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Recommendations for weekend breaks

13 replies

IndigoViolent · 26/04/2025 18:36

Can I pick your collective brains please? I’ve just come back from a lovely coastal break for Easter and it’s given me the bug. I’m thinking I might try to squeeze in a trip over the Whitsun bank holiday if I can find a decent deal.

As I’ve just done the coast, I’m thinking more in terms of a city or nice town (maybe a market town?) this time. Somewhere with a bit of history and/or interesting architecture would be nice. I’m looking at Bath and York, but would be interested in hearing about some less obvious options if anyone has recommendations.

I live in London and don’t drive, so would need to be able to get there by train and would need at least some public transport there. (Infrequent is fine - I can plan around a bus every hour - but non-existent is not!) I don’t want a ridiculous journey, but three or four hours travelling is fine.

Hit me with your thoughts! Thank you in advance!

OP posts:
CarpetKnees · 26/04/2025 21:02

Along similar lines to Bath and York would be Chester and Stratford Upon Avon.

In truth though most places with a Cathedral are worth a visit
English Cathedrals

Liverpool is a great City for a short break.

Portsmouth and Bristol both full of history.

List of cathedrals in England - Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cathedrals_in_England

IndigoViolent · 27/04/2025 09:19

Thank you @CarpetKnees!

Anyone else?

OP posts:
DisplayPurposesOnly · 27/04/2025 09:23

Honestly, for a weekend, any city will do. Dont overthink it. They'll all have enough to entertain you for 2-3 days.

Bristol
Chester
Colchester
Edinburgh
Liverpool
Ludlow
Manchester
Norwich
York

R00tat00tt00t · 27/04/2025 09:23

Cambridge, Canterbury…always Edinburgh

sidsgranny · 27/04/2025 09:25

I was going to suggest Bath & York. How about Canterbury? Or Chester?

Giraff3 · 27/04/2025 09:43

Bath
I went last month for the first time. It was amazing weekend. We stayed in the hilton which was right in the centre. I felt safe walking around. Loads of architecture and things to see and do. It was beautiful. I definitely will go back.
I will go as far to say i preferred bath over york.

JDM625 · 27/04/2025 09:51

The places I was going to suggest have already been mentioned.

Are you travelling alone? If not, get a two together travel pass. Lasts a year, saves 30% of train fares and not a benefits based railcard.
www.twotogether-railcard.co.uk/

IndigoViolent · 27/04/2025 11:07

@JDM625 I just got one for this trip and it was great! I found a voucher code to get the card for £28 instead of £35 - but we saved £48 between us on the tickets! So we’re effectively “in profit” even if we never use it again.

OP posts:
IndigoViolent · 27/04/2025 11:08

CarpetKnees · 26/04/2025 21:02

Along similar lines to Bath and York would be Chester and Stratford Upon Avon.

In truth though most places with a Cathedral are worth a visit
English Cathedrals

Liverpool is a great City for a short break.

Portsmouth and Bristol both full of history.

I wonder if I could do Liverpool and Chester in one trip, given that they’re close?

OP posts:
suki1964 · 27/04/2025 11:11

Liverpool - such an amazing city with so much history. As a Londoner born and bred and now living in rural NI, if I want a city hit - Liverpool is my choice

Raera · 27/04/2025 11:16

We spent a few days in Cardiff a few weeks ago. Really enjoyed it. A highlight was the water taxi from near the castle to the bay area.

Giraff3 · 27/04/2025 17:13

IndigoViolent · 27/04/2025 11:08

I wonder if I could do Liverpool and Chester in one trip, given that they’re close?

Yes, they share the same line. 45 mins direct journey

Leeds2 · 27/04/2025 17:23

Oxford. Brighton, although maybe too coastal! York/Leeds/Harrogate, based in one and use the train to get between places.

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