Easter escapes: 8 amazing weekend breaks in the UK
19 February 2024
If you’ve yet to plot an Easter escape, it’s time to treat yourself to a luxury break in the great British countryside where you can embrace the joys of spring, relax and smell the daffodils.
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.
Get wet and go wild on Dartmoor
A vast moorland in Devon, Dartmoor National Park is one of the best destinations for Easter breaks in the UK. It’s famous for its craggy landscapes and tors (rock formations) studded with ancient forests, magical waterfalls, wetlands, Neolithic tombs, Bronze Age stone circles and medieval farmhouses. And for hikers and anyone yearning for a wellbeing break in the heart of nature, it’s a piece of paradise. You’ll find a wealth of walking and cycling trails to suit all abilities — and don’t miss the chance for a spot of set jetting with the War Horse Walk that takes in some of the locations featured in Steven Spielberg’s hit movie set in WW1. Budding horticulturalists will adore wandering amongst the blooms in the park’s many stunning gardens, including the vibrant green spaces at Buckfast Abbey, Castle Drago and Canonteign Falls. You can enjoy watersports on the reservoirs such as Roadford Lake near Okehampton, which offers AALA and RYA approved training centres for dinghy sailing, windsurfing and kayaking with fully qualified training instructors, as well as kit hire. And for family breaks in Dartmoor, there’s plenty to enchant little ones including Pennywell Farm, home to miniature ponies and donkeys, the House of Marbles and a vintage fairground.
Where to stay: The fairytale Bovey Castle hotel sits on a sprawling estate on Dartmoor National Park, and in addition to luxury guest rooms and fine dining offers unique experiences. Guests can enjoy some fantastic off-roading experiences on the moors, and top treats for families include guided tours of the deer park, and the chance to feed the estate’s fawns. Rooms from £239 per night.
Scottish sea safari to the Hebridean Islands
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.
Sheepish little breaks in Sussex
Few signs that herald the arrival of Spring are as heart-warming as the sight of lambs frollicking in the fields. Many farms in the Sussex countryside allow families to come and see their newly born lambs, including Coombes Farm, near Lancing, which welcomes over 1,000 woolly babies every year. Open every day until April 25th, the farm also offers tractor rides to the top of The South Downs to get a good view of both lambs and calves in the fields.
For a Disney-esque Easter weekend break experience, make your way to Fishers Farm Park in Wisborough Green. Here, you can lend a hand with bottle- feeding for the orphan lambs and may be lucky enough to watch 'live lambing' in the animal barns too. And for an extra dose of cuteness, you can also cuddle baby rabbits, guinea pigs, and chicks.
Where to stay: For an experience of quintessentially English charm, make your nest at Ockenden Manor. Set in nine acres of lush grounds, this Elizabethan house is picture-perfect with an inviting spa, award-winning restaurant, and spectacular views of the South Downs. Rooms from £245 per night.
Rafting and off-road racing in Wales
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.
Retail therapy and revelry on the riverside
If you love to stretch your legs but wilt at the thought of straying too far from a suitably chic shoe shop or watering hole for a perfectly mixed Negroni, make your way to Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire. One of the most beautiful towns in England, it’s home to the world’s most famous rowing regatta and a popular haunt for hedonists hungry for fine dining and a breath of fresh air.
With its charming attractions including The Maharajah's Well, the contemporary arts space Bohun Gallery, and stunning stately home, Grey’s Court, it’s the perfect place for mooching around in between stopping for a spot of lunch and shopping for little treasures to elevate your spring wardrobe. The Thames Path is a delightful National Trail following the banks of the River Thames you can easily dip in and out of for romantic strolls and picnics, and if you fancy rowing your own little boat, you can hire one from luxury boat operator Hobbs of Henley.
Where to stay: The Relais Henley, the vibrant little boutique hotel situated on a prime position on the banks of The Thames is the place to stay for those seeking sophisticated watering holes and dining experiences for convivial Easter weekend escapes. Rooms from £220 per night.
On the English grapevine
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.
Salty action on the Cornish coast
If your idea of a heavenly Easter break in the UK involves grappling with a windsurf, you’ll find your tribe on Fistral Beach in Newquay. Nestled along the rugged coastline of Cornwall, this stretch of sand that’s internationally renowned for surfing is also a windsurfing haven. The beach's exposure to prevailing westerly winds and powerful Atlantic swells provides ideal conditions for both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts.
For surfers, the facilities are first-class and for those looking to enhance their skills — or dip their toes for the first time — there are many reputable schools that offer lessons and kit for hire, including The Quiksilver Surf School and the Surf Sanctuary, based at The Headland Hotel on Fistral Beach, which offers bespoke ocean adventures and personal training for families, individuals and small groups. Coaching and experiences include surfing, coasteering, stand-up paddle, snorkel tours and ocean confidence training. And if you seek a more laid-back atmosphere, Crantock Beach is another gem in Newquay's windsurfing and surfing crown. With its expansive sandy shores and milder waves, it's an excellent spot for beginners.
Where to stay: Immerse yourself in the surf scene with luxury facilities on tap with a stay at The Headland Hotel—the best luxury hotel in Newquay. Perfectly situated on Fistral Beach, an award-winning spa and fine dining restaurant deliver additional treats. Rooms from £185 per night.
Easter feasts and chocolate tasting in Jersey
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.
More Stories
Flavour & Savour
Cheers to the Season: The Best Christmas Cocktail Recipes to Enjoy this Year
4 December 2024
We’ve rounded up the most luxurious Christmas cocktail recipes from Britain's finest hotels, to truly elevate your festive entertaining.
Eco Escapism
A Wild Winter: The Best Places for Winter Wildlife Experiences
29 November 2024
Discover our pick of the best winter wildlife experiences the UK has to offer, from spotting red deer in Yorkshire to watching starling murmurations in the Chilterns.
British Travel
Ring in the New: The Top Twixmas and New Year’s Eve Breaks in the UK
26 November 2024
Discover the best New Year’s Eve Breaks in the UK, from elegant Twixmas getaways to lively New Year’s Eve celebrations in stunning country houses and coastal retreats.