Having caught brief glimpses of summer over the past few weeks, now is the perfect time to start preparing for a summer weekend or day break. Perfect for couples looking to escape the city for a more relaxing drive into the countryside, we've put together our list of perfect nearby locations for you to head this coming weekend and enjoy the sights on offer. Rudding Park Located in the affluent Harrogate, North Yorkshire, Rudding Park is a Grade I listed Regency-style country house. Now utilised as a hotel, golf club and spa, Rudding Park is set amongst beautiful landscaped gardens and woodland, and offers  one of the most relaxing hotels in the area, whilst is also within easy access of both York and Leeds. The golf club, which offers players the chance of taking on the challenging 18 hole 72 par course or the shorter six hole par three course provides something for every golfer, no matter what ability. However if you just plan on getting away for a relaxing break, head to the spa, which has four treatment rooms, including a hammam, beauty area, steam room, experience shower and two relaxation areas. Yorebridge House Located in Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales, Yorebridge House really is the perfect place for that summer weekend mini break. Set in the village of Bainbridge, there’s the Wensleydale creamery and a cosy Yorkshire pub, both of which are perfect excuses for stopping off when you’ve returned from one of many amazing walking routes through the Dales. This is, of course, presuming you can drag yourself away from the house itself. Each room has its own quirky style, some boasting hot tubs, wet-room style showers and queen sized beds. You can add extras such as champagne and chocolates to your stay and room service if you don’t fancy the lounge bar or formal restaurant. Its website is particularly helpful as you can choose which room best suits your taste whilst checking availability and pricing. You’re also able to add those little extras online if you’re surprising that special someone! Yorkshire Sculpture Park The perfect destination if you're just looking for a day trip to enjoy the sun, as opposed to a longer weekend break, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park in Bretton has plenty to offer. Sold as being a pioneering place that aims to challenge, inspire, inform and delight, welcoming over 300,000 visitors, including 40,000 learning visits each year, it's an idyllic haven in which you can unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Bolton Abbey Another North Yorkshire destination perfect for a sun soaked weekend is Bolton Abbey. In the heart of the Yorkshire Dales on the banks of the River Wharfe, this country estate boasts just under 30,000 acres of beautiful countryside, over 80 miles of footpaths and ample space to run around and enjoy the fresh air. The perfect plan for a Saturday or Sunday when you just want to jump in the car and escape, Bolton Abbey is the perfect place to head and soak up some sun whilst enjoying a picnic. Explore the ruins of the Priory and discover a landscape full of history and legend, wander along the riverside, woodland and moorland paths, enjoy local produce in the restaurants, tea rooms and cafes or simply relax beside the river. Photo Credit: Axel-D via Compfight cc