Birthday day out/possibly with overnight stay by train

[BirthdaySmurfday]

We are restricted to public transport first and foremost. It will be me and my 16 and 10 year olds for my 49th birthday. Money is not plentiful. I’m looking for somewhere within 2-3 hours of Stockport that’s not going to cost the earth in train fares or a premier inn. I have a Family and Friends railcard.

Somewhere outdoors mainly
Not too crowded
Would like the coast but not essential
Historic maybe
There and back in a day or a premier inn overnight
Can’t hire a car
Probably not an inland city
No passports

All ideas welcome!

Llandudno/Conwy

We just spent a night in a glamping tent within the grounds of Warwick castle & loved it. Spent the day in the castle watching the jousting & falconry displays then had a go at archery & did a castle tour. There's also a dungeon experience & various other add ones.

Think it was £69 per night plus discounted castle tickets.

The tents sleep 4 with double bed & 2 singles - not sure if it would be too cramped with a 16 year old? Possible for 1 night though.

It's walking distance from Warwick station.

@DisplayPurposesOnlythats my original plan but something is holding me back and I’m not sure what. I think partly because I want to make the most of it and see the Castell and hunt sea glass and I don’t think we’d have enough time to do everything we’d want to do.

@SerencwtchWarwick Castle is a favourite of ours. The jousting and falconry are great.

I think I’m going to stick with the original plan
but only stay one night. This seems the best option.

There's a Premier Inn at Whitley Bay right on the promenade - train to Newcastle then Metro to Monkseaton and it's a short walk away.

You could make it 2 days and one night so you can see the castle on the first day for example and hunt for sea glass etc on the second day and stay all day before travelling home.