30 amazing weekend breaks to extend the British summer

Ah, the long, hot summer of 2018... Officially the hottest on record for England, just edging the temperatures of much-eulogised 1976. But alas, now it’s over; a receding warm memory. The kids are back at school. The suitcases are back in the loft. The precious holiday allowance is all but spent. For pity’s sake, the new season of Strictly Come Dancing has started – it’s already beginning to feel like a lot like Christmas...

But stop! Hang on a minute. True, maybe you’ve already taken your big holiday for the year. But don’t write off the possibility of more travels just yet. There’s plenty of summer-feeling fun still to be had, right on our doorstep. You can still squeeze in little trips that provide big thrills in little more than a weekend. Because the UK is home to a diverse range of activities, experiences and mini-adventures that can rival those found on foreign shores.

For instance, you don’t have to go to France for award-winning fizz or Switzerland for impressive hills, you don’t need to hit Route 66 for a epic-feeling road-trip or fly all the way to Greece to sail between pretty little islands. No, you can do all of those things without leaving the country at all.

And the forecast is looking favourable too. According to the Met Office, autumn appears to be getting off to an excellent start, with high pressure dominating. September, so forecasters say, should bring “more settled weather conditions” and “above-average” temperatures. Plus sea surface temperatures are at “near-record levels” – a quick surf trip to Cornwall, anyone?

So, go and get that suitcase back down. Or at least a decent-size holdall. You’re going to need it...

1. Take tea like you’re in Sri Lanka... in Cornwall

Britain’s first tea plantation stripes the banks of the Fal River at Tregothnan Estate near Truro, where the first Camellia sinensis bushes were planted nearly 20 years ago. Today you can explore the estate’s plantation and expansive gardens on a short tour, take a full-day Tea School or Tea-Growing Masterclass – both concluding with a tasting and Cornish cream tea – or a three-day Tea-Maker’s Masterclass.

A two-night break in Tregothnan’s Shepherd’s Hut (sleeps two) costs from ￡170 (based on an October stay); three nights in Pencreek Cottage (sleeps two) costs from ￡543. Tours ￡65, courses from ￡145. Tregothnan (01872 520000; tregothnan.co.uk).

2. Pilgrimage like you’re in northern Spain... in Northumberland

Instead of jostling with the 300,000-plus peregrinos who tramp the Camino de Santiago annually, enjoy a more serene pilgrimage experience in the footsteps of St Cuthbert on his eponymous long-distance trail to Lindisfarne. Inntravel’s short break follows the last stretch of St Cuthbert’s Way through Northumberland to the monastery founded on Holy Island in the seventh century, and also traces the rugged shoreline past Bamburgh, one of Britain’s largest and most picturesque castles.

A four-night Holy Island & The Northumberland Coast self-guided walk costs from ￡390 including accommodation and luggage transfers. Departures daily until 31 October. Inntravel (01653 617000; inntravel.co.uk).

3. Hike like you’re in Switzerland... in Shropshire

Come September, the high Alps close to hikers, but you can still hike in Alps-ish scenery closer to home. While the Long Mynd isn’t quite the Matterhorn, the area around Church Stretton won its Victorian nickname, ‘Little Switzerland’, thanks to its rugged landscapes and fine walking therein. Celtic Trails’ short self-guided breaks roam the Shropshire Hills AONB, traversing rocky Stiperstones, the scarp of Wenlock Edge and volcanic Stretton Hills, with Caer Caradoc looming to the east and red kites and buzzards soaring overhead.

Two-/three-/four-night packages from ￡210/￡275/￡365, including B&B accommodation, walking maps and route notes. Celtic Trails (01291 689774; celtictrailswalkingholidays.co.uk).

4. Island-hop like you’re in the Ionians... in the Isles of Scilly

White-sand beaches, turquoise waters bustling with seals, lush sub-tropical gardens, sunny days and balmy nights – not a Greek idyll but the Isles of Scilly, Britain’s warmest, most laid-back spot. And with regular boat services chugging between the five inhabited specks of this laid-back archipelago, an island-hopping minibreak is a (mild sea) breeze. Base yourself at Star Castle Hotel near Hughtown on main island St Mary’s, where you can sample the fruits of owner Michael Broadbent’s Holy Vale vineyard – Britain’s most southerly wine producer.

Star Castle Hotel has doubles from ￡249pn (telegraph.co.uk/tt-starcastle). Inter-island fares cost ￡9.50 return (01720 423999; scillyboating.co.uk/services).

