Whilst Spring is just around the corner, it can still be easy to find yourself daydreaming about whisking away somewhere hot, or similarly taking yourself on a city break to discover somewhere new to escape the cold and dreary British days.
It comes as no surprise that many of us are searching for short-haul destinations that are an hour or so flight away, that we can plan last-minute or take a weekend break to.
Should you find yourself searching for the best short-haul destinations in the UK, make sure to read on. Whether you’re looking for some sun or to discover a new culture, you’ll be sure to love our recommendations.
Marbella, Spain
How Long is the Flight?
On average, 2 hours and 37 minutes.
If You Enjoy:
Sunny days and endless beaches. After all the Costa Del Sol, literally translates to Coast of the Sun!
Average Temperatures:
Spring: 9-24c
Summer: 18-31c
Autumn: 19-20c
Winter: 9-18c
Marbella is a great destination for sun-seekers and those looking to do lots of activities alike. Less than four hours from home, you’ll be able to sit back and relax on the beautiful beaches and enjoy some watersports, should you wish to take a break from the relaxation! Marbella is a destination that will truly suit all and have something that everyone will love to do.
Whilst it is a destination overshadowed by its reputation of clubs, bars and parties, there are plenty of other things going for this Mediterranean paradise.
In fact, not many realise that Marbella is known to be one of the prettiest old towns in Andalusia. Flower-filled streets and colourful town squares will follow you with lots of opportunities to get lost and take in true Spanish beauty.
Mallorca, Spain
How Long is the Flight?
On average, 2 hours and 30 minutes.
If You Enjoy:
Art and museums
Average Temperatures:
Spring: 8-22c
Summer: 18-30c
Autumn: 18-19c
Winter: 8-15c
Stunning scenery, incredible beaches and turquoise waters are all the main reasons that 2.3 million British tourists enjoy visiting Mallorca every year.
An island steeped in history, Mallorca is known for its charming little villages, historic sights, and unmissable artisan and cultural scenes that hosts many different events throughout the year.
Should you be looking to relax, don’t miss out on grabbing a sun lounger, hopping on a boat trip or simply just strolling through the old streets to unwind.
Perhaps you’re more of a thrill-seeker. Don’t let the slow pace exterior of Mallorca put you off. It’s also packed with theme parks and water parks that all of the family can enjoy, as well as all of the walking and cycling trips you could dream of.
Ibiza, Spain
How Long is the Flight?
On average, 2 hours and 25 minutes.
If You Enjoy:
Fun-packed holidays, including both nightlife and daytime.
Average Temperatures:
Spring: 9-22c
Summer: 18-30c
Autumn: 11-27c
Winter: 9-16c
An iconic destination for many reasons, Ibiza is great for those both looking to let their hair down and spend some time relaxing.
It’s well-known that Ibiza is the top party destination in Europe, where DJs travel from all over the world to play world-famous clubs, pool parties and beach venues.
However, it is important to note that Ibiza isn’t just cocktails and thumping bass! Many opt to take the short flight to Ibiza to enjoy the hippy-ish yoga retreats and rustic-luxe boutique hotels.
Ibiza is also, rather surprisingly for many, a great host for homegrown talent aside from the DJs and musicians. The island has an incredibly active art scene, with contemporary art galleries, pop-up exhibitions, art festivals and events.
Corfu, Greece
How Long is the Flight?
On average, 3 hours and 20 minutes.
If You Enjoy:
Cosmopolitan old towns, sandy beaches and breathtaking landscapes.
Average Temperatures:
Spring: 7-24c
Summer: 17-32c
Autumn: 10-28c
Winter: 5-15c
Home to lush green scenery, heavenly pine-framed white-sand beaches, historically-famous landmarks and fascinating food culture.
Should you be looking for a journey into history, the old town of Corfu, more specifically The Liston, is a good place to start. You’ll find the Spianada, the largest square in Greece and Corfu’s liveliest spot nearby, and opposite that, the old Venetian Fortress.
If you’re a keen beach-goer, Rovinia, a beach in Paleokastritsa, 20km from Corfu town, should be your first stop. This place offers a spectacular range of plants, trees, clear turquoise waters and white pebbles.
Similarly, Acharavi is brilliant for golden sands and shallow waters, making it the perfect destination for families.
Food is also serious business in Greece, and Corfu doesn’t shy away from this tradition. You’ll be able to taste the signature Pastitsada, meat simmered in red wine, garlic and onion, and served with pasta. If you’re a keen cook, make sure to book ahead for a 10-course dinner of artistic and experimental dishes at Etrusco, which is widely known as one of the best restaurants on the island.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
How Long is the Flight?
On average, 1 hour and 20 minutes.
If You Enjoy:
Historical attractions, collections of great art and elaborate architecture.
Average Temperatures:
Spring: 2-17c
Summer: 11-22c
Autumn: 4-19c
Winter: 0-7c
Ranked as one of the safest cities worldwide, and the second safest city in Europe, Amsterdam is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.
With a deep history, this city is home to some of the best museums and galleries in Europe. These include the famous Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and incredibly moving Anne Frank’s House.
The Van Gogh museum is home to 200 paintings, 500 drawings and letters from the famous artist, which actually makes up the largest collection in the world.
Amsterdam is also another destination where food is taken seriously. Home to 12 Michelin starred restaurants, this place won’t be a disappointment for the foodies.
If you like to steep yourself in rich history, you’ll find lots of local markets around the city, where you can buy food, souvenirs, flowers and local art. Most popular markets include the Rembrandt Art Market, the Mercatormarkt and Zuidermrkt.
Oslo, Norway
How Long is the Flight?
On average, 1 hour and 55 minutes.
If You Enjoy:
Viking and nautical history, and impeccable seafood!
Average Temperatures:
Spring: -2-17c
Summer: 11-23c
Autumn: 0-16c
Winter: -5-1c
A much chillier destination than the rest above, Oslo is a unique city that combines bustling city life with nature. Known for its unique architecture, cultural attractions, great food, stunning scenery and healthy living, Olso is a must-visit destination.
Oslo has something for everyone to enjoy, with plenty of cool bars, fun museums and outdoor activities, it is somewhere the whole family will love.
As soon as you step onto the streets of Oslo, you’ll understand the beauty of Norway’s nature. In fact, Oslo Fjord is at the bottom of the city and mountains surround the town. Norwegians pride themselves on their deep connection to nature and you don’t have to visit Oslo for long to understand why.
The place also has an incredibly rich and varied history, dating back to 1000 AD. You’ll be able to visit the old town and great museums, including Akershus Fortress, the Viking Ship Museum and the Fram Museum.
We hope we’ve made you feel inspired to jet off on a short-haul flight, to enjoy the culture and diversity the UK has on its doorstep. Make sure to make your holiday as relaxing as possible, with an airport transfer with Travelbillity. We pride ourselves on offering reliable and safe airport transfers across, where comfort and satisfaction are guaranteed.
If you are travelling through Bristol Airport and are looking for the best things to do in Bristol, you can read our blog that details the 8 best best things to do near Bristol airport, all attractions are within quick reach of the airport and would make the perfect start to your holiday.
