Where would you go for a three day weekend with a 13yo?

[Cuck00soup]

DD has an inset day in early Oct which gives us a 3 day weekend so I’m trying to think of somewhere to go to make up a bit for the lack of a summer holiday.

I’m thinking East of England / midlands / south east so that we don’t have to travel too far. I love a beach, but as the weather is unpredictable, would rather go somewhere where there is something to do if it rains.

What can you suggest?

Brighton

Edinburgh

Funnily enough I was just looking at sleeper trains to Edinburgh & Penzance! Although I suspect flying to Edinburgh may be cheaper.

We are just south of Cambridge & I don’t fancy a long drive (hence considering sleeper trains). We can do Brighton in two hours on a good day but went a couple of years ago. I love Dorset, Hampshire & Somerset areas, but would really rather go closer.

Lincoln?

Norwich - then if it's sunny you can go on the Broads or to the beach. But loads to do if if rains.

How about York, if you can connect through Peterborough, there is a quick train from there and no car needed whilst you are there

Edinburgh.

We did edinburgh a few days ago, direct 4 hour train from Birmingham. Really recommend.

A trip to Wales? Conwy castle, plus sea side.

Yes, if you go to Blackpool, you can see the illuminations. York would also be good as easy by train, lots to do and you can get the train to the coast if the weather is good, plus Scarborough has a newish indoor waterpark with spa.

I assume that you've been to London many times, or else that would be a good shout this year as much reduced overseas visitors making hotels cheap, plus obvious the train part will be very easy.

Never been but a friend had a great time in Lincoln over the summer, we’re thinking of going at half term.

London.

Agree with pp - York is so lovely to visit and so much stuff to do.

Liverpool is great for that age. Failing that Barcelona, Roma or Naples all wonderful.

Newcastle!

If you based yourself in say, Birmingham, you have quite a lot in your doorstep. Train to stratford upon Avon, have a mooch along the river, hire a boat (it's a lovely hour along the river), have lunch, shopping.

There's the wave at Coventry (water park) which gets good reviews. And Draton Manor isn't far for a theme park day out. Or there's the Safari park. All within an hour of the city. There's also the Severn valley railway.

It depends what you think of Birmingham. There are lots of independents nowadays and some good shopping. Get the independent Birmingham app for some fab discounts in restaurants and the likes.

York is great and lots to do..

London! I'd pick an area. Maybe Greenwich or Kensington.

If they like outdoors active things then North Wales wod be great.

Otherwise Birmingham is a fantastic base for going to other places and there is loads to do in Birmingham itself.

Another poster had a good idea with Norwich too.

I'd go hiking. Teens might not love the idea but I've found that walking is the very best activity to do with them. They enjoy it once they're out and talk to you!

I had a few days at Box Hill in Surrey with three teens this summer, we had a lovely time and not particularly touristy so none of the issues people seem to have found elsewhere.

I'd also still walk in the rain but add in more coffee and cake stops.

Norwich
Oxford
York
London (though be selective about what you do or you’ll be exhausted!)

Great ideas thank you all. Now I’m spoiled for choice!

I had thought about Norwich as I’ve never been, but hasn’t considered the broads which could be lovely if the weather is kind.

Love York and haven’t been for ages, so definitely a possibility, especially if we can go by train.

Hadn’t thought about Birmingham, but agree it could be a good base, plus I’m keen to do the back to backs, (I think that was a previous MN recommendation) and we could also do Stratford on Avon. DD would also like the Black Country living museum.

London is the back up if we don’t go away as we are near enough to train in daily so won’t need a hotel.

Thank you again.

Stratford upon Avon. Beautiful place and lots going on. Try to catch a play too.

What about a theme park like Thorpe Park?