With the Easter weekend just around the corner, it's an ideal time to take a breather, soak up the fresh spring air, and discover new places—all without the stress of passports and airport queues. Whether you're planning a spontaneous family adventure or a countryside retreat for two, the UK is brimming with stunning locations to explore. An Easter staycation could be the perfect way to spend the upcoming bank holiday weekend.
From a city break in the picturesque Bath to a refreshing getaway in Scotland, venturing out for the Easter weekend is a fantastic way to relax. Regardless of your preferred UK destination, a lavish hotel stay can add a touch of luxury to a restful weekend. With up to 30% off stays for Preferred members, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts could be an excellent choice for a sumptuous place to unwind after a day of exploration.
Joining the Macdonald Preferred loyalty programme is free, and after completing the straightforward sign-up form on the website, travellers can avail themselves of numerous benefits and offers, including substantial savings on Easter breaks.
For those eager to explore new places, there are plenty of Macdonald locations to select from. Here are just a few:
Macdonald Houstoun House
Nestled in the beautiful city of Edinburgh, the Macdonald Houstoun House has prices starting from £156.87 per night for members over the Easter bank holiday weekend. Set amidst 22 acres of woodland, this hotel provides a tranquil retreat from the bustling city centre, yet remains conveniently close to its museums, festivals, and family-friendly attractions. The charming hotel seamlessly combines historical charm with modern comfort, boasting wood-panelled rooms, period features, and verdant surroundings.
While in Edinburgh, families can explore the Edinburgh Science Festival, running until April 20, which offers interactive activities, workshops, and exhibitions suitable for children of all ages. Other must-see attractions include the majestic Edinburgh Castle and the iconic Royal Mile. For the more adventurous, a hike up Arthur's Seat promises breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa
Nestled in the north-west of England, Cheshire boasts several Macdonald hotels. Close to Chester—a city known for its stunning Chester Cathedral, exotic Chester Zoo, and the ruins of Britain's largest Roman amphitheatre—is the Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa. With double rooms starting from £99.90 per night for members, it offers spa treatments and facilities in a tranquil setting just 15 minutes from the city centre. Chester adds a dose of history to the holiday, with the Taste Cheshire Food & Drink Festival taking place from April 19-21, inviting guests to indulge in local flavours.
For younger explorers, Beeston Castle's Easter Adventure Quest promises to keep them entertained. Don't miss The Portal Golf & Spa Resort, which offers a four-star rural retreat with three golf courses, a luxury spa, and breathtaking views of the surrounding Cheshire countryside. Plus, it's dog-friendly! Rooms at the Portal can be booked for as low as £81 per night for members over the bank holiday weekend.
Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel
For those drawn to the historic city of Bath, Easter egg trails at Prior Park and Dyrham Park await exploration this Easter. Alternatively, a romantic torchlit evening at the Roman Baths could be on the cards. Bath is a walker's paradise, with historic streets, gardens, and museums waiting to be discovered. Visitors can amble through Georgian streets, admire the impressive Royal Crescent, and marvel at the architectural beauty of Bath Abbey—or even hunt for filming locations from the Netflix hit Bridgerton!
Just a stone's throw from the city centre, the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel provides a tranquil retreat. Its Georgian architecture mirrors the city's aesthetic, and it boasts soothing spa facilities befitting of the spa town, not to mention exceptional 2AA Rosette cuisine.
Hill Valley Hotel
A little further afield in the West Midlands, Shropshire offers another picturesque spot for an Easter getaway. Nestled on the border with Wales, it boasts breathtaking natural landscapes, complete with waterfalls and hiking trails, and charming towns like the medieval market town of Shrewsbury. Visitors can book a stay at the Hill Valley Hotel from £110.70 per night over the Easter bank holiday. This stunning hotel features two golf courses, spa facilities, a cocktail bar, and an onsite restaurant. With a perfect blend of relaxation and outdoor activities, it caters to families, couples, or even solo travellers.
Guests can enjoy a leisurely walk around Alderford Lake or unwind by the hotel's pool. Birmingham is also buzzing with Easter-themed theatre shows, chocolatey escapades at Cadbury World, and immersive exhibits at the Sea Life Centre. The Macdonald Burlington Hotel, a city-centre gem, places you right where the action happens.
Macdonald Windsor Hotel
If the idea of slumbering amidst history entices you, then the Macdonald Windsor Hotel is your go-to. Located directly opposite Windsor Castle, it offers access to stunning parks and walks in the vicinity, as well as being within easy reach of the iconic LEGOLAND Windsor resort. The nearby Theatre Royal, which has hosted performances from renowned figures like Sir Ian McKellen and Hollywood's Grease star Stockard Channing, provides a dose of culture. For a hotel steeped in history, the Macdonald Windsor Hotel, priced at £143 per night for members this Easter weekend, is an unbeatable choice. An added bonus is its dog-friendly policy, allowing guests to bring their pets for a nightly charge of £30.
For those not drawn to these options, the UK boasts plenty of other luxurious getaways. For instance, travellers heading to Bath might consider the Bathen House Boutique Hotel, available at £313.67 per night over the bank holiday weekend on Booking.com for the Junior Suite. Elsewhere, the Nethybridge Hotel in the heart of the Scottish Cairngorm National Park is also offering last-minute Easter breaks, with prices starting from £109 per person.
Those seeking a spa retreat could explore the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa in Edinburgh, featuring a thermal spa experience with a rooftop hydropool, priced around £300 per night over the Easter Bank holiday. Guests of Macdonald Hotels have taken to Trustpilot to share their positive experiences. One guest recounted, "What makes the Frimley Park hotel is its staff who are friendly and helpful. We did a one-night spa break and found it to be good value for money. The rooms are comfortable and our meal in the restaurant was very nice. We really appreciated the staff storing our daughter's birthday cake in the fridge! Many thanks."
Another visitor commented on their stay at Crutherland House and Spa: "Myself and my friend were at the Crutherland House and Spa for an indulgence day and overnight stay and I would like to say a special thanks to Victoria in the spa who was very knowledgeable on all the treatments and helped me pick the perfect treatment for me, and also to Clare in the bar who went over and above to make our visit to the bar a lovely experience even although we were the only people in the bar." However, not all feedback was glowing; one dissatisfied guest shared their frustration during a particular event: "Very disappointed, arrived at the beautiful setting looking to rest and relax. Unfortunately this was not to be, music blaring making the room vibrate."
Sharing a professional perspective, one wedding photographer remarked, "As a wedding photographer, I have had the pleasure of capturing the special moments at Frimley Hall Hotel & Spa, and I must say, it is truly a hidden gem," before praising, "Nestled within its own mature and beautifully landscaped gardens, the hotel provides a luxurious, secluded and extra-special atmosphere for your wedding day."
