You know that feeling when you book a city break because you needed a breather, but halfway through the trip you realise you’re constantly sprinting between museums, restaurants, and “must-see” spots. We’ve all done it. Overpacked our weekend getaways to an extent that we now need more time off to recover.
A weekend away should calm your mind, not drain it. Slow walks, good food, relaxed plans, and a base that doesn’t force you to zigzag across the city every hour. Once you stop treating a city break like a checklist, the whole experience shifts into something lighter, warmer, and far more memorable.
And if you’re in the South West, this mindset will feel familiar. You already know how good life feels when you wander around Torquay Harbour or Princess Gardens without a strict plan. Here are some ways you can bring that calm, peaceful mindset to your next getaway no matter where you are.
1. Pick the Right Weekend
Start with timing. Some weekends invite calm; others feel like every tourist in Britain had the same idea as you.
For instance, roads clog quickly, trains fill up, and prices rise on bank holidays. A normal weekend or mid-week stay is usually smoother. Spring and early autumn are ideal, with lighter crowds and gentler weather. You get all the benefits without the stress.
Before you book anything, ask yourself one simple question: “What do I want this weekend to do for me?”
Maybe it’s rest. Maybe it’s museums. Maybe it’s food. Maybe it’s time with a partner or friend.
Pick one main intention and let everything else support that. A weekend away is short. Giving it a purpose makes it feel more rewarding and a lot less frantic.
It also helps to accept that you won’t see everything. Domestic overnight trips have dropped by 10% in the last year, but spending per trip has risen. People are treating their weekends away as a bigger investment, which makes it tempting to cram too much in. Resist that urge. A gentler pace almost always wins.
2. Stay Somewhere Central and Walkable
Choosing the right base sets the tone for your whole trip. A central, walkable location cuts out so much stress. It means less time navigating transport, fewer last-minute taxis, and no long commutes when your feet already ache.
London is the perfect example. Lots of travellers book cheaper rooms far from the centre, then spend their entire weekend on the tube. When planning a city break in London, location is everything. The Mentone Hotel in Bloomsbury offers travellers a calm, comfortable base within walking distance of the British Museum, Covent Garden, and King’s Cross – making it easy to explore the capital without the usual travel fatigue.
The same rule works elsewhere too:
- Bath feels effortless when you stay close to the Roman Baths and Georgian streets.
- York is magical when you’re inside the city walls, with cafés, riverside paths, and the Minster nearby.
- Edinburgh gives you two great choices: Old Town for atmosphere or New Town for calmer streets and green squares.
Aim for a base that puts you within ten to fifteen minutes on foot of the key areas. It sounds like a small detail, but it completely changes the feel of a weekend.
3. Take the Train and Keep your Bags Light
Trains make city breaks feel easier. No parking drama. No long drives when you’re already tired. You sit back, relax, and roll straight into the centre of town.
Few tips to keep in mind:
- Check National Rail for advance fares and railcards.
- Pick arrival times that avoid the peak commuter hours.
- Choose stations close to your hotel like Bath Spa, York, King’s Cross, or Edinburgh Waverley.
When it comes to packing, keep it simple. Restrict yourself to a small cabin case or backpack. It should suffice for two or three nights. A light bag is less stressful to navigate in crowded stations or on cobblestone streets.
Pack with a simple approach:
- Two or three mix-and-match outfits
- One warm layer
- Comfortable shoes
- A reusable bottle
- A small day bag for wandering
Focus on layers instead of full outfits. Wear the bulkiest things on the train. And only bring what you’ll actually use.
4. Plan a Little, then Leave Room for Surprises
A light plan is perfect for a weekend away. Enough structure to guide you, but not so much that you feel stuck or exhausted.
A simple daily rhythm works brilliantly:
- Morning: one main activity – a gallery, museum, or walking tour
- Afternoon: explore one neighbourhood
- Evening: dinner somewhere cosy, followed by theatre, live music, or a sunset walk
For example, in London you could spend the morning at the British Museum, wander Covent Garden in the afternoon, and walk along the South Bank after dinner.
Try to keep one open slot each day. This is where the best moments happen. A market you didn’t expect. A busker who stops you mid-stride. A café that smells too good to ignore.
5. Eat Well, Rest Often, and Avoid Overspending
Food is a huge part of a good city break. Sometimes it’s the thing you remember most.
Book one meal in advance, something you’re excited about. Let everything else be flexible. Try a bakery instead of queueing for brunch. Explore food halls and pack a picnic for a spring day.
Cafés are perfect recharge spots. A mid-afternoon drink helps reset your energy and gives space to chat about the rest of your day. With average holiday numbers increasing per year , people want weekends that feel sustainable rather than hectic or expensive.
To keep budgets under control – mix free experiences with one or two paid attractions keeps the weekend enjoyable without blowing through your savings. VisitLondon, VisitBath, VisitYork, and VisitBritain and Visit Scotland list free museums, big attractions, events, and lesser-known spots. These sites are great for building your “anchor” plans.
Back in Torquay, the same principle applies. A wander around the harbour, a drink by the water, and a stroll home can feel like a mini city break on its own. Explore Palace Torquay for the best spots to shop, grab a meal or just wander about.
Final Thoughts
City breaks work best when you treat them like a reset rather than a to-do list. Pick a calmer weekend. Choose a central, walkable base. Travel by train. Pack light. Keep your days simple. Eat well. Rest often.
Do that, and every weekend away becomes easier, softer, and more enjoyable. And when you’re back in Torquay, you’ll find the same rhythm right here at home – slow walks, good food, and calm weekends.
