You really don’t have to go far to enjoy a luxury family holiday, a magical mini-moon, or a memorable weekend break with your loved ones. So as a source of inspiration for your next getaway, here are 17 of the best mini break ideas in the UK. Starting at our charming home in the Cotswolds of course. Our family has been carefully landscaping this reserve since 1980 and 44,000 trees, plants and flowers later and we’re proud to say that we’ve had the unique privilege to watch the reserve develop, grow and flourish over the decades. So much has changed. But one thing’s for certain and will never change. And that’s the unpredictable British weather! There are no guarantees for sunshine here in the UK but come wind, rain or shine, beautiful Britain is still home to some of the most spectacular natural landscapes and historical sites in the world.
1. Cotswold Log Cabin
The first mini break idea we have to share with you is right here on our doorstep! A luxury log cabin with log fire, panoramic views and water’s edge hot tub set on our private lake is just the ticket if you want the perfect mix of incredible nature and relaxation. It doesn’t get more luxurious than that and because they’ve been built using Baltic pine logs from Finland, our log cabins are authentic so they will keep you nice and toasty in the winter time whilst remaining cool and airy in the summer heat. With just 8 log cabins carefully hidden away on private spots around our 130 acre reserve, you’ll get complete seclusion and privacy during your stay. And did we mention that you’ll have your own private pier and rowing boat too?
2. Norfolk Broads Boating Holiday
Another stunning area in the UK that deserves a mention is the Norfolk Broads. As residents of the Cotswold Lakes, we’re big fans of England’s waterways and the best way to experience the waters is to travel by canal boat. Barge holidays offer something completely different, and modern narrow boats can accommodate anywhere from 2-4 people to 8-10 people. So you can plan an intimate, romantic getaway or a big group adventure.
3. English Riviera Beach Break
If you want to experience the magic of the Cote D’Azur right here in the UK, Devon is a great beach destination and if you hit it lucky with the hot summer weather, it can even rival that of the Med! The well known area of Torbay – comprising of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham – forms a wonderful coastal gem known to many as the ‘English Riviera’ with gold sand beaches, a UNESCO Global Geopark, countless attractions and walking trails, plenty of days out for the whole family, and great nightlife plus some top Michelin starred restaurants in the wider Devon area. With cabbage trees lining the coastline for that tropical palm-fringed feel, you’ll feel like you’ve jetted off to a whole different Riviera altogether. The two most notable beaches are Babbacombe and Oddicombe and both are great for surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking and other water sports.
4. Tipi Camping in Yorkshire
Glamping is the more ‘glamorous’ way to camp for those who still want their creature comforts and one of the most popular glamping activities is to spend a few nights inside an authentic tipi. There are several tipi campsites in the Yorkshire Dales as well as the wider Yorkshire county including camps either side of Harrogate, camps in the North York Moors, and also dotted along the Yorkshire and Humber coast. Tipis or yurts come with beds and even basic furniture in some cases and most campsites will even come fully inclusive with your own private BBQ area and communal showers / facilities.
5. Paddle Boarding Holiday
Paddle boarding holidays are our favourite kind of holidays. This up and coming water sport has been the latest fitness craze for celebs everywhere including the likes of Ben Stiller, Gerard Butler and Matt Damon to Cameron Diaz and Eva Longoria, and even famous surfers such as Laird Hamilton plus footballer Peter Crouch. Not only is it a fantastic core workout but it’s also a great way to explore the water and you can enjoy exciting paddle boarding mini breaks in Cornwall, Devon, Brighton Beach or Blackpool Wake Park. If you want calm waters with unbeatable wildlife and total seclusion, you can come and try paddle boarding on our private lake – it’s quiet and the water isn’t choppy so it’s a great place to learn. Additionally, all of our log cabins come with their own private pier and beach so you will have direct access to the water throughout the duration of your stay.
6. Edinburgh Food Tour
The Scottish capital of Edinburgh is one of the most stylish, forward-thinking and cosmopolitan cities in Europe and that makes us proud to be neighbours with Scotland here in the UK. It’s also one of the finest destinations for food and drink lovers, with Michelin starred restaurants to its name, some of the most famous pubs in Britain and a reputation for hosting a pretty decent night out. If you haven’t got many days to spare in Edinburgh, a food tour is definitely recommended and there are various foodie walking tours available. The obvious things to try are of course ‘Haggis, neeps and tatties’, Scottish stovies with sausages, and the local whiskies. If you’re a fish fan, you have to order a Cullen skink and if you’re nursing a hangover, a full Scottish breakfast complete with local black pudding is in order.
7. Cornwall Beach Chalet
When it comes to beach destinations in the UK, Cornwall really is the most luxurious. Do away with the B&Bs and hotels and go private with your accommodation. Opt for self-catering and you could find yourself situated right on the beach front with the most mind-blowing views and most luxurious setting. Home to countless beach huts, beach houses and beach chalets, you’ll get a seriously divine spot on the seafront – often without all the crowds – and the area offers so many outdoor activities too such as amazing ruins and castles, secluded coves and beach walks, nature trails and gardens plus much, much more.