5. Hang with hipsters like you’re in NYC... in Manchester

With its red-brick alleys, iron fire escapes and envelope-pushing murals, Manchester’s Northern Quarter is a dead ringer for New York’s hipper districts – no surprise, then, it’s appeared as Brooklyn’s body double in a host of movies. For an alternative city break in a slightly smaller apple, explore the modern history and street art of the Northern Quarter and up-and-coming Ancoats with Skyliner, aka art writer Hayley Flynn, then snag one of the city’s coolest beds at the Cow Hollow Hotel, a converted textile warehouse opened in 2018.

Skyliner tours cost ￡9 (theskyliner.org/tours). Cow Hollow Hotel has doubles from ￡89pn (telegraph.co.uk/tt-cowhollow).

6. Forage like you’re in Umbria... in Gloucestershire

Could you really unearth truffles in Gloucestershire? Perhaps not – but the Forest of Dean’s mellow fruitfulness yields ample bounty on a foraging experience with ‘Carluccio of the Wye Valley’, Raoul van Den Broucke. On a half-day expedition you might find mushrooms, sorrel, bitter cress, pennywort, marsh samphire, edible flowers and other delectable ingredients, returning to the boutique Tudor Farmhouse hotel to taste your harvest in a gourmet lunch.

A weekly half-day group foraging course costs ￡60 including lunch. An overnight package including private foraging course, lunch, dinner and B&B accommodation starts from ￡400 for two. Tudor Farmhouse (telegraph.co.uk/tt-tudorfarmhouse).

7. Drive a campervan like you’re in California... in Northern Ireland

For echoes of California’s classic Pacific Coast highway – surf-pounded cliffs, seals hauled out below – get behind the wheel of a trad VW camper and trace the serpentine Causeway Coast of County Antrim. On the 314km ride (a relaxed weekend’s drive) between Belfast and Derry-Londonderry you’ll motor past white-sand beaches, castles at Carrickfergus and Dunluce, the wildlife haven of Rathlin Island, the gnarled beech avenue dubbed the Dark Hedges and, of course, the basalt geometric marvel that’s the Giant’s Causeway.

Two-berth vans cost from ￡63pn (based on September hire). Bunk Campers (028 90 813057; bunkcampers.com).

8. Trek with llamas like you’re in Peru... in Surrey

Missed out on the Inca Trail? Don your poncho and head to the Surrey Hills AONB. True, Incan ruins and roast guinea pigs are thin on the ground, but you can hike alongside Andean camelids. The llamas at the Merry Harriers, a 16th-century pub in Hambledon, will accompany you on a picnic trek. Not just a beast of burden, they act as wildlife scouts, too, alerting you to creatures including deer and soaring birds of prey (condor sightings not guaranteed...).

Picnic treks cost ￡84pp; a B&B Trek package costs ￡384 for two, including room, halfboard and picnic trek. Merry Harriers (telegraph.co.uk/tt-merryharriers).

9. Kayak like you’re on the Dalmatian coast... in Devon

Paddling the azure waters of the Adriatic is a surefire way of working up an appetite for a beachside feast of fresh-caught fish. Just as it is in Devon. Courtesy of the Cary Arms on Babbacombe Beach, you can replicate the Croatia experience, give or take a Venetian citadel or two. Reel in mackerel for lunch on a morning fishing trip, then explore sea caves and rock arches, watching for dolphins, seals and seabirds, on a guided sea-kayaking geosafari.

A two-night package costs ￡315pp including B&B in a Luxury Sea View Room, a mackerel fishing trip and half-day kayak. Cary Arms (telegraph.co.uk/tt-caryarms).

10. Ride like you’re in Montana... in Wales

Galloping like a cowboy across endless big-sky country? No need to go stateside – head to the Welsh borders. Canter across heather moorlands and lake-dotted hills, past abandoned farmsteads and along ancient stone-lined tracks that afford sweeping views, not of the wild West but of wild Wales: across the Wye Valley, brooding Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons. Free Rein will let you loose with a horse and saddlebags, and book you into cosy inns each night; guided rides are also available.

A three-day Old Drovers self-guided ride costs ￡595pp including B&B accommodation and fully-equipped horse. Departures daily to 14 October. Free Rein (01497 821356; free-rein.co.uk).

11. Safari like you’re in Zambia... in the Cairngorms

The Cairngorms National Park is home to a quarter of the rare and endangered species in the UK; it even has its own Big 5: otter, wildcat, golden eagle, capercaillie, red deer. From Glenlivet Estate you can bounce across hills, burns and open moors looking for these species and more with expert guides. Deer Rut Safaris (available 23 September-14 October) are especially dramatic, and include a walk in Glen Suie, where the stags like to strut, lock antlers and bellow.

