Brits choose short breaks with partners over friends

Weekend and overnight breaks in the UK are popular choices for today's busy Brits. A new survey reveals that three quarters of us prefer to take breaks with partners rather than friends, confirming that we like time out for romantic reasons as much as recreational ones.

In terms of enjoying the perfect weekend break, half the nation's lovebirds say their favourite pursuit is simply strolling around the city. 38% make a point of dining in quality restaurants, over a third take in local landmarks, and a quarter seek out the entertainment that's on offer.

One in five people choose cities for their bars and nightlife according to the research by VisitBirmingham.com. Three quarters say they make much more of an effort to take in the cultural attractions of the city they're visiting than they would do in their own hometowns.

But short breaks are time-limited, of course. While many people go by car, the 20% who prefer to reach their destinations via leisurely train journeys don't want to spend more than two or three hours doing so.

Once they arrive of course, that's when all the smoochy stuff really kicks in. Short breaks provide a chance not only to say all that stuff you've been bottling up for ages, but to give the kind of gifts that say you really mean it. Partnered-up people and singletons alike say that hand crafted jewellery is the most romantic gift they could hope to be given on a short break.

For more information on perfect weekend breaks, see Visitbirmingham.com.