Long weekend break ideas (late October)

[Angustiada]

(Also in chat)
I'm after suggestions for a 4/5 day break for late October for myself and boyfriend. Been together 2 years but only been away once (North Wales) as I'm RP for my 2 kids and I hardly ever have time off from work when I'm not with my kids and money has been tight so I'd like to do something really nice.
We're both active, love hiking, landscapes and history/culture. Hate beaches and just sitting around! Budget is a little tight me happy to stick to the UK or go abroad. Where would people recommend?
Thank you 😊

UK:

• The Lake District
• Scotland
• The Peak District
• The Yorkshire Dales
• The Cotswolds

Europe:

• Lisbon
• Budapest
• Prague
• Tuscany

As you’re into hiking, you could go somewhere with good autumn leaves in October? How about Perthshire, the Lake District or the Dolomites in Italy?

Or you could do the opposite and pick somewhere that’ll still be warm - one of the Canaries, Madeira or the Azores? An island in the med?

Where do you live? If you like history go to York- it's fabulous- lots to do and see and loads of great pubs/restaurants/bars. Tons of stuff going on all the time- no need for a car- take the train there then you can walk everywhere- city centre is very compact .We live 20 mins away by train and go pretty often just for a day but have often booked accommodation and stayed Mon- Fri.

Ireland! Might be a bit wet but has everything.

Take the ferry to Normandy. Lots of historic towns and interesting places to visit.

Try northern Spain. Great architecture and scenery. Fab food.

Bologna in Italy. A great city base for Ravenna, Parma, Modena, Ferrara (and further afield if you want). Great food and less visited than other Italian cities. Bologna has plenty to see too. Ravenna has stunning mosaics.

Interlaken in Switzerland. Use Swiss rail pass and enjoy the scenery! Walks abound but it’s not cheap!

I'd also recommend Madeira. It's not really that beachy (more rock pool/swimming places than beaches), it will be warm, perhaps a bit rainy (north coast wetter than south). You can walk the levadas, the traditional irrigation channels, which are found all over the island, from easy to challenging. It's a stunning island. You feel far away, and a bit long ago. It's a four-ish hour flight.

I'd recommend Belfast. Budget friendly, lots to see in terms of history and the landscape is beautiful for walks/ trekking. Can get a train to Dublin and spend the day there. Great restaurants, bars and live music.