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.

Walking

Walking holidays are inexpensive and provide an excellent way to blow away the cobwebs while taking in some exquisite scenery. And when it comes to rolling hills and picturesque views, the UK has it in spades. The North Yorkshire Moors has many beautiful walks to offer, as well as the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a full-size steam locomotive that runs from Pickering to Grosmont (the station at Goathland was used as Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter films). Wharfdale is also a top Dales destination, with delightful walks around Grassington, Bolton Abbey and Kettlewell.

In Derbyshire, Castleton's three hills boast magnificent views, with famous mining caverns in the town providing respite for weary walkers. Walks around the Lake District vary from leisurely strolls to more demanding treks, while further south, the former wool towns and gentle hills of the Cotswolds offer a quintessential image of rural England. For the more determined hikers, Snowdonia in Wales or Ben Nevis in Scotland are the ones not to miss.