We pit a romantic couple’s weekend in Cambridge against an idyllic family trip in Lincolnshire — which will you pick?
YOU want to go on a weekend break but not sure about bringing the kids? Team Fabulous travels to two different spots in the UK to recommend you different plans for you and your lover or to enjoy with the whole family.
CAMBRIDGE
Lifestyle Editor Catherine Bennion-Pedley and husband Andy sought out a romantic city break.
THE PAD: Opened just this summer, the snazzy University Arms (once an old coaching inn) has gorge interiors and sits beside a grassy common.
Expect plush rooms – some with roll-top baths – and bikes to borrow. Come morning, tuck into continental treats, £5, then order the beaut of a kedgeree, £9.
EXPLORE: You’re minutes away from the stunning architecture of the famous colleges and chapels, including Trinity’s Wren Library.
Hire your own punt, or hop on a guided tour to spy the famous sights – like the Bridge of Sighs – and hear ancient tales of the city, from £17 for 45 minutes ().
Afterwards, pop into Ark boutique for quirky gifts (), before a gin tasting where you can try wood ants gin if you’re brave enough at Cambridge Gin Lab, from £30 ().
REFUEL: On a Sunday, dig into roast pork loin with crackling at Cambridge Chop House – complete with King’s College views.
Roasts cost from £14.50 (). Grab souvenir hand-made caramel, praline and sea salt choccie at Chocolat Chocolat ().
Later, sip a Secret of Life cocktail (strawberry gin and spiced vermouth) in the University Arms library, before dinner in its buzzy Parker’s Tavern restaurant.
The Somerset truffle risotto, £22, is particularly delicious.
BOOK IT: Double rooms start from £190 ().
MOST READ IN FABULOUS
LINCOLNSHIRE
Deputy Picture Editor Jenny Hodges, husband Dom, and daughters Tilly, 11, and Ida, nine, checked into a country cottage.
THE PAD: Set on a working farm in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, self-catering Little Walk Cottage is a converted stable block with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a huge garden in the tiny village of Thorganby.
Yes, there’s WiFi, but hunker down with the log burner, complimentary bottle of wine and the cottage’s board games. Bliss!
EXPLORE: Lincoln is 50 minutes’ drive and our girls loved exploring the medieval castle. A family ticket costs £34.20 ().
Fantasy Island Adventure Park at seaside town Skegness has thrills aplenty, including the Mystical Dragon Mountain ride. Wristbands cost £17 per person ().
Or visit Donna Nook National Nature Reserve, a haven for grey seals. In November and December they come ashore to give birth ().
REFUEL: Dig into haddock with basil and Parmesan mash, £15.50, at Roosters bistro in Ashby cum Fenby ().
Or try delicious roast shin of beef, £12.95, with fish pie on the menu for the kids at cute village gastro pub The Ship Inn at Barnoldby le Beck ().
BOOK IT: Little Walk Cottage sleeps four and costs from £325 for three nights ().