A 3.5-hour Land Rover safari costs ￡39/￡29 adult/child. Glenlivet’s Corrie cottage costs from ￡189 for two nights (sleeps 4). Glenlivet Wildlife (01807 590241; glenlivet-wildlife.co.uk).

12. Spa like you’re in Thailand... in the New Forest

Be pampered Bangkok-style in Brockenhurst: the luxe Thai-inspired SenSpa at Carys Manor is a brief escape to more exotic environs. As well as whirlpools and steam rooms, there’s an extensive hydrotherapy area with a laconium, tepidarium, herbal sauna, crystal steam room and ice room. Various mind and body classes are held in the Thai Temple studio while Thai-trained therapists offer a range of massages, wraps and rituals. Nourishment can be found at the bamboo-roofed Zen Garden Spa Restaurant.

A two-night Zen Spa Escape Break costs from ￡420pp, including some meals, use of spa and two treatments per person. Carys Manor (telegraph.co.uk/tt-careysmanor).

13. Cruise like you’re on the Canal du Midi... in Berkshire

With historic riverside villages and the turrets of Windsor Castle looming over its banks, the Thames does a passable impression of the Canal du Midi. Hire a river cruiser at Chertsey from Le Boat and steer your bateau around its meanders to Henley over a French-style fluvial long weekend, perhaps nipping ashore at Bray to savour three-Michelin-starred French cuisine at Alain Roux’s Waterside Inn (waterside-inn.co.uk).

Three nights’ weekend hire of a Tango boat (sleeps six) costs from ￡534 in October, including a boat-handling demo, technical support, on-board cruising information and locks fee. Le Boat (023 9280 1125; leboat.co.uk).

14. Cycle like you’re in the Tour de France... in northern England

Squeeze the UK’s classic road cycle into a weekend. The well-signed 225km C2C links Irish Sea and North Sea via quiet country lanes and the dramatic landscapes of the Lake District, Cumbria and the North Pennines. It might not have Le Tour’s Mont Ventoux, but 580m Hartside Pass is a decent challenge – and is also home to Britain’s highest cafe, where you’re rewarded with cake and views into southern Scotland.

A three-day self-guided Coast to Coast trip costs from ￡295pp including two days of cycling, accommodation, transfers and emergency back-up; longer options available. Saddle Skeddadle (0191 2651110; skedaddle.co.uk).

15. Cruise canals like you’re in Venice... in Birmingham

OK, Brum isn’t quite like La Serenissima. But it does have more canals, and following them offers an equally good insight into the city’s history. From Tardebigge on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, it’s a five-hour, lock-free cruise into Birmingham’s centre. Use your boat as a hotel, mooring at Gas Street Basin, or pootle along some of the 100 navigable miles of urban waterways. For an extra Venetian hit, check out the Canalettos in the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.

A three-night break aboard a two-berth narrow boat costs from ￡544, based on October hire. Drifters (0344 984 0322; drifters.co.uk; canalrivertrust.org.uk).

16. Sleep out like you’re in Central America... in Jersey

The whoop of howler monkeys, the nut-scuffle of squirrels and some of the planet’s most endangered species just beyond the tent flaps... The canvas camp at Jersey’s Durrell Wildlife Park offers an intimate encounter with a range of creatures. The camp comprises a cluster of domed pods, all cosy with luxe linens and woodburners, all with little kitchens and private terraces. A stay includes unlimited day access to the conservation-focused park, with its meerkats and gorillas; for further insight, be a ‘Keeper for a Day’ (￡300).

A three-night stay in a pod (sleeps two adults, two children) costs from ￡480. Durrell Wildlife Camp (telegraph.co.uk/tt-durrellwildlife).

17. Sip like you’re in Champagne... in Kent

South-east England, with its chalky soil and coolish climate, has much in common with France’s famed fizz region – not least, of late, lauded sparkling wines. In 2018, seven of Kent’s top producers formed the Wine Garden of England collective to highlight the region’s expertise. For a wine-y weekend, it suggests staying in Tunbridge Wells and taking a Land Rover tour of historic Squerryes Vineyard, sampling award-winning Balfour Brut Rosé at Hush Heath Winery, lunching at the Goudhurst Inn, then meeting winemakers at Biddenden, Kent’s original commercial vineyard.

For itineraries see Wine Garden of England (winegardenofengland.co.uk). Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells has doubles from ￡104pn (telegraph.co.uk/tt-hoteldvtunbridge).

