Where in England should we go?

[Fredflinstoneswife]

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!

:D

Northumberland, gives you access to the Scottish Borders, coastline, Hadrians Wall etc. You could watch Robsons weekend escapes on iplayer to give you some ideas of places to visit but there are loads of castles and 3 really good national trust properties (Wallington, Cragside, Gibside) plus some small ones which are still nice for a little visit (eg Cherryburn). Also look.at North East Family Fun on Facebook she shares loads of days out and does really honest reviews.

Weather. But I don't mind that. I'm happy to have all of Northumberland to myself whilst everyone else queues on the M5 to Cornwall 😆

I would do Northumberland and Shropshire.

Shropshire is gorgeous but it's a long drive for us from Edinburgh, so it makes sense to break it up. I'd recommend staying near Ludlow.

I'm laughing at Northumberland being undiscovered- it's rammed when we go - but Shropshire is genuinely not that busy even in school holidays.

I agree. Some of our best holidays were in Shropshire.

Or North Wales.

Weather wise, in Northumberland I got the worst sunburn of my life when the clouds parted while I was snoozing on Bamburgh beach. It's gorgeous up there and when the weather is good, it's really good.

We only live over the border in Co Durham but Bamburgh is still an hour away so last week we booked a few nights in Alnwick. We went all over and it was a great base to explore from without having to traipse an hour home every time.

Norfolk coat is lovely- southwold etc.
Rye is lovely too- access to camber sands!

I'm sure their coats are lovely but I meant coast 😜

North wales /snowdonia. Forests, mountains, castles, NT properties, rivers, beaches not far away, Stay somewhere like Beddgellert.

Southwold is Suffolk but close enough. 😀. No mountains or forests though!

@Umbrio I'm also in Co Durham and have had a holiday in Northumbria. Lots of my workmates have had weekend breaks in Yorkshire as well, it's lovely having such beautiful areas of the country so close.

@Fredflinstoneswife I'd do Shropshire plus Wales or Northumbria plus Scotland.

This thread is making me want to go to back to Shropshire, I've only been for a weekend so would be good to explore more.

Shropshire is a real hidden gem

@rookiemere where are you going in Northumberland that is 'rammed'?
This was a sunny weekend day during the school summer holidays during 2021 so UK destinations were at their busiest and this was Tynemouth Longsands - I think this is the busiest I have ever seen any beach in the NE in 40 years of visiting most summers. We head up into the national park most years at my family are originally from that area and probably average seeing a dozen walkers in a day which is a total contrast to the numbers of walkers in the Lake District.

@JaninaDuszejko we're so lucky where we live. Co Durham is beautiful too.

@OttersMayHaveShiftedInTransit Bamburgh on a sunny day was glorious but very busy.

The last few times we have been to Bamburgh it was busier than in the past (we had to try a couple of car parks before we found a space) but still plenty of space on the beach and we didn't have to queue to get into anywhere or wait to be served in restaurants/pubs. I guess it's all relative but living close to some 'famous' beaches in the south east I never go to the coast on a 'nice' day as you can't get a square foot to yourself, the road are gridlocked and it takes hours to get served at any bar.

OttersMayHaveShiftedInTransit, bit of a derail but we're on holiday a few miles from Ottery St Mary and I was ridiculously excited when I saw it on the map

Thanks for the suggestions, I too am taking note!

@Coxspurplepippin I always appreciate a CP reference. Somewhere in my house at the moment is a lemon. I made the fatal mistake of asking DH to buy a lemon for pancake Day. He bought two - one went on the pancakes the other has been 'in play' ever since. Every few hours someone shouts 'got it' then five minutes late 'the lemon is in play' I have no idea where DS put it this morning and he doesn't always stick to the visible rule. 🍋

Another shout for Shropshire - Carding Mill Valley for lake swimming/padding in a fabulous steam, Attingham Park, Stokesey Castle, Ludlow, Much Wenlock, funicular in Bridgnorth. The Ironbridge Gorge Museum (actually about 12 museums including the fabulous Blists Hill). So much to see and do, very beautiful countryside and some cracking pubs/restaurants.

There are so many replies but I also vote Northumberland (totally not biased at all!)

If you stayed in more southern Northumberland you could visit places like Hexham, Alnwick and Morpeth (even go a little further for a day trip and do Durham). Aside from bigger towns there are gorgeous villages, and we even have a lovely castle on a beach (Bamburgh), Roman forts bloody everywhere and a very long famous wall if you fancy a hike!

Have a lush holiday wherever you go! ❤️

Another vote for Shropshire (and Herefordshire). Ludlow and Leominster have lots of independent shops including antiques, there's Acton Scott Working Farm Museum, Croft Castle and Berrington Hall NT places, the "black and white" trail (historic buildings), lots of lovely footpaths, etc

Hows about South Wales? The Gower has stunning beaches, Tenby is a lovely old fashioned resort, lots of history (have a Google for History Walks with Tony Robinson in the area)

I love Northumberland too. Or the Wye Valley. Lots of cute little towns, boat trips, Tintern Abbey, a day out at the Brecon Beacons (sorry, I can’t remember the Welsh name). Lots to see and do.