How to Book a UK Holiday on a Budget
Saving money doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on a great holiday and our guide on how...
by Maia Noden / Travel Tips
Girls’ weekends away in the UK are more popular than ever! With this in mind, we know you’re likely on the hunt for the perfect getaway for you and your besties.
The data speaks volumes: our 2025 Staycation Index found that 28% of millennials would rather holiday with friends, while searches for “girls’ weekend away UK” also jumped by 40% year-on-year, showing just how in demand these breaks really are.
We’re here to help you find the perfect girly getaway! Whether you’re after a tranquil countryside retreat or a lively city escape, there’s a wealth of fabulous options to choose from.
If it’s your turn to get the WhatsApp group talking, here are 10 of the best UK destinations for a memorable girls’ weekend away in 2026…
Perfect for: Exploring, culture, and relaxing.
First on our list of girls’ weekend away ideas is the beautiful Somerset city of Bath! Bath’s Roman ruins, elegant tea rooms, and honey-coloured buildings, plus the amazing Thermae Bath Spa, make it feel like you’ve stepped into a Jane Austen novel.
Bath has a lot to see, yet the city centre is small enough to squeeze into a weekend, making it one of the best places in the UK for a short break too! Discover the city’s most famous attractions, including the historic Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and Pulteney Bridge, as well as the fascinating Jane Austen Centre.
You can even head out on a dreamy Bridgerton filming-locations walking tour or enjoy the picturesque Bath Skyline Walk to see the city at its best.
Use our Cotswolds Travel Guide to discover even more inspiration for your girls’ trip!
Perfect for: History, pubs and restaurants.
With its cobbled alleys dating back to the Middle Ages, hidden passageways, and world-famous castle, Edinburgh is an undeniably charming hot spot for a girly weekend away.
The list of things to do in Edinburgh seems to never end with its exquisite dining options and historic attractions. Admire the incredible architecture on the Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Park. Discover life in the medieval period by taking a little walk down one of the narrow hidden alleys.
If you and the girls love Harry Potter facts, don’t miss out on Victoria Street, which is supposed to have inspired J. K. Rowling’s Diagon Alley and is dotted with eccentric little stores and cafés. Getting lost in this city’s history is why it is one of the best places to go for a long weekend.
Make sure you visit the best Edinburgh restaurants with your girls to get the most out of the culinary delights on offer. And use our Edinburgh Travel Guide to plan your entire girls weekend away all in one place!
Perfect for: Nightlife, shopping and food.
It’s time to pack up your hair rollers and get your best sparkly outfit ready because Liverpool is one of the best cities to be with your girlfriends! It’s the perfect place to let your hair down and celebrate in style.
The Royal Albert Dock is a cultural hotspot in the city and the perfect place to book a table for some good food and drinks. Enjoy the beauty of the Mersey just a short walk away from vibrant nightlife – of which there is plenty.
Take your pick from the lively bars of Concert Square, step into musical history at the Cavern Quarter, or head to the Baltic Triangle for edgy nights at industrial food markets. Enjoy a spot of retail therapy in Liverpool ONE, then refuel with some delicious food at one of its many restaurants and cafés.
One of the best things about Liverpool is the fact you can walk into the city and decide what you want to do on the spot. And, of course, the warm hospitality that elevates the vibe of this cool North West hot spot for the perfect girly weekend away.
Perfect for: Culture, attractions and restaurants.
Famed for its charming, cobbled streets and historical buildings, York is the perfect getaway for a girls’ weekend away in the UK.
While York is ideal for every occasion, it is one of the greatest cities in the UK for spending time with your girls. Not only is it stunning and ideal for sightseeing, but it also boasts a stunning selection of speciality gin bars, afternoon teas, and restaurants serving everything from local to international cuisine.
The city of York is full of exciting attractions, offering a myriad of museums, a racecourse, and ancient walls where you can find fantastic restaurants and shops. Rainy days are perfect for trying out the best cocktail bars for a bottomless brunch, or browsing the shops in The Shambles, known for its resemblance to Diagon Alley in Harry Potter!
Above all, York has a great vibe that makes it ideal for girly weekends away. City living might be scary, but York is a location where you can enjoy yourself and feel safe walking about at night and is one of the best places to go for a long weekend.
Discover even more treats and activities with our York Travel Guide.
Perfect for: Partying, culture and activities.
For a girls’ weekend away in the UK that combines cultural exploration and culinary delights with vibrant nightlife, Cardiff is the place to go! You’ll never run out of things to do in the exciting Welsh capital.
Firstly, the locals in Cardiff know how to throw a good party, and there is a big choice of dining options to try out during your UK ladies’ weekend getaway. Visit the Wales Millennium Centre to immerse yourself in Cardiff’s culture even more; it’s a hive of artistic activity that hosts a wide variety of performances. After that, take a stroll down Cardiff Bay, where a wide variety of dining, pubs and clubs can be found.
If you’re craving the coast during your girly getaway then you’re in luck as Cardiff has a direct train to Barry where you can bask on the golden shores of Barry Island beach before exploring some Gavin and Stacey filming locations.
Our Wales Travel Guide is the perfect place to discover more things to do on your girls’ trip away.
Perfect for: Restaurants, chilling and spas.
Chester is the ideal destination for a stylish girly weekend away. Those who live in the country will love the quaintness of this small city with its intriguing shops, spas, and restaurants. It’s also a great weekend escape for those who live in major cities and need to unwind.
Its allure and distinct ambience make it a popular short-break destination where you can view the renowned Roman walls, mediaeval amphitheatre, Elizabethan timber-framed palaces and cutting-edge architecture.
There are many things to see and do in Chester, including the iconic Chester Cathedral, Chester Racecourse, and Chester Zoo. Iced matcha lattes, acia bowls, and all good vibes is where it’s at if you head to The Acia Grove. A must-stop for the wellness-loving girlies coming to Chester.
