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Plan Your Next Getaway
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.
Find your Short Break
Find your favourite weekend getaway and short break
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.