Solo trips in Northern England

[KittyMcAllister]

Bit of a weird one!

DH has just come back from another stag do and it's got me thinking about having some time away to myself. In fact it's something that he's encouraged me to do. However, natural opportunities do not present themselves - I don't really know the brides to be of these stags so haven't been invited on the hen do's and my close female friends are single parents and find it hard to have time away from their kids. I don't have any hobbies which I'm passionate about that could possibly offer an excuse to go away. In fact the only time I've been away from the kids (6&8) & DH is to a work conference last year!

So basically I'm looking for some inspiration for a solo break away for myself. I'm happy to go overnight - I'm based in Leeds so anywhere within a couple of hours from here would be great. Would be nice to do something cultural while there.

Thanks in advance!

If you like modern art and/or classical music then try Gateshead (maybe stay somewhere in Newcastle and wander there as well). There is the Baltic art gallery and The Sage.

If you prefer history then Durham with the Cathedral and a number of museums.

This is also one where the much vaunted MN spa break springs to mind, but as I have never been can't recommend or not.

Should add Newcastle has the Arena so pop/comedy acts.

I love a weekend in York by myself or with friends, especially if there's something good at the theatre. It's a beautiful place to wander around and people watch.

Manchester isn't far from you. The Bridgewater Hall is an amazing concert venue - seriously, the acoustics are incredible. They have some big names in the classical music world playing there. It's a vibrant city with lots to see and do and some really good restaurants. That's what I would do.

Living in Leeds I'm going to assume you have been to York plenty of times so I wont suggest that, even though it is lovely. I like the Whitby/Robins Hood bay area for beaches, countryside etc but Would say Newcastle is good for shops and city type activities. You could do Newcastle and Tynemouth for a bit of both.

York as I'm sure you know is lovelym i could spend ages pottering about by myself.

Liverpool is a fab city to visit too, i loved it there and would love to go bsck without children.

Lincoln? Cathedral, castle, small museum....some nice independent shops and restaurants.

I would choose Glasgow. From where I live I'd make it a long weekend. I'd see lots and lots of art and enjoy some live music or theatre. I might look at one day walking as well.

In fact, this concert would be great - world class orchestra with a phenomenal soloist playing big hitting classic works:

www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk/whats-on/dresden-philharmonic/

Chester is lovely and if you get a hotel just outside the city you can get the best of both worlds and have some lovely walks with country pub lunches too.

Manchester has Home cinema that has some great films on you could watch in the day and great galleries you can go around. In the evening there are fabulous places for music such as Night and Day Cafe, The Deaf Institute,The Academy, Gorillia, Soup Kitchen, The Albert Halls etc.
Loads if choices for accomadation from easy on the budget to top dollar and everything in between.

Do you actually like classical music OP? I'm suprised at the assumption that people are making and recommending orchestras.

I just looked to see what was on in Manchester - it's what I would like - the OP hasn't specified.

What about a book festival? See www.literaryfestivals.co.uk/

I spent a few days in Edinburgh at the festivals and it was brilliant!

Would you fly. A couple if days in Amsterdam could be lovely. Everything is faily central and transport is great.

The op has specified a cultural weekend which means different things to different people. Where there are orchestras there are usually other things.

My first choice for time off to myself is actually a walking weekend - the moors around Delph are a favourite with me, or the peaks around Buxton.

Newcastle/Gateshead has:
The Baltic (gallery)
The Sage (music venue)
Laing Art Gallery
The Theatre Royal (a lot of RSC shows)
Tyneside cinema
Northern Stage (smaller, intimate theatre)

Lots of lovely places to eat and drink

Slightly further out if you drive (for more outdoorsy trips) is Northumberland:
Northumberlandia
Hadrian's wall/Sycamore gap
Hexham/Corbridge/Morpeth

Some really awesome suggestions! I'm not really a classical music fan, more museums, galleries etc.

York is lovely but PP were right in thinking I've been there loads! I don't mind Manchester but find it a bit sprawling.

I think I'm tempted by Newcastle or Liverpool, not been to Liverpool since I was little and not been to Newcastle for years. Both pretty accessible by train as well.

Liverpool is great! I went for a weekend last year with a girlfriend. Fab museums, shopping and a good choice of restaurants. very friendly too, and pretty compact in the city centre.

Another vote for book or literary festivals. Lovely atmosphere, lots to do

I would suggest Edinburgh. The film festival is soon to start if that's your thing, but get's booked up quickly. Otherwise, it's a lovely time to visit, not nearly as packed as August. Just have a good old wander, particularly out way from tourist central, the High Street etc.

Another vote for Liverpool. Great museums and galleries and a really good vibe in the city centre.

Have fun, wherever you end up. Great idea