pets. Please check the specific hotel's policy when booking.

How far in advance should I book a weekend getaway?

We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for popular dates or destinations, to ensure availability and the best rates.

Short Breaks & Weekend Getaways

Discover the perfect escape with Macdonald Hotels' short breaks and weekend getaways across the UK. From historic cities to breathtaking countryside, our carefully selected locations offer the ideal backdrop for your next adventure.

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Romantic Breaks

Romantic breaks for couples

City Breaks & Weekends

Explore vibrant city destinations

Family Friendly Hotels

Create magical memories

Country & Manor House Hotels

Escape to the country with a short break

Spa Breaks

Relax & rejuvenate for a night or two

Golf Breaks

Stunning locations & courses

Popular UK Destinations for Short Breaks

Bath

Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its Roman-built baths and stunning Georgian architecture. This compact city offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for a short break.

Things to do in Bath include:

Explore the Roman Baths
Visit Bath Abbey
Relax in Thermae Bath Spa
Stroll through Royal Victoria Park
Admire Georgian architecture on the Royal Crescent

Stay in Bath

Our 5-star Bath Spa Hotel sits at the heart of this historic city, offering a luxurious retreat after a day of exploration. With outstanding leisure facilities and a renowned spa, it's the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate.

The hotel's central location means you're just moments away from Bath's key attractions, allowing you to effortlessly blend relaxation with discovery.

Bath Spa Hotel

Windsor

Step into royal history with a visit to Windsor, home to the world's oldest and largest inhabited castle. This picturesque town offers a unique blend of heritage, family-friendly attractions, and beautiful outdoor spaces, all within easy reach of London.

Things to do in Windsor include:

Tour Windsor Castle
Walk in Windsor Great Park
Visit LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
Enjoy a boat trip on the River Thames
Shop on Windsor High Street

Stay in Windsor

Our contemporary Macdonald Windsor Hotel sits in the heart of this historic town, providing an ideal location for exploring local attractions. The hotel's stylish rooms and excellent amenities ensure a comfortable stay, while its proximity to London and Heathrow Airport makes it perfect for those seeking a convenient yet enriching short break.

Windsor Hotel

The Lake District

For those seeking natural beauty and outdoor adventures, the Lake District presents an unrivalled landscape of rugged fells, serene lakes, and charming villages. This national park offers activities for all seasons, from gentle lakeside strolls to challenging mountain hikes.

Things to do in The Lake District include:

Take a scenic cruise on Lake Windermere
Hike in the fells around Ullswater
Visit Beatrix Potter's Hill Top house
Explore the charming village of Grasmere
Enjoy watersports on Derwentwater

Stay in The Lake District

Choose between our two stunning Lake District properties for your stay. The Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa in Windermere offers lakeside luxury, while the Macdonald Leeming House in Ullswater provides a tranquil retreat with spectacular views. Both hotels serve as perfect bases for exploring the diverse attractions of the Lake District, combining comfort with easy access to outdoor activities.

Lake District Hotels

Birmingham

Discover the vibrant heart of England in Birmingham, a city that seamlessly blends industrial heritage with modern innovation. Known for its diverse culture, rich history, and bustling urban landscape, Birmingham offers an exciting array of experiences for visitors seeking a dynamic city break.

Things to do in Birmingham include:

Visit the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Explore the Jewellery Quarter
Tour Cadbury World
Enjoy a canal boat trip at Brindleyplace
Shop at the Bullring & Grand Central

Stay in Birmingham

Step into history at our 4-star Macdonald Burlington Hotel, a luxury retreat in the heart of Birmingham's city centre. Housed in a stunning Victorian property dating back to 1874, the hotel offers a perfect blend of period charm and modern comfort.

Its prime location, less than a minute's walk from Grand Central and Birmingham New Street train station, makes it an ideal base for exploring the city's attractions. After a day of urban adventures, return to the elegant surroundings of the Burlington, where contemporary amenities meet timeless sophistication.

Burlington Hotel

Ascot

Experience the allure of Ascot, a town synonymous with prestige and horse racing. This charming destination in Berkshire offers a perfect mix of sporting heritage, family attractions, and proximity to some of England's most iconic sites, making it an excellent choice for a varied and exciting short break.

