2 days/1 night child-free(!) in Dec - Where would you go? Northwest/Wales

[DizzyTinkerbell]

Hi, I'm trying to plan a birthday treat for dh in December but desperately need some inspiration. I have childcare for our dd and ds from 8am on the tues to 5pm on the weds, but don't know what we should do/where we should go.

I don't want to waste too much time travelling so thinking within 2.5 hours of Chester, and am willing to splash out on something memorable as it's dh's 30th and only our second child-free night since we had dd almost 3 years ago. What would you do?! Thanks!

Try travelzoo, we have had some fantastic bargains through the site. Ruthin Castle is pretty special, spa etc. if you check what's on offer at travelzoo everyday you will find something I'm sure.

Thank you - will put a reminder in my phone to keep an eye on travelzoo. We went to a wedding at Ruthin Castle last year and loved it but would prefer somewhere we haven't been before.

Anyone else know any hotels in the north west with the Wow factor?

The Christmas markets will be on in Manchester in December and they are always worth a visit, especially in the week when it's not so busy. Cloud 23 bar in the Hilton would be a good place to have a cocktail or two before heading out for a meal / further drinks somewhere.

If you want manchester, there is a group of 3 small boutique hotels, two in Didsbury and one in town. We have stayed in all 3 and the are lovely.
[[www.eclectichotels.co.uk/didsbury-house here]

Alternatively, there are a couple of themed boutique hotels in the Lakes which I have heard highly recommended on here.
[http://www.holbeckghyll.com/rooms/miss-potter-suite this is one]
[http://www.holbeckghyll.com/rooms/miss-potter-suite another]

Sorry, struggling to link on phone but the las link should be
[http://www.aphroditeslodge.co.uk/ here]

Thank you! I stayed at aphrodites lodge many years ago with an ex...so probably best stay away from that one with dh (it was lovely though!) . Hadn't thought of the Lakes, and the Holbeck Ghyll looks amazing but don't think I could stretch to the Miss Potter Suite at > £500 DBB. Will take a look at their other rooms.

I love Manchester but the only other night away from dc was a night in Manchester so was trying to think of something different.