18. Raft like you’re on the Zambezi... in Snowdonia

There are no crocs or hippos in the Tryweryn but this ebullient river in Snowdonia National Park is gnarly enough to satisfy any whitewater seeker – and you might see otters and birds. Raft trips run the dam-released river’s Grade II-IV rapids year-round; some extra boulders and obstacles have even been submerged to up the eddies. Combine a day’s raft riding with a day’s canyoning – a mix of gorge scrambling, rock sliding, cliff leaping and pool plunging – to up the ante.

A one-night Rafting & Canyoning break costs ￡167pp including accommodation and activities. National White Water Centre (01678 521083; nationalwhitewatercentre.co.uk).

19. Be hip like you’re in Portland... in Bristol

Sitting on the west coast, independently minded and thrustingly creative, with thriving music and local-organic-ethical food scenes, an edgy underground and a love of bicycles, Bristol is arguably the UK’s Portland. For a hipster weekend, base yourself in Bristol’s Creative Quarter in an achingly cool paint factory-turned-urban loft and investigate the city’s craft brewing scene – take a walking tour between breweries or sign up for a crash course to learn how to make your own.

One-day beer courses from ￡120pp (07837 976871; bristolbreweryschool.co.uk). Tasting tours ￡25 (bristolhoppers.co.uk). Paintworks Apartments cost from ￡252 for two nights (telegraph.co.uk/tt-paintworksapartments).

20. Retreat to a lake cabin like you’re in Canada... in Essex

Such serenity, such wilderness-living – but just 40 minutes from London. The Raft at Chigborough, a two-storey wood cabin floating on a small, private lake, offers a soup?on of Davy Crockett. It’s rustic-chic, with solar power, a fire pit and barbecue, a telescope and a mezzanine sleeping area with fine views. It also has its own rowing boat, which you can use to fish for trout or to paddle across to a wood-fired hottub. For more intrepid voyages, walk to the nearby Blackwater Estuary to hire a dinghy or canoe.

The Raft at Chigborough (sleeps 2) costs from ￡195pn (0117 204 7830; canopyandstars.co.uk).

21. Spot island wildlife like you’re in the Galápagos... in Pembrokeshire

The islands of Skomer, Skokholm and Grassholm are a little like a Welsh Galápagos. This rugged trio of tiny, uninhabited outcrops is home to southern Britain’s largest puffin colony, the world’s largest concentration of manx-shearwaters, a gannet colony numbering more than 39,000 pairs, numerous migrant birds, plus grey seals, dolphins and porpoises. Trips in a nippy, manoeuvrable RIB link all three, getting up close to the animal action.

A two-hour Pembrokeshire Islands Safari costs ￡45/25 adult/child. Departures 10.30am, 1.00pm, 3.30pm daily until 30 September (01646 603123; pembrokeshire-islands.co.uk). Nearby Slebech Park, in Haverfordwest, has doubles from ￡95pn (telegraph.co.uk/tt-slebechpark).

22. Surf like you’re in Hawaii... in Cornwall

As Hawaii is surf capital of the world, Newquay is surf capital of the UK. As well as a lively après-surf scene, the town has wide, dune-backed Fistral Beach which, with its exposure to Atlantic swells and excellent facilities, is one of the best and most consistent surf beaches in the country. It suits surfers of all sorts: novices can take lessons at the Fistral Beach Surf School while pros can head to Fistral’s north end to ride the legendary big waves of the Cribbar.

A two-hour surf lesson costs ￡35pp including equipment (01637 850737; fistralbeachsurfschool.co.uk). Fistral Beach Hotel has doubles from ￡99pn (?telegraph.co.uk/tt-fistralbeach?).

23. Overland like you’re on a European tour... in northern England

The travel-hungry but time-poor can squeeze a month’s worth of sites – not to mention two countries – into just five days on an efficient whirl around the UK’s borderlands. Starting from Edinburgh, Rabbie’s 16-seater mini-bus trip ticks off Alnwick Castle, York Minster, Robin Hood’s Bay, the Yorkshire Dales, Lake Windermere and Hadrian’s Wall. You also get a driver-guide full of stories and the benefits of on-the-road in-bus camaraderie. A good choice for solo travellers.

A five-day York, the Dales, Lake District & Hadrian’s Wall tour costs from ￡269 excluding accommodation. Departures every Monday until 29 October. Rabbies (0131 226 3133; rabbies.com).

