Discover the secrets of ... the perfect weekend break.

When it all gets a bit too much, a weekend break provides the perfect excuse to leave everything behind and indulge in a little rest and relaxation. Whether it's a treat, escape or romantic break, there's nothing like spending a couple of days away from the worries of everyday life.

With rich history, vibrant culture, sweeping landscapes and buzzing metropolises just waiting to be explored right on our doorstep, you don't even have to leave the country. Plus, a weekend break in the UK is more environmentally friendly and you won't have to desparately flick through a foreign dictionary just to order a bottle of wine...

But how to know where to go? Click on the categories below to find out what these fair shores have to offer.

Seaside

If you do like to be beside the seaside, Whitby, North Yorkshire offers all the usual seaside treasures, as well as the Magpie, one of England's finest fish and chip restaurants, and plenty of Dracula heritage. With a beautiful sandy beach and picturesque harbour, Weymouth, Dorset is ideal for all the family and offers a selection of water sports, plus several wrecks around the coast ideal for divers to explore. For the old fashioned seaside experience, Blackpool is the obvious choice, but if you're not a fan of hen and stag nights, you might be better off visiting Padstow in Cornwall. With golf, sailing, surfing, biking as well as culinary delights courtesy of Rick Stein, this quaint port is truly second to none.