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UK Mini Break Ideas

A touring caravan or motorhome gives you the freedom of the open road – and thanks to the beautiful and vibrant diversity of the British Isles, those open roads are perfect for weekend getaways and mini-breaks.

So, whether you head for the countryside or prefer a city break, when you have your accommodation already arranged, that well-earned holiday is not going to break the bank.

We hope the following short break ideas will whet your appetite in your quest to find the perfect destination.

  1. North Wales

This is one of the most scenic and beautiful parts of the British Isles where a wild coastline gives way to inland areas that offer amazingly historic towns and cities. It has a long history and association with Celtic culture, of course, as well as later industries and activities such as slate mining. Why not pick up a few words of Welsh before you go? The locals will appreciate it.

  1. The Lake District

Many people tend to associate wild countryside with Wales and Scotland but in fact, England also has vast areas of semi-wilderness – and that’s no more apparent than in the Lake District. Locations such as Windermere are world-famous for their beauty and well worth exploring for a few days – or longer.

  1. Northumbria

Including the great cathedral city of Durham, Northumberland is one of England’s hidden gems comprising beautiful countryside and some truly spectacular coastline such as that around Bamburgh Castle.

  1. Norwich and East Anglia

Many a happy caravanner will be familiar with locations in East Anglia such as the Norfolk broads and its expansive coastal areas. But the city of Norwich is ancient and picturesque. It is sometimes missed by holidaymakers rushing to get to the rural areas and that is a pity because it is well worth a visit and a wonderful place for a city break.

  1. Portsmouth and Hampshire

Portsmouth and Hampshire are great for short breaks. Portsmouth is a city that is often overlooked as somewhere worth visiting in its own right simply because it is a ferry port. People tend to regard it as the gateway to France or the Channel Islands and not always as the fascinating town for a visit that it actually is. There are some great coastal and harbour views, interesting fortifications and several historic maritime venues including the final resting place of HMS Victory.

  1. Stratford-Upon-Avon

Along with such iconic towns in the heart of England such as Warwick, Kenilworth, and Royal Leamington Spa, these are fantastic historic locations with some lovely countryside as well. The nearby River Avon is great for water-based leisure activities. As a destination, being in the Midlands, they’re also easily weekend-reachable from just about all areas of England and Wales. There are some really good sites nearby but as always – book your weekend away early.

  1. Herefordshire and Shropshire

These are perhaps two of England’s least-known counties among tourists – and that’s such a pity because they have some lovely countryside. The towns are also charming and full of historic interest. In Herefordshire, try Leominster, Eardisland (buildings dating back to 1300) and of course Hereford itself. In Shropshire, don’t miss Oswestry for its timbered buildings, Much Wenlock (arguably where the first modern Olympic games were held) and Shrewsbury for its lovely river, buildings, and culture.

  1. Leicestershire and Rutland

Drift lazily along in Leicestershire and Rutland on your mini break. This is all about farming, rivers, fresh produce, and historic towns. Oakham is the county town of Rutland and charming to visit with its stone buildings. Nearby Melton Mowbray was the original birthplace of the iconic pork pie – and they’re still claimed to be the best in the world. Stamford is close-by (though in neighbouring Lincolnshire) and that too is well worth a visit. Belvoir Castle is also famous, and the huge Rutland Water reservoir is a must if you’re into bird and nature watching.

  1. Peak District

Take a back-to-nature break and see rugged life in the Peak District National Park. This is some of the hilliest and wildest country outside of Wales and Scotland. It covers parts of Derbyshire, Yorkshire, Cheshire, and Staffordshire. This is a weekend that’ll be associated with days full of trekking and nature watching in the hills. You’ll be able to escape the crowds and take in some amazing natural beauty.

  1. Cambridge and the Fens

Sample the big skies of Cambridge and the Fens. Now it’s true that the scenery might not be awe-inspiring in terms of hills and valleys, but the peaceful vastness, openness, and huge skies of the Fens have inspired poets and painters for centuries. There are some great villages, thatched cottages, and marvellous pubs too. For something a little livelier – and with inspiring architecture – try the world-famous city of Cambridge, which in August is likely to be quieter due to the reduced numbers of students there.

  1. Scottish borders

Many visitors simply drive quickly through the Scottish Borders in order to get to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and the Highlands beyond. Yet the borders themselves are beautiful and wild with some charming towns to explore such as Selkirk, Kelso, Hawick, and Jedburgh. Yes, this area – like much of Scotland, Northern England, and Wales – does get a lot of rain but if you’re prepared that should not stop you from having a great mini break.

  1. Loch Ness

Just about everyone will have heard about Loch Ness and its mythical monster. Whether you believe it exists or not this is still an amazing location to visit. The loch itself is around 20 miles long and descends to the murky depths of 700 feet at its deepest. It forms part of the Caledonian Canal which runs from Inverness to Fort William and is a must if you appreciate breathtaking scenery and the atmospheric and impressive Urquhart Castle.

So, if you are stuck for ideas about where to travel on a mini-break or a weekend away in your ‘van, we hope the ideas above will give you some inspiration for destinations.

Of course, before setting off on any journey it only makes sense to be sure that your touring caravan insurance continues to be up to date and effective. If you have any doubts on that particular score, here at Cover4Caravans we will be only too pleased to offer you our advice and guidance.

Further reading – check out some of our trip, short break, and destination ideas in our companion guides: