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Mini breaks - The best deals for short breaks in the UK and abroad

Want to get away from it all but short on time? A mini break may be exactly what you're looking for. Consisting of two to five days, short breaks are great for staycations in the UK and quick trips to Europe. While it may not be the longest type of holiday you can take, you can still see and do plenty while you're away.

Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple or as a family, you'll be surprised by how much choice you have when it comes to mini break destinations. Take a look at some of our favourite short break destinations below and, when you're ready to book, you'll find all the hottest and cheapest mini break deals right here.

Plus, if you plan in advance and take bank holidays into consideration, you might just be able to extend your mini break by a day or two.

The best European destinations for a mini break

Daydreaming of a mini break in Europe? Whether you're after a glamping trip in the great outdoors, a sun-soaked beach getaway or an activity-filled city break, always remember to choose a destination that's close enough so that you can make the most of your time once you get there.

We've rounded up some the most popular destinations for short breaks in Europe.

Paris, France

✈️ Flight time: 1 hour 15 minutes (from London)

With such a short flight time (or even a trip on the Eurostar if you live in London), the French capital is the ultimate mini break destination. Not only are there plenty of bucket-list attractions to tick off, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe, but Paris is a culinary capital too. Think freshly baked baguettes, pastries that look like artworks and delicious cheese.

In addition, a Paris mini break gives you just enough time to squeeze in a day trip or two. Marvel at the splendour of Versailles or have some family-friendly fun at Disneyland.

Copenhagen, Denmark

✈️ Flight time: 1 hour 40 minutes (from London)

The Danish capital manages to seamlessly blend its wealth of historical attractions with the undeniably trendy undercurrent that seems to simmer throughout Copenhagen. In terms of things to do, Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn and the Little Mermaid statue are all big hitters here. For something completely different, visit the independent community of Christiania (just take note of the dos and don'ts notices).

Whatever you do, make sure you sample Danish delicacies like pastries and smørrebrød, the famous Danish open sandwich.

Gothenburg, Sweden

✈️ Flight time: 1 hour 55 minutes (from London)

Perhaps not as well known as some of the destinations on our list, Gothenburg is a fascinating option for a mini break. Located on Sweden's west coast, the best thing about Gothenburg has to be the variety of things you can up to while you're there, from island hopping to riding rollercoasters at Liseberg amusement park to checking out the catch of the day at Feskekôrka ('fish church').

For a beautiful view of the city (and a great spot for a picnic), climb up the hill to Skansen Kronan.

Prague, Czechia

✈️ Flight time: 1 hour 55 minutes (from London)

Equally stunning in both summer and winter, Prague is one of the most popular - and most afforable - mini breaks. It's a city rich in history, as evidenced by iconic landmarks like Prague Castle, Old Town's astronomical clock and Charles Bridge. It's also renowned for its good food, beer and nightlife. Don't miss out on the chance to do a beer tasting tour while in Prague.

For something a bit calmer, hop on a boat and take a relaxing river cruise along the Vltava.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

✈️ Flight time: 1 hour 15 minutes (from London)

The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is an extremely popular mini break for UK holidaymakers, thanks to the super-short flight time and huge amount of attractions. It feels like there really is something for everyone here. For the art-minded, check out the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum, while the history enthusiasts should head to the Anne Frank Museum or Begijnhof. For those so inclined, Amsterdam's nightlife is the stuff of legends.

The best way to explore the city? By bike, of course! The city is built for it, after all, and there are plenty of places where you can hire one.

Barcelona, Spain

✈️ Flight time: Two hours 10 minutes (from London)

One of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain, Barcelona is a vibrant and busy city, making it a year-round favourite for short breaks. The city's most famous attractions need no introduction: Sagrada Familia, Las Ramblas, Park Guell. However, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover too, from tiny museums to bars and restaurants only locals know about.

For a crash course in Spanish flavours, head over to La Boqueria Market. While many stalls sell fresh produce and ingredients, you can also find plenty of ready-to-eat dishes.

The best mini break destinations in the UK

Want to take a mini break but don't want to deal with the hassle of catching a flight? There are many brilliant destinations to choose from right here in the UK and, by cutting out the need to fly, you can start exploring straight away.

For something different, booking a spa or wellness getaway is a great way to spend your short break, as is a stay in alternative accommodation like treehouses or other glamping options.

Here are some of our top UK mini break destinations.

  1. London

  2. Edinburgh

  3. Brighton

  4. Lake District

  5. New Forest

  6. Belfast

  7. Birmingham

  8. Newcastle

  9. Glasgow

  10. Cornwall

Tips for your next mini break

Want to make the most of your next mini break? After all, you only have a few days to work with, so you'll want to make sure you're getting the best possible holiday for the time you have available.

We've rounded up some tips that will help you make your mini break longer and, importantly, even cheaper!

Make use of bank holidays and bridging days

You'll be able to maximise your mini break by taking both bank holidays and bridging days into consideration. Bridging days are the work days that lie between bank holidays and weekends, and you can extend your mini break by taking these into account.

Find out how to make the most of 2022's bank holidays here.

Book hand luggage-only flight fares

Thanks to the short trip duration, you won't need to pack too much for a mini break. That's why you should consider booking a hand luggage-only flight fare, which will end up saving you a lot of money. All the more for spending while you're at your destination!

Also look out for great last-minute holiday deals to save even more on your next mini break.