Alternative to London, August Bank Holiday Weekend

[MeetMyCat]

We're in the East Midlands and were planning a weekend in London over the bank holiday. But now the trains will be on strike on Sat 26 August, which is a pain.

Other than York (which we went to a few weeks ago) where can we go instead? Obviously we would take the car and not the train! Somewhere that would keep us busy for a day or two?

Liverpool is getting a lot of good reviews recently.

Bristol?

Aldeburgh or Southwold

Lincoln - though it’s hosting a steampunk festival that weekend, which might nudge hotel prices up. It isn’t my thing at all, but they are no bother, and do add a bit of colour to the city.

Newcastle

I don’t know if I’d recommend Newcastle! I don’t think it’s got that much to offer tourists besides shopping and mid day drinking unless I’m missing something? I like the coastline around Tynemouth / Whitley Bay but the city centre doesn’t really do it for me as a city break destination.

Bath

Absolutely Liverpool