Our pick of the best places to stay in each of the UK’s capital cities (Image: Getty)You don’t have to travel far for a weekend away at one of the best city break destinations. The UK has so much to offer, in particular in each of the four countries’ capital cities. Our writers have visited the newest hotspots in Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast and London to review the best places to stay, what to eat, and the top tourist attractions to visit, to help you to plan your next UK minibreak. Edinburgh Where to stay Two miles from the city centre at the Port of Leith you’ll be welcomed aboard Fingal – a luxury floating hotel with 22 boutique cabins, permanently docked on the waterfront. It’s the place to stay if you’re looking to make memories. Originally commissioned by the Northern Lighthouse Board, each room is named after a lighthouse. Our spacious cabin had a king-size bed and a bathroom, a surprising amount of storage space and even a private entrance that led out to the ship’s deck. It’s beyond luxe, with every detail thought of – even the taps are in the shape of a ship’s helm. Perfect weekend ahoy!
A memorable stay awaits on board Fingal
(Image: Fingal)
What to eat Nothing says fine dining quite like The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar aboard Fingal. The 2 AA Rosettes restaurant has a tranquil, luxurious dining space with a rippled ceiling that looks just like the calming waves outside. With plenty of local favourites to choose from, we tried the renowned smoked salmon followed by an incredibly tender beef cheek, and finished with an indulgent cheeseboard that featured Scotland’s finest. Definitely a meal to remember.
Fine dining on board Fingal
(Image: Fingal)
What to do Worked up a thirst wandering the characterful cobbles of Leith? Visit the nearby home of Lind & Lime Gin, where tours of the distillery are open to the public – book in advance as spaces can fill up fast. Tickets include a double G&T on arrival followed by a fascinating tour, not to mention a final cocktail and a miniature to pop in your bag for later. Hic! How to book Cabins on board Fingal start from £300 per night including breakfast. Cardiff Where to stay With its stunning Grade II-listed exterior, a magnificently grand foyer, and spacious, stylish rooms, Cardiff’s 5-star Parkgate Hotel is the city’s finest new luxury hotel. Previously the capital’s head post office and the old county court, you’re at the centre of Cardiff action. Craving tranquillity after a busy day? Take the lift to the Elemis spa on the sixth floor and treat yourself to a Swedish body massage or a facial (priced from £78) before entering the Thermal Suite, which includes a sauna, steam room, loungers and hydrotherapy pool.
The grand Parkgate is one of Cardiff’s newest hotels
(Image: The Parkgate Hotel)
What to eat Dinner at The Parkgate is served in The Sorting Room, a Michelin Guide-listed, low-lit venue with glittering chandeliers and a plush leather interior. Try the Celebration of Welsh Lamb – a rack of gloriously tender lamb, crispy lamb shoulder, shepherd’s pie, sticky red cabbage, parsnip purée, crispy pommes Anna, and redcurrant and rosemary jus. Divine! What to do Go behind the scenes at some of the city’s landmarks. We took a tour of the Principality Stadium, home of the Wales national rugby union team and host to major sporting events and mega concerts. The 90-minute experience includes a spectacular tunnel walk out into the stadium bowl and a snoop round the players’ dressing rooms.
Go behind the scenes at the Principality Stadium
(Image: News Images LTD / Alamy Stock Photo)
In nearby Central Square, you’ll find the BBC Cymru Wales headquarters, where you can visit state-of-the-art television and radio studios and discover the secrets of programmes such as Doctor Who. Want a different way to see the city? Look out for a new zip wire tower which will open later this year at the International Sports Village, in the heart of Cardiff Bay. How to book Rooms at The Parkgate Hotel start from £110 a night including breakfast. Belfast Where to stay We loved room2, one of the newest options in the city. This ‘hometel’ has the luxury you’d want for an indulgent break but with all the cosiness of home. There are crisp cotton sheets, locally sourced and quirky furnishings, and fabulous power showers. In a superb city centre location, you can walk everywhere and easily self-cater as some rooms come with a kitchenette. Top marks for room2’s green credentials, with mindful design throughout – the reception desk is made from old plastic shampoo bottles.
Room2 offers self-catering options
(Image: room2)
What to eat Pop into room2’s café Winnie’s for its Italian Caprese, a huge moreish toastie with mozzarella, pesto and tomato, or sip its pack-a-punch margarita at the bar. Just up the road, James St restaurant offers the very best of local Irish produce. We loved the starters of Waldorf salad with whipped gorgonzola and the crab and chilli linguine, while the County Tyrone sirloin steak and chips was, we decided, very much deserved after a day of walking around this fascinating city.
Enjoy the food at Winnie’s
(Image: room2)
What to do It’s a great time to visit, since from March until November, Belfast will host community-led events on the themes of People, Place and Planet, with art installations, dance and theatre, and a guerrilla gardening project to rewild the peace walls. We visited Banana Block, a new events space within an old linen mill in east Belfast. Every month it has a market with local producers and growers as well as vintage clothes and artisan sellers. How to book Double rooms at room2 start from £130 per night. London Where to stay Swerve the overcrowded West End and head for the new Ruby Zoe hotel in Notting Hill. Perfectly placed to explore the local area or for transport to the capital’s top tourist spots, it takes design inspiration from the vibrant carnival that makes Notting Hill so famous. Inspired by the neighbourhood’s Caribbean connection, the lobby and bar are bold and bright, while upstairs is a haven of calm with clean, compact and comfortable rooms. Rainfall showers and aromatherapy products are included, plus there’s a galley on each floor with tea and coffee facilities.
The new Ruby Zoe hotel is colourful interiors
(Image: Ruby Zoe)
What to eat Set yourself up for a day of Portobello pottering with a traditional full English at Café Diana, which is a stone’s throw from the hotel – and nearby Kensington Palace. It’s where inch of space is covered with photographs of Diana, the former Princess of Wales, who was a regular visitor. If walls could talk! Later, try Argentinian-inspired cuisine at the upmarket Casa Cruz – the steak is sublime. We’re told this intimate spot is a favourite of the royal family, so expect to peer over your menu for famous faces. What to do Spend hours checking out Portobello Market for curios, or hunt for famous movie locations like the blue door of Hugh Grant’s bookshop from Notting Hill, or the iconic Alice’s Antiques – aka Mr Gruber’s shop from Paddington.
See the famous sights of Portobello Market
(Image: Alamy Stock Photo)
This quirky corner of London has lots to offer. Catch a film at the Electric Cinema – one of the city’s oldest working picture houses – or soak up some local culture with fringe performances and poetry readings at the Coronet Theatre. We also took a step back in time and mooched around the Museum of Brands to see how many retro household products we could recognise – surprisingly entertaining! How to book Rooms at Ruby Zoe start from £147 per night excluding breakfast.Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterMore OnTravel
