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Hands up if May is your favourite month? You can’t see us, but we’ve all got our hands up! You’ve had Easter, you’re well rested, and you just have a few short weeks to get through until it’s officially (almost) summer.
And with two bank holidays to factor in, you’ve got two great excuses to get away for the weekend. If you don’t have the time or energy to leave the country, read on... We’ve compiled a list of our favourite British mini-break destinations which won’t break the bank!
Walking, climbing and sailing
If breath taking mountains, lovely lakes, charming villages and fresh air is your thing, head to the Lake District. With hundreds of walking routes for every level available on WalkLake, you can take your family on a self-guided hike, or hire a guide to take you to all the best view points and prettiest towns.
Beaches, scones and clotted cream
That’s right, you don’t have to be in Spain to spend the day on the beach. Newquay in Cornwall boasts some of Britain’s best beaches, with options for sunbathers, surf fans, families with young children and those looking for a secluded cove for a day of total relaxation. You can also treat yourself to a traditional Cornish cream tea while you’re there – but only if you’re willing to put the cream on your scone before the jam!
Pandas, a palace and an extinct volcano
Yes, it’s a mixed bag, but that’s why Edinburgh deserves its reputation as one of the most diverse and beautiful cities in the world. You can fly from most UK airports in no time at all – check out Sky Scanner for cheap, last minute deals. When you’re there, climb Arthur’s Seat – a prehistoric extinct volcano in the middle of the city, or visit the zoo, home to the only two giant pandas in the UK. You should also head to the Palace of Holyrood house, the Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh, and full to the brim with Scottish culture and history. It’s closed on some bank holidays though, so make sure you’ve checked out the website before you plan a trip.
Royalty, coastlines and history
It’s no wonder the Queen holidays in Sandringham every year. Situated in West Norfolk, it boasts beautiful coastlines and rich history. Use Kings Lynn as your base to explore the region, soaking in the historic buildings and charming countryside – and you could also take a day trip to Hunstanton to see the rock pools, lighthouse and gardens.
Shopping, sightseeing and the London underground
We couldn’t do a guide to holidays in the UK without a nod to the capital, could we? And the good news is that you can do it on a budget, trust us. Visit Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guards, take a photo outside Harrods and watch Tower Bridge rise to let the boats pass with a budget friendly £12.70 single day Oyster card public transport pass. You can grab a picnic and sit in London’s iconic Hyde Park for lunch, and go for dinner at one of Brick Lane’s famous curry houses where you can usually get a main dish and sides for under £10 a head. If you want to stay the night, check out Airbnb for affordable rooms in the centre of town to save you money on travelling around.
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