SHORT weekend breaks help bridge the gap between holidays which often seem too far apart.

For maximum benefit, stay closer to home, where more time can be spent unwinding and relaxing without the stress and hassle of hanging around in airports.

Admittedly, the British weather is unpredictable at any time of year, but with beautifully designed hotels frequently eclipsing their geographical locations – it doesn’t really matter if you’re outside or in. So, if you plan to make 2020 a year for exploring Great Britain, make sure you book one of these exciting new stays.

THE ALBION ROOMS, KENT

Over the past few years, an influx of artists has breathed new life into Margate’s tired arcades and faded pavilions. The Turner Contemporary Gallery and Dreamland amusement park both regularly attract crowds. Now those wanting to stay the night can rock and roll out of bed when The Libertines open their new hotel this spring, overlooking Margate’s bandstand and the sea. Along with seven rooms, there’s a recording studio (which the band are already using) and a performance space, The Waste Land (currently hosting poetry readings and live music).

Frontman Pete Doherty has already given it the thumbs up by sinking a pint at the bar.

No rates yet available. Visit facebook.com/thealbionroomsmargate.

THE HARPER, NORTH NORFOLK

Warrington Guardian:

Taking residence in a former glass-blowing factory, The Harper intends to bring a touch of quirky luxury to an unspoilt stretch of North Norfolk’s coastline. Expect large rooms (categories are Big, Bigger and Biggest), sauna, hot tub, retro games room, and a dining menu focused on seafood. There’s also a cosy lounge with a wood burner and plenty of nooks to slip into and sip glasses of wine.

Borrow bikes and cycle to Blakeney village, ramble along one of several hiking trails, or enjoy being ferried between various country ale houses as part of The Harper’s own pub crawl.

Rooms from £175 per night, including breakfast. Visit theharper.co.uk.

BILLESLEY MANOR, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

Warrington Guardian:

This grand Elizabethan manor is by no means new, but a flattering facelift has been planned for early 2020, reviving the 16th century property to its former grandeur. Following previous improvements made to the spa, gardens and guest rooms, there are plans to update the reception and great hall.

It’s a good excuse to visit this slice of Stratford-upon-Avon’s literary history. Shakespeare wrote his 20th play, As You Like It, in the library, and historians believe his wedding to Anne Hathaway took place in the 11th century All Saints Church which occupies the hotel’s grounds.

Doubles from £150 per night with breakfast. Visit billesleymanor.com

THE WAVE GLAMPING, BRISTOL

Bristolians are famously outdoor types, but when you can’t easily get to the coast, new artificial surfing lagoon The Wave comes to the rescue. Opened in November last year, the 180-metre lake is a 16-minute drive from the city in Almondsbury. Featuring wave-making technology capable of generating up to 1,000 waves per hour, it’s already attracted enthusiasts eager to tackle 1.8m swells. Beginners, meanwhile, can stay safe with 50cm waves.

Visitors will have the opportunity to rise and ride when 25 safari-style glamping tents launch in April.

No rates yet available. Visit thewave.com.

HOLMES HOTEL, LONDON

London’s Baker Street is inextricably linked to fictional hero Sherlock Holmes, but do some detective work of your own and you’ll find another great discovery. Packed with independent bars and boutiques, Marylebone Village has an upmarket, bohemian feel. The opening of Chiltern Firehouse in 2013 lent some A-list attention to the postcode, and now a new hotel is cementing the area’s fame.

Spread across four Georgian buildings, 118 guest rooms feature marble bathrooms with freestanding tubs, quirky antiques and vinyl record players. In the restaurant, Kitchen At Holmes, the menu is a globetrotting adventure, while a fashionable bar features nightly DJ sets.

Doubles from £250 with breakfast. Visit holmeshotel.com.

BODMIN JAIL, CORNWALL

More than 200 years ago, people would have parted with hefty amounts of cash to get out of this brick build in Bodmin. Later this year, when a visitor centre and hotel open on the site, there will be queues forming to get in. Built in 1779 for King George III, Bodmin Jail was one of Britain’s first modern prisons with individual cells, heavily used following the Napoleonic Wars. From May, that past will be resurrected through immersive attraction Dark Walk, regaling a turbulent history of smugglers, abandoned mines and public executions. A second phase of the £40 million development will take place later this year when a 70-room hotel opens in the Grade II listed building.

No rates yet available. Visit bodminjail.org.