Welcome to Guides and Tourism Books | City Books

Britain offers a wealth of options for memorable weekend breaks, from exciting historic cities and charming towns to magnificent architectural gems and fascinating overlooked cities, stunning countryside to beautiful coastline. Whether you’re looking to discover a new city, indulge in a cultural or foodie weekend, enjoy a ramble in the countryside or experience an exhilarating coastal break, you’ll find them all in Great British Weekend Escapes’ 70 enticing getaways.
If your chosen destination is within a few hours by road you simply need to throw a few things in the car and off you go, although many destinations can also be reached via domestic flights and most have excellent rail connections. Don’t let the weather deter you as every season has its attractions: the enchanting renewal of spring, summer’s long balmy days, autumn’s ravishing golden landscapes and the invigorating frosty days of winter. There’s also a lot to be said for a break outside the most popular times – such as public holiday weekends and peak holiday periods – when hotels are usually less expensive and you can avoid the crowds.
Whether your passion is for architecture, culture, gastronomy, nightlife, green spaces, shopping or adventure, it’s covered in Great British Weekend Escapes. From the delightful tourist hotspots of Bath and Cambridge, Edinburgh and Oxford, to the architectural treasures of Durham and Salisbury, Chester and Wells, and the unexpected pleasures of Bradford and Nottingham, Coventry and Rochester. If country pursuits are more your thing, then head for delightful Bakewell or Buxton for the magnificent Peak District and Derbyshire Dales, historic Cirencester in the enchanting Cotswolds, beautiful Beaulieu in the New Forest or captivating Kendal in the Lake District, while coastal lovers can take their pick from Brighton and Ramsgate, Falmouth and Southwold, Conwy and Whitby – and many more.
Bear in mind that it’s often impossible to see and do everything in a few days, so you’ll need to do some research and draw up a ‘must-see’ list. You may also wish to time your visit to take in a particular celebration, festival or fair, such as Edinburgh’s Fringe or Hogmanay, the Isle of Wight (music) Festival or Cowes Week, York’s JORVIK Viking Festival or London’s celebrated Notting Hill Carnival.
So, why not escape the rat race for a few days and explore the exciting world just a few hours from your doorstep? We trust that you’ll enjoy discovering it as much as we did.