Short Breaks SWR Blog

Day trips and breaks

Get inspired for your next day trip or break

Discover your next break

Discover the best day trips and breaks for every type of traveller, whether you’re heading on a business trip, romantic weekend or family getaway. From budget staycations to fun-filled days out, find everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip.

Spending a couple of days in a new city? Browse our 48-hour guides, packed with sights and attractions you can’t miss. Or check out our staycation ideas – perfect for recharging away from the urban bustle.

Book tickets in advance and check SWR rewards to make your experience even better. Join us as we uncover the best things to do in destinations across our network, ensuring your getaway is nothing short of extraordinary.

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Budget seaside staycation: Portsmouth vs. Brighton

Portsmouth

Budget seaside staycation: Portsmouth vs. Brighton

Budget seaside staycation: Portsmouth vs. Brighton

Portsmouth and Brighton are perfect for seaside staycations, with plenty to see and do – but which is best for budgets?

Budget market town staycation: Windsor vs. Warwick

Windsor Castle and the Long Walk

Budget market town staycation: Windsor vs. Warwick

Budget market town staycation: Windsor vs. Warwick

Explore ancient castles and museums, and discover everything that the historic market towns of Windsor and Warwick have to offer

Budget historical staycation: Salisbury vs. Canterbury

Salisbury town centre

Budget historical staycation: Salisbury vs. Canterbury

Budget historical staycation: Salisbury vs. Canterbury

Ready to unleash your inner history buff? Discover which is the best historical destination on a budget with our staycation guide

The best bank holiday getaways

Find the best bank holiday getaways with SWR

The best bank holiday getaways

The best bank holiday getaways

Planning a bank holiday trip? Whether you're after a city escape or a nature-filled long weekend we've got you covered.

Spring staycation: family Easter breaks

Discover the best things to do on a 48-hour break in London with SWR

Spring staycation: family Easter breaks

Spring staycation: family Easter breaks

If you’re looking for a seaside retreat or city break this Easter, our guide to the best family spring Easter staycations has you covered

Plan an unforgettable Mother's Day getaway

Plan an unforgettable mothers day with SWR

Plan an unforgettable Mother's Day getaway

Plan an unforgettable Mother's Day getaway

If you’re still searching for Mother’s Day ideas, treat them to a memorable weekend getaway

The best and cheapest castle hotels in the UK

Cave Castle

The best and cheapest castle hotels in the UK

The best and cheapest castle hotels in the UK

Discover the best, and most inexpensive, castle hotels the UK has to offer with South Western Railway for a fairy-tale escape

48 hours in Kingston

Kingston upon Thames bridge in South West London - great place for a 48 hour escape

48 hours in Kingston

48 hours in Kingston

A weekend in the riverside market town of Kingston upon Thames offers everything from Tudor history to artisan coffee

Plan the perfect romantic getaway

Plan a romantic getaway

Plan the perfect romantic getaway

Plan the perfect romantic getaway

Whether you both love city sights or idyllic country staycations, the South West makes for the perfect romantic getaway with your partner

Top Christmas destinations in the South West

Christmas Covent Garden

Top Christmas destinations in the South West

Top Christmas destinations in the South West

There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a family day out, a romantic getaway, or a short break with friends