Stay-cation weekend break challenge

[MovingOnUpMovingOnOut]

We're looking for somewhere in the UK at the end of August for a Friday and Saturday night that is within 3 hours (driving, flying or train ride) of Bedford, not too expensive and it's for just dh and me. We don't mind somewhere on the doorstep if it's fabulous.

We like cosmopolitan cities and eating out. We don't like run down seaside towns (grew up in one of those), quiet villages or spa breaks.

I've had a Google but not feeling inspired.

Any suggestions? We recently went to Copenhagen and just loved it if that helps!

Hello, take it you want a hotel?
Depends if you want bright lights or not but I'd pop on a flight from Luton to Edinburgh for the end of the festival - some amazing hotels and eateries - if you can find accomodation. Or why not the lakes? There are some amazing hotels there (wild boar?) c 4 hrs drive. I'm also a big fan of Malaga old medieval town lovely food. Have fun