The UK has loads to offer for mid-week short breaks; from bustling cities and towns, to unspoilt countryside with national parks and national landscapes, to picturesque coastlines.

Although the UK is home to some glorious choices for short mid-week breaks, the destination you ultimately opt for, may depend on where you live. When it comes to short mid-week breaks, you usually only have a few days free, so travel time is a prime consideration.  Maybe you want to book a rental just a few hours drive away so you can take your pet pooch with you on the trip?  Or, maybe you are pet-free and happy to take a short flight to go somewhere different like Ireland for a few days?

Whatever your preferences, the UK has something to offer everyone on a mid-week break.
 

Let's explore what each of the UK’s countries offer for short mid-week getaways:

•    England

•    Wales

•    Scotland

•    Ireland

Popular Choices for Mid Week Breaks in England

Fascinating Historical Cities Await in England

England is home to some amazing cities, many with stunning historical architecture and a rich history.  Maybe you want to visit the famous university city of Cambridge or Oxford with their historical architecture and rich history?  Or perhaps you want to visit Bath with its elegant Georgian architecture and parks?  Or maybe York with its medieval streets, city walls and Viking museum is high up on your list of places to visit? 

Or if you want amazing world-class attractions then London with its Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye, the Southbank, markets and more, then England’s capital city of London could be the perfect choice.When it comes to superb city breaks, England has a great choice of amazing cities to choose from.
 

National Parks and Natural Landscapes on Offer in England

England has a huge variety of National Parks and National Landscapes to choose from.  From the Dedham Vale and Essex and Suffolk Coast and Heaths, to the Norfolk Broad, Lake District, Exmoor, Dartmoor to the Cotswolds and more.  If you are after beautiful countryside and array of outdoor pursuits from walking to hiking, to wildlife watching and cycling, and even watersports, then England has plenty to has lots to offer you.

Discover England’s Coast on a Mid Week Break

When it comes to coastal destinations for short breaks, England has plenty of options too.  Maybe you want to discover one of the North’s coastal towns like Whitby or want to explore the Kent coast and visit Whitstable?  Down south, vibrant harbour downs like Weymouth await, and in Somerset Burnham on Sea is ever popular.  Beach breaks are possible too, but most holidaymakers prefer a week’s long stay when it comes to escaping for a beach holiday.

Popular Mid Week Break Ideas in Wales

Discover Wales’ Historic Towns and Cities on a Mid-Week Getaway

For nightlife galore and world-class attractions including Cardiff Castle and National Museum, you may want to visit Cardiff.  If it’s castle you are after though, plenty of towns in Wales are home to fascinating historic castles including Conwy, Harlech and Denbigh to name just a few!

Explore Wales’ National Parks and Natural Landscapes

Wales is home to a number of beautiful national parks including Snowdonia with its mountain scenery, the Brecon Beacons, and the Pembrokeshire coast national park.

National Landscapes include the Isle of Anglesey, the Llyn Peninsula, the Gower Peninsula, the Wye Valley and the Clwydian Mountain Range, so whether you want coast or countryside, you will be well catered for in Wales!

Discover a Harbourside Town or Coastal Town for a Few Days in Wales

For fun by the seaside, Wales has plenty of options.  Some of Wales' best loved coastal towns include Llandudno, Conwy, Rhyl, Aberystwyth, Aberdovey, Tenby, Saundersfoor and Mumbles to name just some of the available choices!

Popular Options for Mid Week Getaways in Scotland

Take a Short Break in one of Scotland’s Magnificent Historical Cities

If historical elegant architecture is your thing, don’t miss Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh with its castle, the Royal Mile with its shops and cafes, and the high rock of Arthur’s seat with its superb views.
 
For bars, restaurants, galleries and cultural attractions, Glasgow is hard to beat.

Also worth a visit is Stirling with its majestic castle that stands proudly atop a hill!

Go Wild in one of Scotland’s National Parks

For outdoor activities galore, Scotland’s National Parks could be one of the very best choices!

Whatever the sport or activity you want to enjoy, Scotland’s national parks should deliver.  Want to go skiing?  Visit in the winter season and you may be able to enjoy skiing at the Lecht in the Cairngorms National Park.  Or, if you prefer hiking and munro bagging, then the Cairngorms can be just wonderful in summer time.
 
When it comes to boating, fishing, walking and cycling, then Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is a natural choice.

Head to the Scottish Coast for a Few Days

If you want to dose up on your Vitamin Sea then Scotland has an enviable coastline.  Charming harbour towns and seaside resorts in Scotland along the West Coast include Largs, Oban and Ayr.  In the North East of Scotland, discover charming fishing villages like Cruden Bay, Gardenstown and Lossiemouth in Moray.  Or head up near the Highlands and discover gems like Ullapool.

Popular Ideas for Mid Week Breaks in Ireland and Northern Ireland

Superb Cities for Short Mid Week Breaks Await in Ireland

For music, bars and entertainment, Ireland’s cities are popular options.  Choose from Dublin with its historical attractions like Dublin Castle and Trinity college, whisky distilleries and Guiness Storehouse, or head to Galway for its lively arts scene, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful Cathedral.

National Parks and National Landscapes in Ireland and Northern Ireland

Ireland’s is home to 7 National Parks; Glenveagh National Park, Wild Nephin National Park, Connemara National Park, the Burren, Wicklow Mountains, Killarney and Kerry Seas.  When it comes to National Landscapes, options within Northern Ireland the Antrim Coast and Glens, Lagan Valley and the Causeway Coast, to name just a few.

Explore Ireland’s Stunning Coastline for a Few Days

Ireland’s coastline has some real gems; including the Ring of Kerry and the Giant’s Causeway which is found within the Antrim Coast and Glens. 

Whether you're drawn to the historical cities of England, the dramatic landscapes of Wales, the rugged beauty of Scotland, or the vibrant culture of Ireland, the UK offers a great choice of options for mid-week short breaks. From outdoor pursuits in national parks to enjoying coastal towns and vibrant city life, there's something for everyone. So, pack your bags, get your cottage booked and embark on a refreshing mid-week getaway to one of these fantastic destinations.