Easter escapes: 8 amazing weekend breaks in the UK

Spring in the UK is a magical time of year, when the landscape wakes up with a burst of colour, birdsong fills the air and newborn animals frolic in the fields — and it’s not too late to book an Easter weekend break like no other.

From set-jetting in Devon’s mystical Dartmoor National Park to seeing the lambs in Sussex to a spectacular sea safari in the Scottish Hebrides, we’ve listed some of our favourite travel experiences in the British Isles, along with a pick of the best luxury hotels in the UK to help you celebrate Easter 2024 in style.

Why go off to Africa when you can embark on an epic sea safari in Scotland for an unforgettable Easter escape? Glenapp Castle’s memorable The Hebridean Sea Safari, has become one of the most sought-after luxury travel experiences in the UK.

This unique package of five days and four nights starts with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel. You’ll then set sail on a deluxe 37 feet, 12-seater vessel with a private chef and concierge team, including an expert marine biologist, for an intrepid  voyage around the islands and headlands of the West coast of Scotland and into Hebridean islands. This magical adventure takes you to breathtaking lochs and along coastlines with remote caves and spectacular cliff formations with stops ashore to visit attractions including an ancient monastery and archaeological sites, and a tasting tour at a whisky distillery — plus gourmet picnics and cook-outs on the beach. And you’ll spend each night 'luxury glamping' in wild locations under the stars.

Stays at Glenapp Castle are unforgettable whether you head out on safari or prefer to soak up its many charms on dry land. This grand Baronial pile offers rooms and dining fit for royalty and a mesmerizing selection of experiences from gin and whisky tasting to fabulous field sports on its vast estate. Rooms from £295 per night.

For the best white-knuckle adventures, you can’t beat the Welsh playground of Bala. An historic market town in the Snowdonia National Park, Bala is surrounded by the rural region of Penllyn, a wild landscape that’s alive with fast flowing rivers tumbling off the high mountain ranges to create great bodies of water perfect for white water rafting, canoeing and kayaking. The Tryweryn and Dee flow either side of Bala, creating  Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid) – Wales’ largest natural lake and home to The National White Water Centre, Bala Sailing Club and Bala Adventure and Watersports Centre  Whether you’re seeking sailing, canoeing, wild swimming or trout fishing you’ll find your crew here.

And if you’re a motorsports buff with a thirst for free wheeling and fresh air, Bala is also the hottest spot in the UK for some 4x4 action. You’ll find specialist operators including Bala 4x4 Off Roading near Bala Lake, which offers 4x4 driving experiences on its 70 acre off-road site including climbs, slopes and water holes.

 Where to stay: After a hard day’s sporting action, retreat to the sophisticated Palé Hall Hotel for a spot of restorative fine dining and a restful night’s sleep in a luxurious suite or guest room. This Grade II listed Victorian country house is perfectly situated on edge of Snowdonia National Park. Rooms from £303 per night.

With some seriously good wines produced on home turf ready for the quaffing, it’s now possible to enjoy a spectacular wine tasting staycation. And among the bunch of English sparkling wines now stealing awards usually snaffled by our friends across The Channel, Gusbourne, based in the village of Appledore in the Kent countryside, is in a league of its own. Visit the winery where you can enjoy a two-hour guided walk in the vines of the Estate and a tutored wine tasting including the award-winning Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs and Brut Reserve in The Nest — home to a thoroughly modern vineyard experience, where guests can learn about the fascinating history of the area.

And for a total immersion into the world of wine, there’s a hotel in Berkshire that’s fast becoming top of the travel bucket list for savvy wine lovers. The Vineyard, a modern five-star haven near Newbury brings a laid-back Californian vibe blended with English sophistication and offers an intoxicating mix of attractions including a cellar with over 30,000 wines from the new and old worlds, as well as the estate wines of owner Sir Peter Michael. Contemporary French cooking and a mouthwatering menu of food and wine pairing and wine tasting tasting experiences add to the flavour, along with decadently spacious suites, an award-winning spa and an excellent private art collection. Rooms from £199 per night.

The delightful Channel Island of Jersey is not only a top destination for a blast of spring sunshine without the stress of a long flight but it’s also a very tasty option for foodies. The island famous for the Jersey Royal potato, is also home to a spectacular number of fine dining restaurants who make magic with the best seafood including lobsters, oysters, and finest seasonal local produce such as Jersey beetroot and purple sprouting broccoli, and dairy from the Jersey herds, which all attribute their unique flavours to the Jersey landscape and climate.

No Easter weekend break is complete without a cocoa hit and the island is also home to a surprising number of chocolatiers and gourmet chocolate shops. For a choc and vino double delight, head to the La Mare Wine Estate in St. Mary, a distillery and vineyard which produces delicious handmade dark, milk and white chocolates and truffles as well as decadent biscuits and fudge. La Mare also hosts an Easter Egg Hunt extravaganza – the Easter bunny has been busy galivanting around the gardens, orchards and vines, leaving clues for you and your little ones to find.

Where to stay: Treat yourself to a luxury stay at The Atlantic, a five-star beachfront hotel celebrated for its fine dining experiences in a relaxed setting. The Ocean Restaurant, led by award-winning executive chef, Will Holland, showcases modern British cooking in a classic setting with the emphasis on fresh Jersey produce. Rooms from £320 per night.