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.

Shopping

If spending is your bag, then London is the first port of call, but Birmingham's Bull Ring, Leeds' Victoria Quarter or Manchester's Millennium Quarter fare just as well in the shopping stakes. The Lanes in Brighton offer over 300 individual quirky boutiques selling vintage clothes, jewellery, antiques and much, much more.