Countryside Breaks Vs City Breaks

When planning your next trip, you may be asking yourself what kind of escape you’re really looking for? A country getaway or a city break? Both offer unique pros and cons and can bring very different vibes depending on the type of trip you’re looking for. If you’re into exploring history, art and culture all within easy walking distance, perhaps with a coffee in hand and a bakery trip in the middle of it all, then a city break is perfect for you. 

However, if you want to take things a little slower and explore the great outdoors, experiencing traditional culture and heritage in the fresh open air, surrounded by truly stunning sights, then a countryside break is perfect for you. Pair that with a stay in a charming countryside boutique hotel or even a countryside manor house for a truly fabulous stay in the countryside. 

Countryside Breaks Vs City Breaks: Outdoor activities 

Both the city and the country will boast an abundance of outdoor activities: shopping, sightseeing and adventure activities can be found in both locations. However, if you really want to make the most of the outdoors, a countryside escape really is the way to go. You’ll find adventure playgrounds and activity centres where you can make the most of the fresh air and enjoy archery, climbing, rafting, kayaking and other adventurous activities, as well as nature centres where you can learn about native species and even partake in a bit of falconry. 

The best part about outdoor activities in the country: they’re usually free. Natural heritage sites, National Parks and other areas of outstanding beauty are free to the public and make for a fabulous and cost effective day out for the whole family. 

Countryside Breaks Vs City Breaks: Indoor activities 

Cities and countryside destinations both offer a wide range of indoor activities, catering to all interests and age groups. Cities are often home to world-class museums and galleries, which can be a great way to spend a day indoors, especially if the weather isn’t fantastic. You’ll also find a city break to be a great place to enjoy a trip to a theatre and the cinema. 

While country breaks are often associated with outdoor activities, there are still plenty of indoor activities to enjoy in rural or natural settings. Many country retreats offer indoor sports such as swimming pools, tennis courts, and indoor games rooms, which can be a great way to stay active indoors.

Country breaks also boast a host of local events and festivals throughout the year, which can be a great way to experience local culture and traditions. Hay on Wye for example hosts a charming literary festival each year. Cosy cafes and pubs are also countryside staples, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere for indoor relaxation and socialising.

Countryside Breaks Vs City Breaks: Scenery

In a city break, the scenery usually includes towering skyscrapers, historic architecture, bustling streets, and vibrant neighbourhoods with their own unique stories and tales. Cities are often known for their iconic landmarks and attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Empire State Building in New York City, or the Colosseum in Rome. The scenery of a city break can be breathtaking, especially when viewed from a rooftop bar or a high observation deck. The energy and vibrancy of a cityscape can be thrilling and awe-inspiring and more often than not, every city offers something truly unique and inspiring. 

In contrast, the scenery of a countryside break is much more natural and serene, with rolling hills, expansive fields, dense forests, and tranquil lakes or rivers that really do take your breath away and leave you feeling connected to nature. The countryside is often characterised by its lush greenery and colourful flora, especially during the spring and summer months. The scenery of a countryside break can be truly mesmerising, with wide open spaces and clear blue skies offering a sense of peace and tranquillity. It was what inspired the Romantic Poets after all. Rural areas also tend to have less pollution and noise than cities, which can be a welcome change for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life, providing a more ambient and relaxing stay. 

Countryside Breaks Vs City Breaks: Relaxing

Relaxing isn’t always on the agenda for a hectic city break. If you’re exploring a city, you’re bound to rack up a huge step count walking between locations and really getting the most out of your trip. While you can certainly enjoy some downtime, navigating a new city and weaving between huge crowds of locals and tourists isn’t always the most relaxing activity. 

On the other hand, a country escape can be the perfect time to connect with yourself, nature and the friends or family you’re travelling with. A country escape can be the perfect time to enjoy a beautiful countryside hotel complete with spa or wellness treatments, take a slow walk around the local area, breathe in some delicious country air and take a leisurely tour around local pubs and restaurants all at a pace that suits you. Helping to relax and inspire. 

Countryside Breaks Vs City Breaks: Seeing the sights

A city break typically involves visiting a bustling urban area with a dense concentration of cultural, historical, and architectural attractions. You can expect to tour some landmarks and monuments, as well as museums and galleries, such as the British Museum in London. And of course gorgeous architecture. Cities often have a diverse range of architectural styles that reflect their history and culture. Anything from Gothic cathedrals to modern skyscrapers reflect the unique character of that particular city. 

A country break on the other hand involves spending time in a rural or natural setting away from the hustle and bustle of urban cities. You can expect to indulge in some striking natural wonders as the countryside is often home to stunning natural scenery, such as mountains, forests, lakes, and beaches. These natural wonders provide a truly magical opportunity to reconnect with nature and escape the stresses of city life and experience the country in a truly inspiring and natural way. 

You can also see gorgeous historic sites. The countryside is often steeped in history and there are many historic sites to explore, such as castles, ruins, and archaeological sites, providing the perfect opportunity to learn about the country’s past and its cultural heritage. You can visit locations such as National Trust sites, outdoor museums and of course National Parks. 

