Solo uk break

[Bruisername]

I have some leave to take and want to get away for some r&r. Just somewhere in the uk that I can get to by train, has some nice hotels and restaurants and bookshops/antique shop type places. Just 2 nights. Not spa type place.

any suggestions?

City, coast, country, town?

Where do you live?

Don’t mind!!

live in London.

I'm not sure this is feasible for a two-night break because of distance/travel time. But I also live in London and am planning a trip to Alnwick because I read about an amazing second hand book shop there which is in an old Victorian train station. If you love book shops look this one up, it's called Barter Books. While there I would also like to see Alnwick castle. From London I think it's something like four hours train then a local bus so perhaps merits a longer stay.

Other suggestions of places I've enjoyed short trips: York, Buxton, Whitstable, Hastings, Brighton.

Thanks. I’ve recently been to York and Brighton and have been to whitstable (and know someone who lives there that I’d rather not run into!!). Hastings is an interesting one. I wonder if Alnwick is feasible without a car?

You take the train from Kings Cross to Alnmouth which takes 3.5 hours, then local bus or taxi into Alnwick which only takes 10 minutes according to my planning (I don't drive at all). Once you're in Alnwick you can walk between everything. Walking from the castle to the exciting sounding bookshop is only 15 minutes for example.
The castle looks amazing and I believe there is a museum in town too but I'm not sure what else, also have not looked into food/accommodation options. My planning only got as far as wanting to go and checking whether I can get there.
I think I will do it as a longer trip and also make my way further to Bamburgh, the Holy Islands and Farne islands. I travel quite happily on local buses!

Bristol, Bath?

Have family in Bristol so if I went to either of those I would have to visit!!

I will put Alnwick on the list but you’re right that it may be too far for 2 nights.

Following with interest, I'm 53, irish, single, planning to do the camino but I want to see if I feel isolated or self conscious being away on my own first before I spe d thousands

I’m planning that too but not for a few years unfortunately!!

Frinton on Sea/Walton on the Naze also nice for antique/second hand shops, and for a bit on coastal walking.

Oxford
Cambridge
Cheltenham (Literature Festival soon)
Hay on Wye (festival in November)

I am also planning to do the Camino! I've found my people here.
I have traveled extensively alone and I'd advice that the feelings of self-consciousness or isolation come from within your mind and not from whether you are with people or not. It comes from being confident in and with yourself.
From what I hear of walking the Camino or similar long walks, you meet people along the way and choose yourself whether to pair up/group up or walk alone, depending on how you feel in the moment. I would certainly do a mix of both. I love my own company when I want to clear my mind, but I love meeting new people and chatting along the way.

Will look up frinton

not a fan of Oxford and Cambridge but will look up Cheltenham. Hay on wye is a bit of a pain on public transport

im very happy in my own company but can be a bit nervous leaving home and can be a bit of a scaredy cat

Rye is lovely and you can't beat Camber beach. 20 minutes from Hastings and not too far from Brighton if you fancied it busier day.

I'd second two nights in Hastings

Wander round the Old Town for countless bookshops (one of which turns into a delicious Thai restaurant at night), antique shops, quirky shops and delightful shops.

Visit Battle Abbey

Walk on the Firehills for an amazing cliff walk

Amazing restaurants

Wonderful live music in so many venues on most nights of the week.

Some super places to stay

You could do far far worse.

any hotel recommendations? I’d like a nice shower…

hastings sounds ideal if I can find a nice hotel! Plan would be to just stay in and read if the weather is grotty

Belfast ?

Does it have to be a hotel, as the b&b's are much more pleasant.

belfast Is on the list but not on my own!

I don’t mind b&b but prefer the anonymity of a hotel (if that makes sense!)

Tbh, I was going to go to Amsterdam but I promised my daughter we would do that together

I always stay in hostels on U.K. mini breaks if I can. I like walkiing alone and talking with others in hostel if they are up for it.

Hotel Zanzibar
The Bank and Bistro Hotel
Porters restaurant in the Old town have an air b&b next door.. My friend stayed there and said it was really nice.

Thanks! Will have a look

www.laindons.com

www.theoldrectoryhastings.co.uk

Both in the heart of the Old Town

www.zanzibarhouse.co.uk/index.php

On the seafront, about 20 min walk to the Old Town. Ricky Gervais loved his stay there.

There's a Bannatynes on the edge of town if you fancy anonymity