Overnight trip from London week after NY, 2 DC. Any recs?

[Ilovecrumpets]

Hi All

Just wondering if anyone had any recommendations for somewhere I could take my two DS in the week after New Year.

I am a single mum, looking for an overnight trip relatively easy to get to from London. Can only travel by public transport. 2 DS 4 and nearly 7.

In the summer we went to Brighton and at half term Warwick and Warwick castle which worked really well. So looking for something similar - ideally with stuff to do in the day and an overnight stay in a hotel. Could do 2 nights if needed.

If anyone has any recommendations I’d be very grateful! Going to the Isle of Wight at Easter so not there but otherwise happy to consider anywhere!

How about York? A couple of hours on the train and plenty to do in the city centre.

I think Lincoln is a lovely place easy to get to from London too

Bristol? My DCs loved the hands on science museum @Bristol at that age, and travelling about by the water bus is great fun.

We did an overnight stay in Birmingham with my dc and they loved it. We bought combi tickets for the Lego Discovery Centre and the sea life centre, which together took up a full day. The following day we went to the excellent ThinkTank science museum and took them indoor rock climbing.
We've also had a stay in Bristol and spent a full day at the zoo. On the second full day we went to We Are The Curious, SS Great Britain and M Shed.

I was going to suggest York too. Portsmouth dockyard would be a good destination some time but possibly when it’s slightly warmer.

Another vote for Bristol, we did this at the August bank holiday. Stayed by the harbour at the raddison blu in a family room, took the water bus, did the SS Great Britain, M Shed, We the Curious, ate at Za Za Bazaar and at the cool little cafes and restaurants behind the M Shed. Also the Zoo, the playground and Cabot Tower on Brandon Hill, and the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery.

I vote for Birmingham too!

My immediate thought was Bristol too at that time of year. Lots to do and you can catch a water boat from the station to the city centre.

If you are on a budget there is a great YMCA called The Bristol Wing. Very central with private rooms.

Thanks so much everyone for all the suggestions! Am sure we will go for one of them ( and I will save the others for later in the year too!)