retreat48Plan a break

The Journal

Guides for a break worth taking.

Where to go and when, how to plan it, and the places we think are worth the journey — for spa, ski, coast and city breaks across the UK, Europe and beyond.

Winter sun · Latest

Winter sun destinations worth the short flight

The best short-haul winter sun destinations from the UK — where's warm in December, January and February, how long the flight really is, and what each place is good for.

· 4 min read
Spa

The best spa hotels in the UK, by what they're actually for

A guide to the best spa hotels in the UK — how to choose between thermal, treatment-led and country-house spas, and where to go by region.

· 3 min read
Spa

Spa breaks in Yorkshire: where to go and why

A guide to spa breaks in Yorkshire — from Harrogate's spa-town heritage to country-house spas in the Dales, and how to pair a soak with a proper walk.

· 3 min read
Ski

The best time to go skiing, month by month

When is the best time to go skiing? A month-by-month guide to the ski season — from early-season snow and Christmas to the January value window, half-term, and spring sun.

· 3 min read
Weekend

Weekend breaks from London, by how far you actually want to go

The best weekend breaks from London, sorted by real travel time — under 90 minutes, a two-to-three hour run, and a short flight — so the journey doesn't eat the weekend.

· 3 min read
Romantic

Romantic weekend breaks in the UK

The best romantic weekend breaks in the UK — what actually makes a break feel romantic, plus where to go for privacy, a great dinner and a view, from the Cotswolds to the Lakes.

· 3 min read