February H/term - Exeter, Manchester, Warwick or York?

[snowballupahill]

Looking for some help for Feb h/term with dd 16. Thinking a few days midweek for some kind of city break. Which would appeal most to a teenager? What could we do? Also keen to have a glance at the universities without making a big thing about it as she's in Year 12. Where would you go?

I was a bit disappointed with York. But if they like Harry Potter or Trains it's a good place to go.

My teens love York. Ghost walk was a big hit.

I wouldn’t bother with Warwick. It’s a lovely town and the castle is good for a visit but it’s very small and won’t keep you entertained for long.

Anyway the uni is based on the outskirts of Coventry

I went to Exeter for the day for similar. I imagine that would occupy a few days especially if you take trips further afield. There were free daily guided tours which were excellent.

Don’t know much about York but Manchester wins hands down for me

No experience of Warwick or Exeter, but there is plenty to in York and Manchester, probably more in Manchester.

I love York and our teens really enjoyed last summer but Feb half term is the Viking festival I think - don't know if that will be a draw or a deterrent for you but worth considering.

It depends what would appeal to your teenager. York has some great history and museums but I can see some teenagers would roll their eyes at it. Manchester is more "modern history" - industrial revolution, imperial war museum of the north, which might appeal more. There's also the Trafford Centre for shopping and nearby snow dome if she'd like that sort of thing.

Although Warwick is indeed small and a lovely town, it’s excellently located. You could have plenty of time to spend a few days using it as a base and visit nearby places, such as Stratford, Coventry, Birmingham, even Leicester.

Does dd have a gut feel at the sort of place she might prefer to study ie huge city or smaller one near sea , one not too far from home etc? Perhaps she could choose the one which appeals the most as all the options you mention could make a great break for a couple of days .

Agree with best of luck

Warwick is small with a castle for entertainment but ideal location to hop on the train to birmingham, visit Stratford etc

But the university is at Westwood Heath West Midlands it’s not in Warwick or Warwickshire

But students for Warwick tend to live in Leamington- never Warwick
So a visit to Leamington might be an idea to get a feel for the place.

There are uni buses to Coventry and Warwick uni

York would be my first thought ....as I've been there a few times
Manchester I know nothing about but I hear the shopping is good !!

Thank you for all your thoughts and suggestions.

It would never have occurred to me about the Leamington/Warwick living situation. I have spent some time in Manchester before but am not familiar with the campuses for any of the unis. You all make good points - I think on balance we may need several weekend trips...with half-term so close will see what availability there is for accommodation.

@Tiramysu

I was a bit disappointed with York. But if they like Harry Potter or Trains it's a good place to go.

There is loads to see and do in York. Some of the buildings on the university campus are rather ugly tired looking, but it is a green and spacious campus.

Have you considered Liverpool?
The Uni's have campuses in the city and outside of the city, its a great weekend away too.
www.donthibernate.co.uk/liverpool/