Last minute night away in the North?

[LastMinute123]

DH and I have got some time booked off at short notice this week and want to take dd away for the night, probably Wednesday to Thursday.

We live in Leeds and happy to drive a couple of hours.

Dd is 9, loves the seaside, animals, interested in history and museums. She does not like rides/rollercoasters/adventurous things like Go Ape etc.

We were thinking of York but she went on a school trip very recently. I've looked at various places but struggling to find much available hotel-wise as it's so last minute. Budget isn't huge for a nights stay, up to £150 but can stretch a bit more if needed.

Would love some inspiration if anyone can help

Tynemouth. Right on the beach, and aquarium within walking distance. Posh bars and restaurants on the front street and The Priory if you fancy a bit of history.

Liverpool?

Northumberland, maybe Alnwick with the Harry Potter castle?
Lots of beaches as well. Trips to see see seals at Seahouses last time we visited.

I was considering this. My DH is from the NE though and won't see it as being 'away' if that makes sense!

Northumberland is a good shout. Alnwick gardens, Bamburgh Castle, Lindesfarne, Seahouses for boat trips.

I've not been before! Is there much to do for kids? DD went last year with school but only to the maritime museum. Is there anywhere close by we could drive and do a couple of hours on a beach?

Dd is 9, loves the seaside, animals, interested in history and museums

Liverpool would fit the bill for all of that. City centre on the waterfront. Nice beaches just 15-30 min up the coast at Crosby/formby/ainsdale. Lots of museums & art galleries to choose from. Knowsley Safari Park nearby

I was going to suggest Northumberland it's got everything the op is after.

We did Alnmouth and Alnwick for the past two years. We do love it though!

Whitby?

I think York is great , sure you will make it different to a school trip . You have got the railway museum , Jorvik , city walls, lovely park near the river and lots of choice for food . If there are offers at Hotel indigo that has a great location .

The Anthony Gormley statues are a 15 minute drive from the centre at Crosby beach. Formby has a national trust reserve & pine woods leading to the beach about 10 mins further on and Ainsdale sand dunes & beach about a further 10 mins. Not sure if we're ever going to get beach weather this summer though.

I stayed at the Crowne Plaza recently in Newcastle, lovely hotel with pool, less than £150. It's right by the Centre for Life, great for kids, loads of interactive displays, as is the Discovery museum just up the road, and then you also have the Great North Museum.

It's also right by central station so you could take the metro to the coast.

Another vote for Liverpool.
Crosby beach to see the status and loads in the city centre. Museums, art galleries, Liverpool one, a river cruise .

Beamish? Stay in Durham then you have the cathedral etc too?

Liverpool. One day in the city visiting the World Museum and Albert Docks and the other up the coast at Crosby or Formby.

I also vote for Liverpool. The World Museum is great and massive and you could go to Formby to try to spot some red squirrels.

That was some crossed post 😂.

Liverpool , as per things to do from pp , but adding Speke hall , especially if dd likes history , good walk round gardens with views over Mersey
ride on Mersey ferry too , hear about history of the docks/port
visit to Albert dock lots of places to eat / drink

Whitby is a great idea. Or down the road try the youth hostel near Robin Hoods Bay.

Scarborough/ Whitby?

Thanks everyone, I like the sound of Liverpool and the weather looks decent enough on Thursday for dd to potter about on the beach.

Also considering Scarborough as it's familiar and we've not been for a long time. I did look at Whitby but accommodation choices not great as it's so last minute.

I would look at this

www.stayplayexplore.co.uk/

£169 for bed and breakfast plus free entry to 3 attractions valid for a year - including Twycross zoo, space museum , really good value.

Liverpool is brilliant. We did the magical mystery tour and went to the cavern club - pretty sure kids can go in up to a certain time. We went to the war museum too

Liverpool is great.

Also Chester - not only the zoo but lots of Roman history. The sick to death exhibition is fun too.