10 Great UK Hotel Breaks this Autumn
The start of Autumn can be a pretty depressing time of year. The evenings begin to draw in, there is a definite chill in the air, and that two week break in the sun is soon just a distant memory as you settle back into the daily grind of work.
Sound familiar? If so, a short hotel break in the UK may be just what you need to beat the end of Summer blues, while providing a fantastic opportunity to see Britain’s Autumnal beauty in all its glory.
Crucially it’s becoming easier and cheaper to explore the UK, especially outside the peak Summer season. Hotel chains have become increasingly aware of the need to fill their rooms all year round, and many are now working with external companies offering promotions and discounts to ensure maximum occupancy.
Companies like Show & Stay, for example, offer packages that combine hotel accommodation with entry to theatre shows and sightseeing tours at discounted prices. Membership programmes like the 241 Hotel Club meanwhile, offer guests 2 nights for the price of 1 at over 300 hotels across the UK and Ireland. Membership is £29.99 for 12 months, and considering hotel prices in London can easily exceed £200 per night, it should more than pay for itself over the course of a year.
241 Hotel Club member Sandra Burke says the discounts available can be huge, especially as the membership can be used to book multiple rooms. She said:
‘We stayed in a 4* hotel in Mayfair and booked three double rooms. It saved us £330, as they cost £110 each, and we got the next night free.’
So, with hotel stays in the UK becoming increasingly affordable, here are 10 great cheap hotel breaks to put the smile back on your face this Autumn.
1. Holiday Inn, Edinburgh
Swimming pool, Holiday Inn, Edinburgh
The beautiful and historic city of Edinburgh is a fantastic place to take a short break. Steeped in history, but with a thriving and modern cultural scene, the city offers a fantastic mix of the traditional and the contemporary. Whether you’re looking to take in the majesty of Edinburgh Castle, explore the medieval Old Town, take an exhilarating walk over the Pentland Hills or enjoy the many bars, shops and shows on offer in the city centre, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. As with any capital city, staying in Edinburgh can be pricey, but the hotels such as Edinburgh’s Holiday Inn will help cut down the cost of accommodation and allow you to save your money for enjoying the city.
2. Cedars Inn, Barnstaple
Cedars Inn began life as a Victorian country house, and is set within three acres of beautifully landscaped gardens on the outskirts of Barnstaple, with easy access to the North Devon coast. North Devon offers some of the most varied and beautiful landscapes in the UK. From the golden beaches, secluded coves and spectacular cliff-tops on the coast, to the lush rolling hills of Exmoor, nature lovers will be in their element. Plus, you’ll also find a great range of restaurants, as well as the famous Devonshire cream teas!
3. Beverley Arms, York
Beverley Minister, York
The medieval village of Beverley is a picturesque and historic location that makes a great starting point for exploring the Yorkshire Dales. The Beverley Arms Hotel sits opposite the beautiful St Mary’s Church, and there’s plenty to do nearby including the historic Beverley Minister, Fort Paull, the Hornsea Museum, and Cruckley Farm. The main attraction however, is the 680 square miles of breathtaking English countryside known as the Yorkshire Dales. With flower-filled meadows, fells, heather moors, woodland, stone barns, dry-stone walls and an abundance of waterfalls, visitors gain an amazing insight into the English countryside of old.
4. Mollington Banastre Hotel, Cheshire
The Mollington Banastre Hotel is a delightful 4 Star country hotel situated just 2 miles away from Chester in the village of Mollington. The village provides a great base from which to explore the countryside and Chester itself, with the Grosvenor Museum close by, along with the Blue Planet Aquarium, Chester Racecourse, Tatton Park, Chester Zoo and Chester Cathedral. The hotel began life in 1853 as a beautifully crafted Manor House, and boasts picturesque grounds along with a great range of facilities including an indoor swimming pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, well equipped gym and spa.
5. Crowne Plaza, Dublin Northwood
Ha'penny Bridge, Dublin
Dublin is a fantastic place to take a short break or enjoy a long weekend. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the excitement of the city centre or to explore the beautiful countryside, there is a hotel to suit your needs. For those who’d prefer to stay outside the hustle and bustle of the city centre, the award-winning Northwood Hotel, set in 85 acres of woodland is the place to stay. Despite its peaceful atmosphere, the hotel is just 3.5 miles away from the city centre, allowing guests easy access to Dublin’s many sights and attractions.
6. Riverside Hotel, Burton-Upon-Trent
Situated in the village of Branston on the banks of the River Trent, The Riverside Hotel has its own private island, coarse fishing rights and moorings. Surrounded by the huge National Forest, the hotel is a great starting point to explore an area of extraordinary natural beauty. Plus, with Alton Towers just 25 miles away, and Twycross Zoo nearby, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained.
7. Holiday Inn, Mayfair, London
Hotel Lobby, Holiday Inn, Mayfair
London remains a fascinating and vibrant destination for a long weekend or short stay, with a huge range of cultural attractions on offer. Staying in London can be very expensive however, so finding somewhere that is both central and affordable is key in choosing a hotel. The Holiday Inn chain can prove to be a great option in city centres for those on a budget, and their hotel in the heart of Mayfair is no exception. Located on the corner of Piccadilly and Berkeley Street, it provides a perfect starting point for exploring the city, with the famous shopping districts of Bond Street and Regent Street nearby. The many clubs, shows and night spots of the West End are also close by, and the area is well served by transport links, making it easy to explore further a-field.
8. Crown Plaza, Marlow
A charming, historic town set on the banks of the River Thames, surrounded by beautiful countryside and within easy reach of Oxford, Windsor and Henley-on-Thames. There are enjoyable walks to be found around the town, with the All Saints parish church being a particular highlight, and with London only 20 miles away, there’s plenty to keep the whole family occupied. The hotel itself is very modern, with wi-fi accessand an indoor swimming pool, and its lakeside location allows guests to try a range of water sports.
9. Old Ferryboat, St. Ives
Ely Cathedral, Cambridge
Ely Cathedral, Cambridge
The Old Ferryboat Hotel in St. Ives has a claim to being the oldest inn in the UK, with documents showing that alcohol has been served there since 560 AD. Nearby Ely is full of areas of historical significance – the tourist information centre used to be Oliver Cromwell’s house – and houses one of Britain’s most beautiful cathedrals. There’s also plenty for walkers to enjoy, with the East Cambridge Fens and Jubilee Gardens close by.
10. Redwood Hotel, Bristol
Sometimes it’s nice to be able to get away for a weekend without feeling obliged to visit nearby attractions, where you can spend your time relaxing by the pool or I the sauna. The Redwood Hotel and Country Club near Bristol is set within 16 acres of woodland countryside and offers an extensive range of leisure facilities including 3 swimming pools, 6 steam rooms & saunas, 5 tennis courts, a cinema and a state of the art gym – perfect for a weekend of pampering and relaxation. The hotel building itself dates from 1890, and is known for its relaxed atmosphere and picturesque location. Bristol city centre is just a ten minute drive away, and the beautiful and historic city of Bath is also within reach.
