Plan your next weekend away with Premier Inn

If the quaint cobblestone streets seem a little familiar, that’s because JK Rowling was inspired by Gandy Street to create Diagon Alley (she spent three years as a student at Exeter University). While it does not, alas, boast a Gambol and Japes Wizarding Joke Shop, there’s still a hint of magic about the treasure trove of independent boutiques selling jewellery, apparel, accessories, gifts and more. Definitely worth a pit-stop is Chococo, makers of fine chocolate, for delicious alternatives to Chocolate Frogs.

Castle St, Exeter, EX4 3PT.

Premier Inn Exeter City Centre, 2 Southernhay Gardens, Exeter, EX1 1SG. 0.4 miles.

Take a dip and enjoy the peaceful retreat offered by this beautiful two-mile-long sandy beach. Stretching alongside the golfing world’s famous Old Course, with rolling sand dunes on one side and the crashing waves of the North Sea on the other, the beach played a starring role in the opening sequence of ‘Chariots of Fire’. Go on, who doesn’t want to run through the shallows with the wind in their hair?

St Andrews, KY16 9XL.

Premier Inn St Andrews, Largo Rd, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8NH. 1.3 miles.

Seasonal local produce dictates the menus, which change daily, at this low-key Michelin-starred restaurant, marooned on the coastal road between Whitstable and Faversham. Five and nine-course tasting menus are available, as well as à la carte. To secure a table, book well ahead (weekdays are easiest).

Faversham Rd, Seasalter, Kent, CT5 4BP.

Premier Inn Whitstable, Long Reach, Thanet Way, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 3DB. 2.9 miles.

In Manchester’s trendy Northern Quarter, MCDC is a collection of makers’ shops housed in a wonderful Victorian fish market. Ceramics, jewellery, fine art and furniture, plus exhibitions about craft and design, make this an ideal place to treat yourself.

17 Oak St, Manchester, M4 5JD.

Premier Inn Manchester Central, Bishopsgate, 7-11 Lower Mosley St, Manchester, M2 3DW. 0.8 miles.

Ghyll scrambling – climbing waterfalls, sliding down rocky streams and jumping into plunge pools – is one of the most popular Lake District activities. The highly experienced father-and-son team below runs sessions in the wilderness of the Esk Gorge, and offers bespoke trips for all abilities, from family groups to thrill-seekers.

Andy and Chris Brown, Ashlea House, 67 High Brigham, Cockermouth, Cumbria. CA13 0TG.

Premier Inn Cockermouth, Waterloo Lane, Cockermouth, Lancs, CA13 0QX. 2.5 miles.

Discover more amazing things to do in the UK with Premier Inn.