From Chichester to Stirling: Saga’s classic university holidays offer affordable and sociable breaks in some of the UK’s most beautiful towns and cities.
Saga has revived a holiday tradition – breaks based at universities and colleges in some of the most beautiful towns and cities in the UK. It is a concept that is in tune with what many older travellers are looking for now – well-located accommodation, smaller groups and a sociable atmosphere.
Neil Cron, Saga’s senior product manager, has been creating holidays for the company for more than 21 years, and he’s the man behind all four of the new university breaks.
“I’m incredibly proud to have been asked to reintroduce these holidays back into our programme of stays,” says Cron.
“Each university and college holiday has been carefully crafted with Saga’s cornerstones of quality, value and service in mind.”
These holidays have been designed with solo travellers at their heart, but that doesn’t mean you have to be travelling alone to enjoy them. Couples and groups are welcome too. What makes them particularly appealing for people travelling on their own, however, is the balance they strike between sociability and independence.
“Travelling on your own may be daunting,” says Cron, “but these holidays are for groups no larger than 45, so you can expect a warm welcome and a friendly atmosphere.”
You’ll dine with fellow guests in the university self-service dining halls, head out on excursions together and enjoy two evenings of live entertainment during your stay.
There’s also plenty of room to do your own thing. As Cron puts it: “There is a feeling of independence because you can still enjoy your own company and explore on your own.”
All rooms are en-suite with walk-in showers, while many campuses have shared kitchens with tea and coffee-making facilities, a fridge and a cooker. Meals are self-service, with hot and cold options at breakfast and dinner, served in the university dining halls.
Universities tend to sit close to or right in the heart of their cities and towns, which means you’re often within walking distance of all the best sights, something that can be hard to find at a hotel in peak season without paying a premium.
In 2027, Cron has added four brand-new university breaks to the current portfolio, so there’s even more choice of where to stay.
Chichester offers Georgian elegance, Roman ruins and a magnificent Norman cathedral.
The Bishop Otter Campus, which hosts the Saga break, was requisitioned by the RAF during World War II, and a lecture theatre became the operations room, controlling squadrons of fighter planes involved in the D-Day landings in 1944.
Colchester surprises with its quaint Dutch Quarter and pretty Castle Park.
The oldest recorded town in Britain (it was the country’s first capital city under the Romans), Colchester’s history is never far below the surface. Sometimes literally: in 2014, a treasure trove of Roman coins and jewellery was unearthed under the high street.
It was dubbed The Fenwick Hoard after the shop it was discovered beneath.
Canterbury puts you in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with more than 1,400 years of history on your doorstep.
The King's School, whose International College is the base for the holiday, has modern, purpose-built accommodation.
Set in 300 acres of parkland three miles north of Stirling, the university shares its campus with Airthrey Castle, designed by Robert Adam, and Airthrey Loch.
In the city, climb the 246 steps of the National Wallace Monument for panoramic views over the historic heartland where Wallace led his troops to victory at Stirling Bridge in 1297.
Set beside the South Downs, the University of Sussex campus is known for Sir Basil Spence’s vaulted arches and courtyards and is home to 82 species of bee.
In Brighton, explore the 17th-century Lanes and Royal Pavilion; excursions also visit Leonardslee Gardens, with two evenings of live entertainment included.
From Lancaster University’s 580-acre parkland campus, explore a city of Georgian streets, canal walks and a medieval castle.
Nearby Morecambe looks across its sweeping bay to the Lake District fells; the holiday also includes a Windermere cruise and a visit to Gresgarth Hall and Gardens.
Stay on the Brayford waterfront, England’s oldest inland harbour, built by the Romans, with bars and restaurants on the water’s edge.
Explore Lincoln’s cobbled streets, Roman remains, medieval cathedral and castle, and Tudor Guildhall; included excursions visit Doddington Hall and Gardens and the International Bomber Command Centre.
Each holiday lasts seven nights and includes half-board accommodation, two excursions, two evenings of live entertainment and a resident Saga host. Saga’s shared chauffeur service also takes the hassle out of getting there, collecting you from home and bringing you back at the end of your stay.
There are also Easter departures next year to Canterbury, Essex and Lincoln, offering more opportunities to try this different kind of UK break.
So, why not sample university life without the hours of studying or the rush to make a 9am lecture? Whether you’re a solo traveller looking for something sociable or simply fancy exploring somewhere new, Saga’s university holidays offer a fresh take on a UK getaway.
Saga’s university and college holidays have summer and Easter dates in 2027, with prices starting from £1,199 per person.
To find out more or to book, visit our University and College Holidays page or call 0808 304 9137.
Try something different – a new style of accommodation, unbeatable locations and peak season at great prices.
These are a great alternative to traditional hotel breaks with our nationwide chauffeur service included.
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