UK city break with sparkle in mid September

[redmapleleaves1]

Trying to plan a reviving week away in mid September, and can't think where to go (sign of the year its been). Going alone. In normal times I love Edinburgh Fringe, and have been thinking of an interesting walkable city, beautiful, with history/museums, nice (not too pricey) restaurants, ideally by the sea and with walks... but where might this be?

I like York/Canterbury/Brighton, but have done them to death; loved Belfast and Glasgow. Wondering about Bristol. Or somewhere in the north east? Where would you suggest and what would you do there? Thanks

Another vote for Bath

For a whole week, Bristol with the odd day in Bath would work well.

There’s lots of good places to eat in Bristol. And a fancy lido.

I live in Bath and I did work in Bristol but not visited particularly often recently. Both are great holiday spots.

The two cities are a 10-25 minute train ride apart. If you can take the train (or fly?) to get down here It would save the problem about what to do with a car (both cities are trying to discourage vehicles from their centres). Otherwise budget about £15/day for parking.

Bath is pretty busy with tourists this summer (so hotels can be £££) but Bristol has quite a lot of hotels popular with business travellers who aren't....travelling.

If you ignored my "car" advice and wanted some sea air, we tend to head down to Dorset (Lyme Regis or Purbeck) or North Devon (Lynmouth/Porlock/Woolacombe) but it is a bit of a trek.

Covid does close pubs and restaurants at short notice, but there are so many choices it is easy to get fed.

Best to check when the students are returning (to Bath and Bristol) as they've probably hoovered up places to stay in mid September weekends.

Dundee- has the v&a, the discovery, beaches on both sides of the Tay.

I was going to say Dundee but have just been beaten to it! One of my favourite places.