The best UK city breaks for a weekend trip in 2024

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Manchester open image in gallery A view of Manchester’s skyline The Industrial Revolution-era powerhouse lays claim to being the city that “invented the weekend”, so what better place to enjoy one? Edinburgh open image in gallery Edinburgh Castle stands on a site occupied by humans since at least the Iron Age Ranked as TimeOut’s best city in the world in 2022, the Scottish capital is well-known for the architecture of its medieval Old Town and the grand nature of events such as the Festival Fringe and Hogmanay celebrations. Bristol open image in gallery A view of part of Clifton Village, with the Suspension Bridge in the background This West Country city has gained a reputation as a great place to visit, with Conde Nast Traveller naming it the UK’s best city break in 2021. Newcastle open image in gallery The Tyne Bridge is one of Newcastle’s most famous sights Another UK city with a thriving university population, Newcastle is well-known as being a great party destination, but at the same time, it is cultivating a reputation as an excellent choice for a more well-rounded city break.