UK City Breaks to Escape to this New Year *

This month I’ve been focusing on travel, whether that’s a staycation or jetting off somewhere awesome. I’m a huge fan of both; at the end of the month, I can’t wait to spent time at Bishop’s Castle Barn just chilling out, country walks and a few hilly runs for my Marathon training and then we’re jetting off to America which I’m equally excited about.

But these big trips aren’t always doable; they can cost a lot, take a lot of planning and eat up your holiday at work, so we tend to do a few city breaks to give us trips to look forward to. This year we’ve planned a trip to Glasgow for a friends wedding and there’s a possible weekend in Canterbury for some photography work, but what about somewhere to escape to in the New Year for a few days that won’t break the bank, have dinners included and you won’t have to travel too far too. Sounds perfect right?!

Then you need the likes of Great Little Breaks and their super organised mini city breaks. All breaks are well priced and in areas where you can easily get the train to. I’ve got my eye on three as they are places I’ve never been before and could easily be explored over a weekend.

Cardiff would be a top choice as I’ve never got to explore the city there before, I’ve only been to the football stadium!  Nestled in an ideal city location, the beautiful Angel Hotel oozes charm and character. Within the two night package you get a three-course evening meal in Castell’s Restaurant on the first night and a delicious Full English breakfast both mornings so finding somewhere to eat food won’t have to worry as they’ve planned most of it for you! There are many museums, parks and landmarks to visit during your stay so you won’t run out of things to do.

Hull is another on my list and the 2 night package, staying at the Mercure Hull Royal, you can get for less than £120 each includes a two-course dinner both nights with unlimited wine by the glass, lunch on both days, unlimited house draught beer and lager, house wine and soft drinks between 7pm – 11pm both evenings, early check-in from 12 noon and late check-out until 2pm, free car parking & Wi-Fi and if possible a free room upgrade! Not bad at all right?! To top it off there is plenty to do in town too including the Yorvik Centre, Lincoln Minster and Meadow Hall that are easily accessible from your hotel. The only catch is that this break is for the over 25’s but I’m fine with that!

Chester is last on my list for wintery city breaks and this one oozes history! Since opening in 1860 to serve first-class rail passengers, the Best Western Premier Hallmark Hotel, Chester The Queen, has entertained the likes of Charles Dickens, Cecil Rhodes and Lillie Langtry. This package offers a three-course evening meal in the hotel’s restaurant on your first night in the two AA Rosettes awarded restaurant with a bottle of wine served with your meal, your two nights accommodation and a full English breakfast served each morning. The location of the hotel is fabulous too as the stunning Chester Cathedral is only half a mile away.

Great Little Breaks also offers a long list of pet friendly hotels so you can take your favourite furry pup along with you too!

So where are you off to to escape the January blues?