Countryside Breaks Vs City Breaks: Shopping

City breaks are often associated with shopping and many people travel to cities specifically to indulge in a bit of retail therapy. Cities are bustling with places to shop and cities are often home to high streets and shopping districts that offer a wide range of shops, from high-end luxury boutiques to affordable high-street chain stores. Big department stores are another staple of cities. Many cities have iconic department stores, such as Selfridges in London, Galeries Lafayette in Paris, and Macy’s in New York City where you can roam for hours browsing. 

Cities are also often home to bustling markets that sell everything from local produce to handmade crafts, however these are usually quite pricey and only occur on certain days so this is something to consider when booking your city break. 

While shopping might not be the main focus of a country break, there are still some absolutely fantastic shopping opportunities available in rural settings. 

The country is filled with delightful farm shops and local markets that sell fresh produce and locally made products, such as cheeses, jams, and chutneys. As well as charming crafts and unique charms not found anywhere else. Not to mention characterful antique shops and flea markets. Many rural towns and villages have antique shops and flea markets that offer unique and one-of-a-kind items. These shops can be great for finding vintage clothing, antique furniture, and other unique items you probably will never see again. They always have a great story to tell and you might leave with an absolute bargain!

The countryside is also home to quirky artisan shops that sell locally made crafts and products. These shops can be great for finding handmade pottery, jewellery, and textiles, among other things, making a country shopping trip a much more unique and quirky experience. 

Countryside Breaks Vs City Breaks: Eating and drinking

Wherever you go, be it a city break or a country break, you’re going to find some delicious eating options. For city breakers you’ll be inundated with chain and independent restaurants within walking distance of each other. In fact, it might even be worth doing a bit of research before your city breaks so that you don’t end up in a mediocre tourist trap. You’ll find an abundance of coffee shops, bakeries, fast food joints, eat in restaurants and cafes, and then some in a city, so choice is always an option. But beware, there might be a little too much to choose from and lots of other people around contending for a table. 

A country break on the other hand boasts delightful countryside views while eating locally sourced foods from artisan menus. While the choice may be slightly slimmer in a country break, taste and quality is still offered in abundance. You’ll find yourself dipping in and out of charming country pubs with perfect home cooked dishes, blackboard menus and fantastic local food and drink choices from the area. You’ll also likely find that each of the eateries and cafes are run by the locals who are friendly and willing to share little titbits of info about the local area to kind tourists. 

In the country you’re mostly going to find pubs, cafes and homely country style restaurants as opposed to bustling street food.

Countryside Breaks Vs City Breaks: Getting there

Getting to a city break destination is often relatively straightforward, with many transport options available. You’ll usually find easy, albeit sometimes expensive, travel to a city break destination. You’ll easily be able to fly: the fastest and most convenient way to reach a city break destination, especially if the city is located far away. Other options include the train as many cities have excellent rail connections, making train travel a convenient and affordable option for getting there. Alternatively, if the city is located within driving distance, travelling by car can be a convenient and cost-effective option. However, traffic and parking in cities can be challenging, so it’s worth researching parking options in advance.

Getting to a country break destination can be slightly more challenging than getting to a city break destination, as these destinations are often located in rural or remote areas. However, you will benefit from truly breathtaking views while travelling to these more rural destinations, seeing sights you would have otherwise never known about!

Driving is often the easiest and most convenient way to get to a country break destination, especially if the destination is located in a remote area and who doesn’t love a road trip on the way to a beautiful destination? 

In some cases, it may be possible to get to a country break destination by train. However, rural train services can be infrequent and may require transfers, so it’s important to research the train schedule in advance. But if you can get a train, there really is nothing like sitting back and taking in the mesmerising countryside views. 

Some rural areas have bus or coach services that connect to nearby towns and cities. These services can be a cost-effective option for getting to a country break destination and offer you the perfect excuse to sit back and relax while someone else gets you there. 

Countryside breaks in the New Forest

For a truly magical countryside break in the UK, there is nowhere quite as breathtaking as the New Forest. Comprised of natural heathland, stunning views and the native wildlife that roams freely among the area, the New Forest is the perfect place to enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, indulge in some country culture, visit local pubs and markets, and ultimately have a little bit of time to connect with yourself and nature. 

New Forest Collection is the perfect location to enjoy the beauty of the English countryside. Across our collection we have a variety of locations each with their own unique charm and character, as well as a selection of amenities. Burley Manor is an adults only haven with onsite Temple Spa facilities and an expansive garden to explore onsite. Beaulieu Inn is a charming country location with beautiful grounds and a charming country pub right next door. Each of our locations boast their own restaurants with delicious menus of local produce, and you’ll find an abundance of things to do near to each of our locations within the collection. 

Getting to us is easy by car, train or coach and we’d be delighted to welcome you to the New Forest for a truly breathtaking experience in the countryside.