Weekend breaks are ideal for enjoying a short escape from the busyness of everyday life. Some of us enjoy booking a trip and seeing where it takes us, while others may prefer having a structured itinerary, with fun activities in the pipeline.
If it’s the latter, a themed break may also appeal to you – particularly one that centres around a hobby or passion.
So, if you’re looking for an escape with a difference, here are seven unusual weekend breaks in the UK. Whether you decide to play detective at murder mystery or swap stress for serenity on a spa and wellness retreat, we hope something here sparks your interest.
1. Lift your spirits at a gin-tasting festival
Gin has had a huge resurgence in recent years, with the number of gin distilleries in the UK growing by a tremendous 332% between 2015 and 2021. And many of us would be quick to name it as our spirit of choice.
The flavoured gin industry in particular is ever-growing and accounts for around one-quarter of UK market sales. There are also no signs of this waning, with the UK remaining the largest gin market in the world.
Whether you’re already a gin enthusiast or intrigued to learn more, there’s no better place to discover why this spirit is beloved by so many than on a gin-themed weekend.
On a Warner Hotels’ Festival of Gin Break, you’ll have the opportunity to taste up to 30 of the best gins on the market. Stocked behind fantastic indoor and outdoor festival bars with live music, you can try everything from old classics to local craft and artisan gins.
Plus, with tasting guides, exclusive vouchers and discounts, and feel-good entertainment, it’s the ideal way to set the summer mood.
2. Explore castles, battlefields, and museums on a Richard III history tour
If you’re a history buff, then a history-themed weekend might be right up your street. From its time under the Roman Empire to the Civil War and the Industrial Revolution, the UK is known for its rich and varied history – and we’ve got a treasure trove of castles, battlefields, and museums to match.
One particular period that continues to grip history enthusiasts is the Wars of the Roses – a 15th-century power struggle between the houses of York and Lancaster. If you’d like to learn more, why not book this expert-led King Richard III tour for your next weekend break?
Richard III was King of England from 1483-1485, and his death marked the end of the Wars of the Roses and the beginning of the Tudor period in England. Ever since his remains were discovered underneath a car park in Leicester in 2012, more and more people have taken an interest in learning more about his life.
On this two-night stay, you’ll explore key sites connected to Richard III’s life and death – including the castle he was born in, the Bosworth battlefield where he died, and the King Richard III Visitor Centre in Leicester. You’ll also be joined by History Hit presenter Matt Lewis, who’s an expert on the Wars of the Roses and Richard III.
3. Put your detective skills to the test at a murder mystery experience
If you consider yourself a bit of a Sherlock, why not put your detective skills to the test and book a murder mystery-themed weekend break?
Actors will put on a show for your entertainment (often mingling amongst the guests!) and you’ll need to unravel the perplexing plots and subtle clues that point towards the killer in a scarily realistic murder case.
Murder mystery-themed breaks are fun, thrilling, and guaranteed to leave you on the edge of your seat. Not to mention, they’re highly satisfying if you manage to crack the case.
At Warner Hotels’ Silver Screen Secrets! murder mystery experience, you’ll be tasked with solving the murder case of famous actor, Sam Archer. Among the suspects are Sam’s wife, manager, long-term family friend, and personal assistant. You’ll have the entire weekend to gather clues, interview suspects, and piece together the smallest details of this chilling case.
4. Seek outdoor inspiration at a BBC Gardeners World weekend
If you love gardening, much of your free time is likely spent outside tending to your plants – particularly during the warmer months. And a gardening-themed weekend break could help you touch up your skills, get inspired, and learn from experts.
All Warner Hotels’ BBC Gardeners World weekends are hosted by gardening expert, writer, and presenter David Hurrion; and you can expect engaging talks, exclusive garden tours, and dedicated sessions designed to unravel specialist gardening topics.
Plus, with appearances from presenters Joe Swift, Adam Frost, Nick Bailey, and Frances Tophill, you’re invited to bring your top gardening conundrums for experts to try and solve.
Set in a beautiful location with all the gardening inspiration you could ever need – plus tasty breakfasts, three-course dinners, and evening entertainment all included – it’s the ideal break for gardening enthusiasts to kick back and expand their knowledge.
5. Adventure through the Scottish Highlands
If you’d like to get back to nature and spend a weekend experiencing some of the best scenery in Scotland, you might be interested in this four-day tour through the Scottish Highlands.
Journeying across land, sea, and loch, this wonderfully varied trip will take you through the rolling hills, breathtaking glens, and sparkling lochs of Trossachs National Park. You’ll board the famous Jacobite steam train, take a trip on PS Waverley (the world’s last ocean-going paddle steamer), and enjoy sightings of Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.
Then, after taking in the breathtaking scenery of Loch Katrine, you can settle in at the Buchanan Arms – a cosy hotel nestled in the Scottish countryside – and tuck into some fine Scottish grub.
6. Mingle with the stars of Strictly Come Dancing
Dancing is an instant mood booster. And whether you’re in the mood for a classic waltz, romantic foxtrot, or smouldering tango, a dance-themed weekend break is a fantastic way to strut your stuff and have fun.
On a Warner Hotels weekend dance break, you can enjoy dance fit classes in the morning and beginner to advanced lessons in various styles throughout the day. Then, you’ll be free to kick off your dance shoes and settle in for some evening entertainment.
If you’re a particular fan of Strictly Come Dancing, Warner Hotel’s Strictly Come Dancing Weekend Experience could be your ideal break.
On this immersive Strictly experience, you’ll get to meet and mingle with the show’s professionals, learn the steps of your favourite dances, enjoy show-stopping performances, and go behind the scenes of the show.
7. Enter relaxation mode on a spa break or wellness retreat
If you’d rather leave jam-packed itineraries at the door and kick back into relaxation mode instead, then a spa break or wellness retreat could be just the ticket.
We all need a bit of all-out pampering once in a while, and on a spa break or wellness retreat, you can soak up tantalising treatments, magical massages, indulgent Jacuzzi sessions, and soothing saunas.
Warner Leisure Hotels offers a range of spa and wellness packages with experts who are on hand to deliver top-quality treatments. In between treatments, why not enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool, book a calming yoga session, or treat yourself to an expert manicure?
A range of other relaxing treats are included too – from decadent breakfasts to champagne afternoon teas, all set among beautiful surroundings.
Final thoughts…
From gin-tasting festivals to history tours and steam train experiences, there’s a whole range of unusual weekend breaks to enjoy in the UK.
For further reading, head over to the travel section of our website. Here, you’ll find everything from days out in the UK to long-haul travel adventures.
What travel plans have you got this year? Have any of the weekend breaks on our list sparked your interest? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.