Whether you want a barefoot island adventure or a smart city break, these are the best corners of the world for a long weekend away, all within five hours from London
3 August 2021
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The UK’s numerous bank holidays during spring and summer are the ideal excuse to take a couple of days away, whether it’s a weekend break in the UK, somewhere in Europe, or beyond. Whether you want super-soft sandy beaches, an unpredictable art scene or Michelin-star restaurants, these destinations – from breathtaking lakes to big-wave surf spots – are all within five hours of London. May you never waste an extra day off at home again…
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Ana Lui Ile de Ré, France
Best for: slowing everything down
This flat-as-a-pancake strip of land on the Atlantic coast is a firm Parisian holiday favorite for its joyfully unhurried pace of life. A cluster of pretty French villages with tiny ports are strung together by cycle paths (everyone cycles here) that weave past salt marshes and oyster farms, wildflower meadows, and the fortified walls of UNESCO World Heritage St-Martin-de-Ré. Feast on mussels or bloody steak for dinner in family-run restaurants. Nothing much changes and that’s exactly the charm of the place.
Where to stay: Hôtel le Sénéchal in Ars-en-Ré, where simple rooms are arranged around a courtyard garden.
Flight time: 1h 35min from London Stansted to La Rochelle, then a 40min drive. -
Ana Lui Ibiza, Spain
Best for: knockout beaches
From sheltered bays backed by pine trees (Cala Xarraca, Es Portitxol) to swathes of sand with music-blaring bars full of party people (Las Salinas), Ibiza has a beach to suit everyone. Head to Punta Galera to watch the cliff-jumping and stay for the sunset vistas; Cala Gracioneta is a destination cove for long, lazy paella lunches washed down with ice-cold chilli coconut Mojitos at El Chiringuito beach club.
Where to stay: Legado Ibiza Finca, a freshly revamped B&B in the hills, a stone’s throw from Santa Eulària.
Flight time: 2h 25min from London Gatwick. -
Getty Images Naples, Italy
Best for: the world’s tastiest pizza and sunny island day trips
There’s never been a better time to visit Naples. Finally leaving its dangerous reputation behind, Southern Italy’s largest city is experiencing a cultural renaissance. It has a rich history, some of the country’s tastiest food and, best of all, balmy weather with temperatures that rarely drop below 10 degrees. Spend a long weekend ordering Neapolitan dishes, from thick-crust pizza and freshly caught octopus in family-run trattorias to exquisite plates in critically acclaimed restaurants – Naples has more Michelin stars than any other Italian city. Plus, day trips from the harbour take you to some of Italy’s prettiest islands: glitzy Capri, quiet Ischia, tiny Procida and retro Ponza.
Where to stay: SuperOtium in Rione Sanitá, a B&B and art gallery where you can start exploring Naples’ buzzy art scene – there is a permanent artist in residence and the hotel regularly hosts in-house shows.
Flight time: 2h 40mins from London airports. -
Getty Images Biarritz, France
Best for: world-class surfing
One of Europe’s top surfing spots for more than half a century, Biarritz benefits from underwater reefs that transform swell into big waves on the Côte des Basques beach all year round. Big-name brands and local labels all have surf shops here, and there are plenty of schools for beginners that will have you standing up on a board in a weekend. Crowds gather for international pro competitions that take place throughout the summer: the ISA World Longboard Surfing Championship is typically held here from the end of May to early June.
Where to stay: The grand Regina Hotel & Spa, a Belle Époque style building facing the ocean with views of Biarritz lighthouse and the Basque coast.
Flight time: 2h from London Stansted. -
Patricia Parinejad Lake Como, Italy
Best for: a beautifully smart lake escape
There’s something special about upside-down Y-shaped Lake Como, where neoclassical villas with neat gardens and elegant waterfront towns line the shores – which is why chic Milanese and Hollywood A-listers have been flocking here for years. Hire a Riva motorboat and hop between three of the best – Bellagio, Menaggio, and Varenna – at the point before the two lower branches of the lake separate, stopping for an iced espresso and people-watching in one of the several bustling harbour squares.
Where to stay: Contemporary Il Sereno, designed by the prolific Patricia Urquiola, was a game-changer for Lake Como when it opened in 2016.
Flight time: 2h from London Gatwick to Milan Malpensa, then 1h train ride to Como (change at Saronno). -
Getty Images Megève, France
Best for: hiking in the Alps
The ski-resort village of Megève makes a brilliant base for hiking and mountain biking in the spring and summer. There are plenty of routes, depending on fitness level and desired length. Highlights include a short walk through shady forests to La Belle au Bois waterfall and an all-day trek to the Christomet ski lift via lush Alpine pastures. The views of the mountains, including the Mont Blanc range, are breathtaking.
Where to stay: Les Fermes de Marie, Jocelyn Sibuet’s smart chalet hotel which put Megève on the map when it opened 40 years ago.
Flight time: 1h 45min from London Heathrow to Geneva, then a 1h 15min drive. -
Ana Lui San Sebastián, Spain
Best for: dedicated foodies
This globally renowned gourmet hotspot has an impressive 18 Michelin stars (one of the highest densities per square meter in the world), three of which are held by trailblazing chef Elena Arzak. Plus, there’s a new wave of San Sebastián restaurants with exciting young chefs at the helm, and the back streets of the old town are packed with pintxos bars (sample a couple of dishes at each, then move on). One of the most popular is Bar Néstor where there are only a handful of items on the menu – focusing on steak, Padrón peppers, and tomatoes – and everyone eats standing up at the counter.
Where to stay: Villa Soro, a 19th-century villa-turned-hotel with classic rooms, just 10 minutes from Zurriola beach.
Flight time: 2h from London Stansted to Biarritz, then a 45min drive. -
Getty Images Tel Aviv, Israel
Best for: incredible nightlife
The first thing most people do when they land in this good-time city on Israel’s Mediterranean coast is head to the beach. The second is to head to the bars. Nothing really gets going until midnight, after dinner outside at one of the many innovative restaurants that are bringing a new energy to the ancient port of Jaffa. For those who want to shop their way out of a sore head, don’t miss the cool fashion boutiques in Neve Tzedek.
Where to stay: The Jaffa, last year’s hotly anticipated hotel opening which cemented the area’s reputation as Tel Aviv’s most up-and-coming spot.
Flight time: 4h 50min from London Heathrow. -
Getty Images Marrakech, Morocco
Best for: a surprising ancient-modern city
Marrakech is an enthralling place of contrasts: a warren of souks, each dedicated to a single artisanal craft (silverware, spices, leather) in the ancient medina where half the fun is losing your bearings, and the colorful spaces of Jardin Majorelle. There is also a bunch of noteworthy bistros and hip fashion boutiques, as well as the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, dedicated to the work of the legendary fashion designer.
Where to stay: Owned by designer Jasper Conran, L’Hôtel Marrakech is an antique-filled riad in the medina with a courtyard garden and pool.
Flight time: 3h 45min from London Gatwick.
