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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

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Original poster

Where in England should we go?

74 replies

Fredflinstoneswife · 23/02/2023 00:13

I would love some input into what part of England we should holiday in this coming summer?

Two years ago we were in the Lake District which I LOVED. Last year we happened to be in Lewes which I also loved- what friendly people!

What I would particularly like:
Areas that have historic/pretty towns and/ or villages. Independent shops that have good local makers and antique shops/fairs. This was why I loved Lewes.
National trust properties.
Prefer forested areas and I do like mountains but I could forego the mountains for one year lol.
Things to do for a 3 year old.
I also love rivers for paddling/swimming, beach would be a bonus but it's not a must.
Another added bonus would be a good living history museum. I've done the amazing beamish and last year we did the Weald and Downland one.

I think Cornwall and Devon would be too far as we will be coming over from NI to Cairnryan. But I am open to going as far south as Dorset/Somerset. I've read Northumberland is very nice but would it be as nice as the pretty places in East Sussex? we could maybe do a week in Northumberland if it is and ten days somewhere else?!

Thank you for any help you can give!

OP posts:

Artisticpaint · 23/02/2023 00:15

Northumberland is fab, lots of castles on the coast, beautiful countryside

Lemonnhoney · 23/02/2023 00:18

Northumberland is stunning! (But I've never been to Sussex)
Big beaches, castles, old towns, mountains (Cheviots), antique shops, Hadrian's wall also cragside national trust property.

How about Wales too? Pembrokeshire is stunning and has lovely towns and beaches.

CeeceeBloomingdale · 23/02/2023 00:19

Northumberland is amazing although I might be biased as I live within walking distance of it. The villages probably aren't quite a as quaint as East Sussex but the landscapes are coastlines are unbeatable and there are some gorgeous towns and village to visit. You've got more castles than any other county, huge uncrowded sandy beaches, forests (Kielder is a highlight). North Northumberland is my favourite.

RoseMartha · 23/02/2023 00:22

The New Forest has pretty villages etc.

Or the far east of East Sussex bordering on Kent and take in Rye, Canterbury, Tenterden, there are a fair few national trust places like Chartwell and Scotney and Sissinghurst. But also non NT like Leeds castle.

Bath and surrounding area also very nice.

Some parts of Dorset there is not so much going on.

Dunster in Somerset is pretty and has a nt property

Yorkshire or Derbyshire also

Fordian · 23/02/2023 00:28

Can I go rogue and suggest Shropshire? A bloody sight cheaper than the SW, untouristed, but so much to see and do, esp with a toddler who is pre-caring about being wowed. Castles, hills, good food, views, The Severn. Great food in foodie towns, like Ludlow.

ShandaLear · 23/02/2023 00:36

The New Forest has all of those in abundance but is a long drive from Cairnryan, though still closer than Dorset, Somerset, etc. You could also consider the Liverpool/Chester/North Wales area which has some great attractions and stunning coastline including Anthony Gormley’s Another Place on Crosby Beach which is simultaneously one of the most haunting and relatable things I have ever seen (top tip - don’t tell your family what they’re about to witness). Liverpool is fantastic city dripping with culture, and music and sports heritage, and Chester is a beautiful Roman city on a par with Bath. All of that is pretty much within 12- 30 miles of the exit from the Belfast- Liverpool ferry.

Mother87 · 23/02/2023 00:45

Another Northumberland fan here... we go every month or so and have only managed to discover a little bit of it. Stunning...

DibbleDooDah · 23/02/2023 07:13

The North Norfolk Coast - specifically the stretch between Holme and Wells-Next-The-Sea.

LlynTegid · 23/02/2023 07:15

North Wales I suggest, seems to fit your wishes.

PaulaPaola · 23/02/2023 07:15

Why does it have to be England? North Wales has almost all the things you mention in abundance!

JaninaDuszejko · 23/02/2023 07:33

Another vote for north Wales, we went last year and it was fabulous. So much to do, castles, beaches, heritage railways, industrial heritage, walks. And, apart from Portmeirion, it didn't feel touristy.

Otherwise I agree Northumbria and North Yorkshire are beautiful with loads of history. And much better than the very touristy Lake District.

peppermum60 · 23/02/2023 08:12

You might enjoy the beautiful Peak District if you liked the Lake District. Plenty of beautiful walks and scenery, opportunities for paddling, bike trails, lots of interesting small towns and villages. Chatsworth has a great play area and the grounds are lovely to visit with kids. Friendly locals too

LIZS · 23/02/2023 08:30

Ironbridge, river Wye, Shrewsbury and Much Wenlock area

AuntieDolly · 23/02/2023 08:43

Another vote for Ironbridge/Bridgnorth

Lovestodrinkmilk · 23/02/2023 09:16

I'll add my vote for Bournemouth and/or the New Forest, which have everything. Northumberland also absolutely fab.

beguilingeyes · 23/02/2023 10:08

Another vote for Wales. West Wales is gorgeous also. Tenby or Cardigan Bay.

MollySco9 · 23/02/2023 14:51

York is beautiful, great historic city. I love it!

Rellywobble · 23/02/2023 14:54

New forest absolutely beautiful..a different world and there is Peppa Pig World which is actually a fun day out and not as awful as I imagined!!

Rainallnight · 23/02/2023 14:56

Northumberland ticks all your boxes. I don’t know why everyone doesn’t go on holiday there! 😂

fairtrauchled · 23/02/2023 15:43

Yorkshire Dales or Northumberland

emmathedilemma · 23/02/2023 17:01

If you're arriving into Cairnryan then I'd give some serious consideration to Scotland as well as England!

Funf · 23/02/2023 19:48

Its a No brainer. If you have not been already you need to visit North Wales.
The UK has some vastly different areas and we feel North Wales has a lot to offer
Look beyond the main tourist traps, loads to see and do
Llyn Peninsular is fab
Some ideas here
www.donthibernate.co.uk/conwy/
www.donthibernate.co.uk/route-1-llandudno-from-m62-m56/
If you don't fancy Wales have you tried Shropshire?
www.donthibernate.co.uk/shropshire-autumn-weekend/

Liverpool and the surrounding area has a lot to see and do
www.donthibernate.co.uk/liverpool/

OttersMayHaveShiftedInTransit · 23/02/2023 20:16

I can't recommend Northumberland highly enough (and I live just outside of Lewes). If you like the book shops in Lewes check out Barter books in Alnwick. Kielder will give you your forest fix (and amazing dark skies). The beaches are fantastic, castles and the Roman sites for historical interest along with NT and EH properties like Cragside and lots of pretty villages (Ford and Etal are well worth a visit) and plenty of market towns and Newcastle is a fantastic city for a foodie/shopping fix. A boat trip to the Farne Islands to see the birds and seals. It is a wonderful county with so much to see and do.

Wiennetta · 24/02/2023 18:27

Why does it have to be England? I’d be tempted to spend time in Scotland. For example from
Cairnryan you could go up to Loch Lomond area which has lots of pretty lochs, mountains and forested areas. Places you can paddle. And cute towns like Luss.

AdventureerutnevdA · 25/02/2023 16:00

OttersMayHaveShiftedInTransit · 23/02/2023 20:16

May I ask where you would stay when visiting all these lovely places? As a base, rather than moving from bed to bed?

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