8. Walking in the Lake District
The Lake District is a popular destination for walking holidays and unlike our easy, flat terrain here in the Cotswolds, the Lakes is best known for its uphill climbs and adventurous fell walks. Whilst not always suitable for children, the hilly landscapes and challenging peaks offer amazing adventures for serious walking groups and adrenaline junkies. So if you want to combine charming lakeside views and quaint villages with some physical activity, the Lake District is perfect for a mini break.
9. Dog Training Holiday
Here at Log House Holidays, we’re kid friendly and we’re pup friendly too – everyone’s welcome at our lake! So when it comes to holidaying with your furry friends, our nature reserve is the ideal destination. Dog training holidays are a relatively new trend in the UK and we’re proud to be amongst the few holiday sites offering such a luxury for doting dog owners. Our cosy log cabins are spacious enough for the whole family including your canine friends plus ample room for their beds and toys too, and our 130 acre reserve gives them plenty of ground to run around on and get the daily exercise they need.
10. Shetland Islands
If you’re keen to get off this island for a few nights but don’t have the time or budget to fly far, why not cosy up in a rented cottage out on the Shetland Islands? This subarctic archipelago is located almost halfway between Scotland and Norway so don’t expect hot sticky weather, beaches with sun loungers and ice cream vans or thriving tourist streets. But what you will get is total seclusion from the rest of the world, the most rugged coastlines and quiet sandy beaches or rocky coves all to yourself. This is the perfect place to get it away from it all…
11. Camping / Caravan in the Peak District
There are so many great campsites in the Peak District and it’s such a popular place to go camping for families – the sites are often very well facilitated making it easier to get around with children. Together with the Cotswolds, the Norfolk Broads and the Lake District, Peak District National Park is considered to be one of the most beautiful destinations in England. Both camping and caravanning are superb activities and you’ll be close to major cities such as Manchester, Leeds or Sheffield so can combine it with a Northern city break too.
12. Weekend in London
London is an absolute must if it’s your first time in England but just as fun for UK residents. The incredible capital is less than 2 hours by train if you travel from nearby Kemble Station to London Paddington, so it’s perfect for a day trip from Log House Holidays if you don’t want to spend the whole weekend there. It’s a great place to sightsee and an even better place to shop; head to Oxford Street for your favourite department stores, Carnaby Street for amazing fashion or head to Brick Lane, Camden Locke or Portobello Road for vintage and antiques. Don’t miss the London Eye, the Shard, St Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Natural History Museum and Trafalgar Square.
13. Hire a Castle in Scotland
One of the most spectacular ways to experience Scotland’s rich heritage is to hire a castle or country manor. Whilst some people rent a castle for their wedding day, others see it as the perfect opportunity to organise a big family gathering, an important celebration with friends, or just a romantic break for two. If you’re looking for a mini break idea to splash the cash and really indulge, this is it! Scottish castles often available for private hire include Aldourie Castle, Scone Palace, Dalnaglar Castle, Pitcastle, Glenborrodale Castle, Blairquhan Castle, Forter Castle, Boturich Castle and Kincardine Castle.
14. Northern Lights Holiday
When you think of Northern Lights holidays, you may think of Norway, Finland, Sweden, Iceland or even Canada. But a little closer to home, it’s still possible to catch this stunning light phenomenon in areas of Scotland. In fact, it’s all about timing – get your timing right and it’s possible to see the Aurora Borealis annually. Some of the best places to see the lights include Thurso, Wick, Ullapool, Elgin, Inverness and the village of John o’ Groats.
15. Surfing Holiday in Wales
You don’t have to jet off to Indonesia’s Bali or Australia’s Gold Coast to enjoy a spot of surfing. Wales attracts its fair share of beach bums each year and some of the best surfing beaches in Wales include Llantwit Major Beach in Glamorgan, Manorbier or Newgale in Pembrokeshire, Langland Bay in Gower and Hells Mouth on the Llyn Peninsula.
16. Summer in Portmeirion
This charming tourist village in Gwynedd, North Wales definitely deserves a mention due to its very unique architecture and colourful buildings. Portmeirion is an Italian-style village which has served as a location for various films and TV shows and it is often said that in the summer, it very much resembles a small town or village in beautiful Italy. So you can get a taste of Europe without ever having to leave the UK and the area offers much to do such as hiking trails and mountain biking, food foraging tours, castles and seaside towns.
17. Luxury Spa Break
For couples really looking to wind down or for the perfect girls weekend away, a spa weekend is just the ticket. From famous spa towns such as Harrogate, Bath, Leamington Spa, Droitwich Spa or nearby Cheltenham to big cities with lavish spa hotels, there’s so much choice here in the UK. We also offer a special spa package with organic spa treatments by ‘Glo’ right here at our lake reserve; and treatments can be carried out in the privacy of your own private log cabin for single treatments, couples or for groups. To find out more about booking your stay with us here in the Cotswolds, take a look at our 8 secluded log cabins online.
