Last minute holidays: Our top picks for a getaway in the UK

last minute holidays uk

by Katie Banks |
Updated on

Are you panicking that you still haven't managed to get around to taking a summer holiday this year? Are you wondering how it’s already August when it feels like Easter was just last week? Don't panic! There are still lots of last minute holidays to be had in the UK before this beautiful sunny weather becomes a distant memory and we’re forced to wind back the clocks and pull out our winter coats.

So, if you fancy a romantic stay by the beach or would prefer to take an adventurous city break, there’s lots to choose from in the United Kingdom and plenty of great last minute holiday deals to take advantage of. We've also got gorgeous countryside escapes with lots of indoor (you never can trust that pesky British weather, can you?) and outdoor facilities that are perfect for young families covered too.

We've done all the hard work for you and scoured the country in search of the very best deals (and yes, there are options that have some meals thrown in too, because who doesn’t love a free breakfast?) that will have even the fussiest of travelers covered. Whether you’re a foodie, an animal lover, or you’re simply looking for an idyllic place to turn your phone off and recharge with a good book, there’s no time like the present to plan that last minute escape from everyday life.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get the suitcase out, pack your bags, slap on some factor 50 and grab a great novel to read. Summer fun and the perfect last minute break in the UK is just a couple of clicks away.

Last minute UK holidays:

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Check out our top five last minute staycations:

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1) Macdonald Elmers Court Resort, The New Forest

**Current deal: Macdonald Resorts is offering summer breaks from just £89 per night in the UK.**The stunning Macdonald Elmers Court is located in Lymington, on the edge of the New Forest National Park. The hotel is set in 23 acres of beautiful landscaped grounds, just a stone's throw away from Lymington Harbour – which has a ferry going to the Isle of Wight (only 40 minutes away). Perfect for a cheeky day trip. There are also self-catering apartments plus one, two and three bed accommodation which are perfect for family breaks.The facilities are incredible – including a big outdoor pool, croquet lawn and tennis courts. There's also an indoor pool, two restaurants, gym, steam room and spa in case you need to escape from any bad weather.It's easy to hire bikes to cycle around the New Forest as a family where you can come up close with the wild ponies and visit the pretty country villages.There are stunning sandy beaches a short drive away so there's also time for some bucket and spade action – it's fun for a family of all ages.Further afield you'll find the North Solent Nature Reserve, Beaulieu Estate, Marwell Zoo, Peppa Pig World, Paultons Family Theme Park and many maritime attractions such as Buckler's Hard.For more info, contact MacDonald Hotels.

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2) Lainston House, Winchester

**Current deal: 20% off rooms until September. Escape to one of the Exclusive hotel group's luxurious country house properties for a relaxing and indulgent night or two away and enjoy 20% off bed and breakfast. Stay for two nights or more and get a bottle of Ridgeview English sparkling wine in your room on arrival. Prices start at £165 a night.**The beautiful, five star 17th century country house Lainston House is situated within 63 acres of idyllic Hampshire parkland - and it is brimming with activities that all the family can enjoy.You can enjoy playing board games or watching a DVD by the fireplace in the drawing room , play a game of tennis or croquet, or walk through the mile long avenue of Lime Trees.If you happen to be interested in falconry, guests of all ages can get up close and personal with the beautiful birds of prey for a truly unique and educational experience.For those of you who have been glued to Masterchef and Bake Off, there's a cookery school onsite - including full day and half day courses in meat and fish, vegetarian delights and bakery. There's even parent and child classes so you can get the kids involved.And the award-winning Avenue restaurant is the perfect setting in which to enjoy a family meal, with a seasonal and varied a la carte menu that will tempt all palates and tastes.For more info, see Exclusive Hotels

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3) Orestone Manor, Devon

Current Deal: 20% off delightful double-bed sea rooms at Orestone Manor, Maidencombe, Devon. For £27 per person extra, sample three delicious courses in the hotel's award-wining restaurant, plus complimentary coffee and petit fours. Quote: OrestoneCloser. Prices start at £150 per night for double room subject to availability.**Orestone Manor makes a terrific stay for food-lovers: family-owned, run by husband and wife chefs - it's known for its impeccable food, gorgeous rooms and stunning Devon setting, known as the English Riviera.Nestled in sunny South Devon (Maidencombe), Orestone is situated right on the beach so you can walk straight onto the sand and have a swim in the sea. There's even a cute beach cafe if you fancy an ice cream.Many of the rooms look onto the beach and there are even rooms available with hot tubs if you fancy watching the sunset with a glass of fizz.There's also a stunning 16th Century Italian fireplace and fireplaces throughout - perfect snuggle-spots with cosy sofas while you enjoy a Devon Cream tea, after a walk seal-spotting on the beach nearby, or stretching your legs on the coast path that sits right on the Orestone's doorstep.The hotel can also arrange guided tours around all the fantastic local attractions and other family fun activities include the South Devon Railway, the Kents Cavern and Paignton Zoo.

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4) Park Plaza London Waterloo, London

Current deal: This summer the Park Plaza **are offering a family package which includes: accommodation for two adults and two children (aged 12 and under) in a studio room, (junior) suite, family room or connected superior room with up to 15% off their best flexible rate. Prices start at £219 a night for the family package in an executive studio room.**Children can also eat breakfast for free and parent's breakfast is already included in the price. Children's lunches and dinners are free in the main restaurant from the children's menu when parents order a minimum of one main course per adult dining, per meal. There's also a complimentary children's gift bag which contains three Park Plaza children's vouchers per bag, which can be redeemed against selected food and drink items in the hotel.Perfect for exploring London with the family, Park Plaza London Waterloo is a two-minute stroll from the bustling markets, shops and cafes of Lower Marsh. There's also an amazing spa and indoor pool to enjoy.The hotel is within a short distance of many of London's well-known attractions including SEA LIFE, The London Dungeon and the London Eye, as well as the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Trafalgar Square.

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5) Brockford Railway Sidings, Italian Carriage – Brockford, Suffolk

Current deal: Cottages.com are running a promotion that runs throughout August that offers savings of of £300 or more on seven night breaks, arriving between now and 3 October 2018.Tucked away on the site of the Mid Suffolk Light Railway track bed, close to the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Museum, this unique holiday property enjoys panoramic views across rolling countryside. Featuring beautifully restored floor boards, the carriage has a bunk room and master bedroom that sleeps up to four people, plus its own patio area. It is surrounded by country lanes and farmland, making it an ideal location for those who enjoy cycling, walking and/or relaxing and getting away from it all – and, guests can also make the most of access to the swimming pool.PRICE: WAS: £475 NOW: £388 (£32.33pppn)* for three nights' self-catered accommodation arriving 24th August 2018. Sleeps four in two bedrooms.

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