Weekend Trips

A weekend away can leave room for discovery and a slow breakfast. Start with somewhere you can reach comfortably, choose a few activities you care about, and keep space between them. These two European getaway ideas offer different ways to spend a short break: exploring a historic city or unwinding beside the sea.

Weekend getaway ideas

Bath, England: history and unhurried walks

Suggested stay: Two days, one night. Arrive on Friday evening for a more relaxed two-night break.

Travel time: Around 80 minutes by train from London Paddington to Bath Spa, according to Visit Bath’s travel information.

Spend Saturday visiting the Roman Baths, then leave the afternoon for exploring around Bath Abbey and stopping for lunch. On Sunday, walk past the Royal Crescent and the Circus before heading home. These sights feature in Visit Bath’s suggested itinerary, which also offers ideas for extending your stay.

Keep ticketed visits to one or two priorities so the weekend still has room for wandering.

Cascais, Portugal: a coastal change of pace

Suggested stay: Two days, one night, or two nights if you want a full beach afternoon.

Travel time: Approximately 40 minutes by train from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré station. Visit Cascais provides arrival details and local visitor information.

Use Saturday for the town centre, a seafront stroll and a leisurely lunch. Leave the afternoon open for beach time when conditions suit. On Sunday, choose the Paula Rego House of Stories for art or an outing to the dramatic coastal rock formation at Boca do Inferno.

Avoid adding several neighbouring destinations to the same weekend; staying around Cascais gives you more time to enjoy it.

Make your short break easier

Compare the complete journey from home to accommodation before booking. The train times above cover only the stated routes, so add transfers and waiting time.

Reserve your main attraction, check opening hours for your dates, and keep an indoor alternative in mind. Pack comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate layers and a small day bag. Save booking confirmations and an offline map before departure, then leave a generous gap before your return journey.