Our 5 top picks for autumn breaks in the UK & Ireland
Summer may be almost over, but with the kids back to school and some unseasonably nice sunshine forecast, now is a great time to take a staycation. We've picked out our favourite destinations in the UK and Ireland for an autumn break. As luck would have it, Hilton has 2-night breaks, including dinner on the first night, in all these destinations, and more. Rates start from £129 per person.
Bristol
With its tapestry of Banksy murals, an abundance of independent boutiques and a rather impressive bridge, there’s plenty to recommend Bristol for a break. In addition to the culture, shopping and architecture, there’s also a thriving music scene and a multitude of foodie hotspots. Must-dos include a stroll along the waterfront with a visit to Brunel’s SS Great Britain, a climb up the 105-foot Cabot Tower to soak up uninterrupted views of the city, a peek inside the Gothic cathedral and a trip to M Shed, a museum dedicated to all things Bristol that’s located in an old transit shed on the city’s historic wharf.
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Glasgow
Dubbed "a cultural powerhouse of music, creative arts, theatre, design and innovative cuisine" (The Daily Telegraph), Scotland's biggest city offers plenty to see and do on a mini break. Allow several hours to explore the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, a treasure trove of historical artefacts and artworks. In the centre of town, it’s hard to miss the 12th-century Glasgow Cathedral – while you’re there be sure to take a stroll around the neighbouring Necropolis, a Victorian Gothic garden cemetery that covers 37 acres. After a day of sightseeing, head over to pedestrian-friendly Buchanan Street to sample an array of shops, restaurants and bars for a well-deserved whisky.
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Richmond, London
If you’re keen to sample a break in the capital but want to be away from the hubbub of central London, Richmond is a super spot for your stay. It’s 20 minutes by train from the centre of town, yet offers a plethora of lovely independent eating and drinking spots, a selection of historic houses to visit (Ham House & Gardens is a must-see), plus one of the capital’s eight Royal Parks. Roam or cycle some of the 2500 acres, spot the roaming wild deer, have a cuppa in the Lodge tearoom or soak up distant views of St Paul’s Cathedral from King Henry’s Mound.
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Dublin
Whether you’re on the hunt for culture, commerce or simply want to enjoy the craic, Dublin will not disappoint. For history buffs, take a trip to Dublin Castle, peer up at the 43-metre spire of St Patrick's Cathedral or book for a tour of Kilmainham Gaol, where centuries of national life unfold within the walls of this former prison. Literature lovers should also swing into the Museum of Literature Ireland just off St Stephen’s Green, a new addition to Dublin’s cultural scene that celebrates the country’s literary heritage. If you fancy a tipple, take a tour of the Guinness Storehouse or the Old Jameson Distillery, then head over to Temple Bar for a raucous selection of traditional pubs, many offering free live music well into the night.
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Manchester
You’d be forgiven for thinking that Manchester’s appeal lies solely in football, student bars and '90s Britpop, and while that’s certainly all on offer in the capital of the north, there’s also a whole host of history, art and culture to explore. Head to the jaw-dropping reading room at The John Rylands Library, take in the latest exhibition at the Manchester Art Gallery or be wowed by the Science & Industry Museum, set in the UK’s oldest surviving passenger railway station. Alternatively, take a short tram ride west of the city to Salford Quays, home to the Imperial War Museum North, The Lowry theatre and gallery, and MediaCityUK.
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