Published: 17 April 2025
You don’t need a passport to make it a memorable trip. There are so many incredible places right here at home. Easy to reach, fun to explore and ideal for a stress-free weekend with your crew. Whether you're craving culture, nature or just a good pub with a view, these ideas keep it simple (and close).
1. Explore a new city together
From Manchester to Bath, Bristol, Liverpool or Edinburgh – the UK is full of great cities that are perfect for a friends' weekend. Spend your day sightseeing, discovering street food spots or shopping in independent stores. In the evening, settle in for dinner, cocktails or maybe a show. Want something a bit off the radar? Try York for medieval charm, Brighton for a mix of seaside and nightlife, or Cardiff for a proper friendly vibe. Bonus: no long journeys, no currency exchange, no stress.
2. Reconnect in the countryside
Sometimes all you need is fresh air and a few good mates. Book a lodge or countryside hotel in the Lake District, Peak District, Cotswolds or Snowdonia and enjoy long walks, pub lunches and evenings by the fire. Whether you’re hiking, cycling or just relaxing in nature, it’s the perfect way to reset as a group. Many places offer group rooms or self-catering cottages, ideal for board games, shared meals and (let’s be honest) a late-night wine and gossip session.
3. Catch the sea breeze on the coast
Beach, please? The UK coast is full of hidden gems for a weekend with friends. Think Whitstable, St Ives, Northumberland, Tenby or Bournemouth. Spend the day walking along the water, enjoying fresh seafood or sitting wrapped in a blanket with coffee (or a beer) by the sea. Spring might be too chilly for a swim, but the sea air does wonders. Choose a hotel near the beach or rent a cottage and enjoy slow mornings, fish and chips, and golden hour walks with your best people.
Spring is the sweet spot for a city break abroad. Either for that girls trip or that getaway with the boys. Fewer crowds, decent prices and perfect weather for sightseeing. Fly to Lisbon for pastel de nata and golden rooftops. Go to Barcelona for beach vibes and tapas. Or choose Budapest for beautiful views, budget-friendly food and a soak in one of its famous thermal baths.
Prefer something with less travel time? Dublin, Amsterdam or Edinburgh are easy to reach from most UK airports and give you that proper holiday feeling in just a few hours. Whether you want a party weekend, a foodie trip or a mix of sightseeing and relaxing, you’ll find a destination that suits your group.
Whatever destination you choose, at Hotelgiftcard you will find the ideal accommodation for your stay!
Whether you’re travelling with four friends or ten, Hotelgiftcard makes it easy to book a hotel or holiday stay that fits your plans. From city centre buzz to countryside calm or seaside chill, you choose where to stay and when. Book it for yourself, or gift it to your favourite travel buddy. Either way, it’s the perfect excuse to get the group chat going and start planning your next adventure.
Hotelgiftcard is the hotel voucher and perfect travel gift in the UK. Recipients can choose from over 600,000 accommodations worldwide. Perfect for hotels, bed and breakfasts, or holiday parks, this gift card offers flexibility and unforgettable experiences.