Carden Park Spa is a must if you want to treat yourself to a luxury experience with all the bells and whistles! And if you need to indulge in some retail therapy, make sure to head to the fabulous Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet!
Once you’ve been pampered, venture over to one of the many stunning Chester restaurants! We recommend Artezzan Restaurant and Bar, Opera Grill, and The Forge. Be sure to stop by The Chester Grosvenor, where elegant afternoon tea meets five-star service. This makes the perfect spot to toast to your weekend in style.
Our Chester Travel Guide offers the perfect way to plan your girls’ night away!
Perfect for: Exploring, fun and Guinness!
As one of the best girls weekend away destinations in Northern Ireland, Belfast is full of things to do that are easy to get to by foot or bike.
The city is filled with bars where you can enjoy pool, karaoke, arcade games, and cabarets that combine local food with live comedy. This, along with so much food, shopping and Guinness, Belfast is one of the most fun destinations to visit with your friends!
Make your way to the Cathedral Quarter, where lively streets are home to a number of warm taverns and restaurants that you can try. Alternately, head to St. George’s Market, a Victorian market with a wide variety of food vendors, live entertainment, and more.
Browse around our Northern Ireland Travel Guide to find even more things to do!
Perfect for: Countryside, pubs and tranquillity.
If your girls group prefer lakeside views and pub lunches over bustling cities and cocktails, Bowness-on-Windermere is a dreamy choice for a girls weekend away in the UK.
Set on the easten shore of Lake Windermere, this charming town is all about slow mornings, scenic strolls, and laid-back evenings. Start your day with a cofffee at The Pump House before heading to Brant Fell Viewpoint for pretty views over the lake – a must for your camera roll. Fancy something more lively? Boaters Bar is the place to be at the weekend, offering live music, comedy nights, and tasty pizza right by the water.
You’ll find ample welcoming pubs to wander between, or head to the Boardwalk Bar & Grill for a spot of food with a wonderful lake view. If cosy nights are you thing, be sure to catch a show at the Royatly Cinema, before heading home for a chilled evening in.
If you’re up for a bit of adventure, the Windermere Outdoor Adventure Centre offers paddleboarding, canering and kayaking, perfect for a splash-tastic afternoon. Or if you’d rather relax, hop on a lake cruise from Bowness-on-Windermere itself and enjoy stunning exploration from the water. Large group? Private boat hire is available too.
Make Bowness-on-Windermere you next getaway destination if you’re hoping for tranquil walks, lakeside views, and cosy pub vibes.
Be sure to explore this marvellous Bowness-on-Windermere Travel Guide, where you can discover even more exciting adventures.
Perfect for: Beaches, strolls and surfing.
Sun, sea and sandy toes! If you’re after the ultimate coastal escape, Newquay is one of the best girls’ weekend destinations in the UK.
Home to some of the best beaches in the UK, including Fistral, Porth, and Great Western, there’s always a new spot to explore or a fresh place to roll out your towel. For a proper seaside experience, tuck into fish and chips along the seafront, or treat yourselves to a luxury seafood lunch at The Fish House Fistral – the views are just as good as the food!
Not only are there fantastic beaches to explore, there’s plenty more just on your doorstep. Animal lovers will enjoy a trip to Newquay Zoo and the Blue Reef Aquarium, while Trenance Gardens offers a quaint strolls. Feeling competitive? Grab a racket and book out a court for a quick match of tennis in the sun.
Newquay’s town centre is filled with stylish cafes and independent shops. Start your morning at Box & Barber for a coffee with a Scandi feel, or enjoy something sweet at House of Glass Cafe.
In the evenings, head to Lusty Glaze Beach for live music and drinks by the shore. And if your group’s up for a splash, the Newquay Waters-ports Centre is a fun way to spend the morning out on paddleboards, kayaks, and even more.
Book Newquay for your next girls weekend getaway if you’re craving beach days, seafood dinners, and plenty of sandy fun.
Take a little look through this Newquay Travel Guide for even more ideas on what to do during your stay here.
Perfect for: Rivers, architecture, and walks.
If your idea of the perfect girls’ weekend away involves soothing scenery, soul-soothing strolls and spa-style relaxation, then Bourton-on-the-Water is calling your name.
Often described as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, this picture-perfect village is a haven for self-care queens looking to unplug and unwind. Think gentle riverside walks, charming stone cottages, and cafés that serve afternoon tea in the prettiest setting imagineable.
Start your day with a calming walk along the River Windrush, before treating yourselves to a long, lazy lunch at one of the many tearooms or bistros. Afterwards, explore the local boutqiues and indepedant shops at your own pace.
Whether you’re relaxing in a cosy cottage, enjoying afternoon tea with the girls, or planning a group pamper night with candles and face masks, Bourton-on-the-Water is your blissed-out base to be!
Plan the perfect stay by reading through this Bourton-on-the-Water Travel Guide and finding out all the best adventures in the surrounding area.
Here’s a sneak peek at the fun, laughter and unforgettable moments you can expect during a girls’ weekend away with us…
Data and findings in this article are from the Sykes 2025 Staycation Index, which includes supporting consumer research conducted by OnePoll with 2,000 UK adults in April 2025.
Search volume data was gathered from SEMrush using a comparison between January 2025 and January 2026.
Are you ready for the best girls’ weekend away? Find the perfect place to stay by browsing the top UK holiday destinations for 2026, inspired by UK cottages. Already booked on? Use our travel guide as a starting point for your trip.
by Maia Noden / Travel Tips
Hi! I'm Maia, and I have been working in UK travel since January 2024. I’m originally from Chester, and I studied Journalism at ...
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