24. Do yoga like you’re in Kerala... in Anglesey

Anglesey in autumn isn’t as tropical as southern India, but Plas Cadnant’s smart, oak-beamed, purpose-built yoga studio does at least have underfloor heating. The estate is also gloriously green, with its winding river, waterfalls, meadows and mature woodland, providing a nurturing backdrop for meditation, walks, healthy eating and twice-daily Hatha and Ashtanga-inspired yoga. Some retreats also include wild swims, and the local ‘backwaters’ – from forest waterfalls to mountain lakes – are especially invigorating.

A Yoga & Wild Swimming Weekend costs from ￡425pp including accommodation, meals and activities. Dates 21-23 September, 28 September-1 October. The Zest Life (07989 512859; thezestlife.co.uk).

25. Sail like you’re on a Turkish gulet... in Norfolk

There’s little so romantic as exploring pretty waterways by traditional sailboat. There aren’t many yachts available for overnight hire on the Norfolk Broads these days, but the Dawn Wind is one: a Bermudan-rigged 27-foot sloop (sleeps two/four), on which you can explore the reed beds and windmills under sail. She’s easy to handle, but tuition is available if you need a helping hand. Once ready, haul anchor in Upton on the River Bure, and head for bird-flocked Ranworth and Hickling Broads.

A three-night break on the Dawn Wind costs ￡606 (based on October hire). Tuition ￡25 per hour. Waterways Holidays (01252 796400; waterwaysholidays.com).

26. Watch opera like you’re in Verona... in East Sussex

The opera season at the Arena di Verona closed on 1 September, but that needn’t stop you watching world-class Italian arias in a world-renowned venue for a few more months yet. While Glyndebourne’s own summer season has also finished, its Tour programme, which features quality opera and new stars at affordable prices, runs throughout autumn. Started in 1968, the Tour celebrates its 50th anniversary this year with performances of Verdi’s La Traviata and Jules Massenet’s Cinderella.

Opera tickets from ￡10pp. Performances 12 October-3 November 2018 (01273 815000; glyndebourne.com). Dubois Bed and Breakfast in Lewes has doubles from ￡45pppn (telegraph.co.uk/tt-duboisbandb).

27. Take a road trip like you’re on Route 66... in Scotland

Just like the classic US drive, the North Coast 500 – a circular route around the far north of Scotland – affords a deeper insight into the country’s soul, linking its lesser-visited, history-soaked reaches. Looping from Inverness up to John O’Groats, westwards to Durness, down the squiggly west coast and then inland at Applecross Peninsula to return to the beginning, it passes ruined castles, bustling harbours, prehistoric remains, heather-bruised mountains and empty beaches – the essence of the Highlands.

An NC500 circuit can be done in two-four days (northcoast500.com). Glenmoriston Town House in Inverness has doubles from ￡79pn (telegraph.co.uk/tt-glenmoristontown).

28. Savour the flavours of France... in Oxfordshire

A quintessentially English manor with a dash of French fancy, chef Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is the place to eat like you’re on the other side of the Channel, in opulent style. On its Art of Gastronomy break you’ll be welcomed with raspberry macarons and Laurent-Perrier champagne before dining at the two Michelin-starred restaurant and the retiring to your plush boudoir. The next day, you’ll enroll at the Raymond Blanc Cookery School to recreate some of the chef’s classics.

A one-night Art of Gastronomy break costs ￡1,545 for two, including accommodation, meals and cookery course (telegraph.co.uk/tt-lemanoir?).

29. Watch tigers like you’re in India... in Kent

Spotting a big cat is never guaranteed when you head out safari into the Indian jungle. But stay the night at Port Lympne’s Tiger Lodge and it’s harder NOT to see them. The two lodges here have huge windows that look directly into the animal park’s tiger enclosure. Raise your head from your pillow and you might be eyeballing Shere Khan. Guests also get exclusive access to the reserve before and after regular visiting hours, so you have all the wildlife – including free-roaming giraffes and rhinos – to yourself.

Rooms at Tiger Lodge cost from ￡1,000pn (sleeps four). Port Lympne (01303 234112; aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne).

30. Play polo like you’re in Argentina... in Berkshire

Polo is one of the most popular sports in Argentina. In the UK, not so much. But there’s one place where you can try it without flying all the way to the pampa. Set in expansive grounds near Ascot, luxurious Coworth Park is the country’s only hotel where guests can give polo a go. If mallet-wielding sounds a bit much just sit back and watch the pros instead: many world-class events are held here.

A Your First Polo Experience lesson (one hour) costs ￡175/￡150 individual/group; longer lessons are available. Doubles from ￡320pn. Coworth Park (telegraph.co.uk/tt-coworthpark).