Whether you’re looking for a relaxing countryside weekend break to relax and recharge your batteries after the hectic Christmas season, or a city break to make the most of your time off from work, January can be a surprisingly good time to plan a weekend getaway. With most waiting until the warmer months of the year to travel, you can enjoy popular tourist spots without facing the usual crowds, allowing you to really appreciate your surroundings. Taking a weekend break in January also means that you’ll likely find cheaper accommodation, leaving you with more money to put towards your entertainment budget.
Countryside Breaks
Undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations for countryside breaks in England, The Lake District is the ideal place for anyone looking to relax and unwind in a setting with a world-famous landscape. Lake District weekend breaks in January are particularly peaceful as you can enjoy the area without the crowds you would find if you were visiting in the warmer months of the years.
Celebrating 52 years of being designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), The Cotswolds has plenty of picturesque scenery and rich history on offer for you to explore. If you are looking to explore the scenery, there are plenty of rambling and cycling routes available, while historical houses like Blenheim Palace and Berkeley Castle will make for a more leisurely day out, as you explore their beautiful interiors and fascinating pasts.
A real haven for lovers of the outdoors and active leisure pursuits, the Peak District promises a weekend break filled with scenic walks, countryside cycling trails, and even rock climbing on days when it’s not too wet or icy. Pride and Prejudice fans will surely appreciate a visit to Lyme Park where the infamous scene of Colin Firth as Mr Darcy was filmed.
The Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye are as beautiful of a countryside weekend break destination as any of their counterparts south of the border. Having provided the backdrop for iconic movies like Harry Potter, the dramatic scenery of the Highlands and the Isle of Skye make for the perfect romantic weekend break. Make sure you can understand the accent and pick up some Scottish language before you go to make life easier for yourself while you’re there!
City Breaks
A city famed for its football culture and nightlife, Manchester is the unrivalled capital of the north, offering all the culture and glitz and glamour of London without the hefty price tag. Don’t let the less than ideal winter weather put you off visiting this vibrant city, as there is plenty to do, see, and eat all year round. Trendy neighbourhoods like Ancoats and Northern Quarter will satisfy those looking for great food and independent shops, while the likes of the John Rylands Library and the Museum of Science and Industry will make the ideal afternoon trip for anyone who loves history or science.
If you’re looking to head even further up north this January for your weekend break, then Scotland’s capital, Glasgow, should be your first choice. Once voted the world’s friendliest city, a Glasgow weekend break will be ideal for anyone looking to explore its vibrant streets rather than sitting back and relaxing. Famed for its eclectic architecture, the city is also home to a vibrant nightlife and a number of different museums to make your way around in.