Things to do in Ascot include:

Visit Ascot Racecourse
Explore Windsor Castle
Enjoy family fun at LEGOLAND Windsor
Experience thrilling rides at Thorpe Park
Play a round at Wentworth Golf Course

Stay in Ascot

Indulge in luxury at our 4-star Macdonald Berystede Hotel & Spa, a French chateau-style retreat in the heart of Ascot. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and conveniently close to Ascot Racecourse, this hotel offers a truly sophisticated escape. Choose from over 120 well-appointed bedrooms, including expansive suites.

Savour exquisite cuisine at our award-winning restaurant, with options for both indoor and alfresco dining on the Royal Enclosure Terrace & Gardens. Rejuvenate body and mind at our state-of-the-art thermal spa, complete with treatment rooms, an 18-metre pool, saunas, and an outdoor hydro-pool.

Berystede Hotel

The New Forest

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of The New Forest, a stunning national park that offers a perfect blend of untamed wilderness, charming villages, and family-friendly attractions. This unique destination provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, and relaxing escapes.

Things to do in The New Forest include:

Explore New Forest National Park
Tour Beaulieu National Motor Museum
Enjoy family fun at Paultons Park, home of Peppa Pig World
See wildlife at New Forest Wildlife Park or Marwell Zoo
Go cycling on New Forest trails
Experience history at Hurst Castle

Stay in The New Forest

Experience coastal charm at our 4-star Macdonald Elmers Court Hotel & Resort, perfectly positioned overlooking the Solent Coast in Lymington, the gateway to the New Forest.

Set in a magnificent 19th-century Tudor-style manor house, the resort is surrounded by 23 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens where you can stay in our hotel or opt for self-catering accommodation. Elmers Court offers the ideal balance of forest tranquillity and seaside allure, providing a versatile base for your New Forest adventures.

Elmers Court Hotel & Resort

The Scottish Highlands

Experience the raw beauty and untamed wilderness of the Scottish Highlands, a region that captivates visitors with its rugged landscapes, rich history, and outdoor adventures. From snow-capped mountains to mysterious lochs, the Highlands offer a diverse range of experiences for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

Things to do in The Scottish Highlands include:

Explore Cairngorms National Park
Visit Highland Wildlife Park
Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and mountain biking
Experience winter sports at Cairngorm Mountain
Take a whisky distillery tour

Stay in The Scottish Highlands

Our Macdonald Aviemore Resort serves as the perfect base for your Highland adventure. This expansive resort offers a wealth of on-site activities, ensuring entertainment for all ages and interests. Enjoy a round of golf, catch a film at the cinema, embark on scenic walks, or enjoy the Aviemore Ice Rink.

With multiple accommodation options within the resort, you can choose the perfect setting for your stay. After a day of exploration, unwind in our indoor pool complete with a thrilling slide, or let the little ones burn off energy in the soft play area.

Aviemore Resort

Edinburgh

Discover the enchanting city of Edinburgh, where centuries of history blend seamlessly with a vibrant, contemporary culture. Scotland's capital offers a unique mix of old-world charm and modern sophistication, making it an ideal destination for a short break filled with exploration and discovery.

Things to do in Edinburgh include:

Explore Edinburgh Castle
Walk the Royal Mile
Visit the National Museum of Scotland
Climb Arthur's Seat for panoramic views
Enjoy the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August

Stay near Edinburgh

Located in Livingston, West Lothian, just 15 miles west of Edinburgh, Macdonald Houstoun House combines easy city access with countryside serenity. Set within 22 acres of beautiful woodland and gardens, the hotel features a striking 16th-century tower house at its heart.

Here, historic charm meets modern comfort, providing a truly special base for your Edinburgh adventure. Enjoy the best of both worlds - explore the bustling capital by day, then return to your peaceful haven for evenings of relaxation.

Houstoun House

Short Break Gift Vouchers

Give the gift of unforgettable experiences with Macdonald Hotels gift vouchers for short breaks. From romantic weekends and spa retreats to golfing getaways and family adventures, recipients can choose their ideal short break across our collection of hotels and resorts.

Our gift vouchers come beautifully presented in a stylish wallet or instantly as e-vouchers. Available in various denominations, they can be used as full or part payment towards accommodation, dining, spa treatments, golf rounds or any curated experiences.

Short Break Vouchers

25% Off Early Booking