UK break with DC 17,16 and 11

[CleverButScatty]

Looking for ideas please...
I want to book a break for us in the UK over the summer hols, we're near Manchester and probably don't want more than 2-3 hrs travel.
I'm looking for somewhere relaxing and interesting, but in a town of some description as the older ones will want a bit of freedom to explore by themselves.
Ideas so far include Windermere and Stratford-upon-Avon.
We'll probably stay in a lodge or cottage. Somewhere a bit 'naice' 😬

Northumberland is a good shout - beaches and some good costal walks. If scotlands not too far we went to Lochgoilhead there's a holiday lodge place there where you can opt in for canoeing / paddle boarding and climbing . The kids loved it there . Was a good mix of activities and chill time. We had a nice lodge there

Sorry I completely missed the town bit !

How about somewhere like Tenby? A bit further I know, but lots to do for all ages.

To be fair it sounds lovely to me, I just know the older ones would love somewhere they can get around themselves a bit.

I hadn't thought of Tenby, I don't think it would be too bad of a journey. I'll look at there thanks.

There's not a huge amount of things to do in Stratford, unless I missed it.

Chester or York were my first thoughts.

York is a good shout. Hester is somewhere close enough that we go for the day. Thanks

York's lovely and if you drive there's lots of good day outs in North Yorkshire.

Edinburgh would be a good option but pushes your travel time and prices in August are insane due to the festivals. Save it for another time of year!

Another vote for York. Great terrains to Leeds or the east coast too, if you want to explore further.

There's lots to do in York itself and it's very young person friendly but N Yorkshire has Fountain's Abbey (EH), Rievaulx Abbey (EH), Castle Howard, Harewood House, and Newby Hall as the top options for nice days out as well. Yorkshire was the second largest city in England before the industrial revolution and North Yorkshire has excellent farm land and so the monasteries were the biggest and most magnificent and then the same was true of the stately homes.

I'll have a look at York I think. I have been without the kids and loved in but hadn't thought of it for the family.

Good prospects of there being something for everyone

I lov Edinburgh. We have family there and visit a couple of times a year so I think the novelty has worn off a bit for them unfortunately.

We went to Whitby last year. Again we have 3 teens who want to get out themselves. We were less than a 10 minute walk into town. There are shops and food places. A couple of arcades. Some museums. Fishing. Beach. There was a folk festival too. A train station. Buses to other towns - although we did day trips....there is a place with waves and flumes in Scarborough which was good for half a day. The countryside is beautiful too. Great walks.

We then stopped at York on the way past - it was incredibly busy.

have you done Glasgow?

I don't think Stratford would offer more than a day's worth of appeal to teens. How about heading London way and staying in Richmond? Richmond itself is lovely but you could also have some time in the city.

We did Whitby a couple of a years ago, it was a lovely trip through

That's a good suggestion thanks

York is very busy. Need to book attractions in advance. Northumberland but based in a town like Alnwick would be really nice. Need a car to visit the other little towns and beautiful places like Bamburgh and Lindesfarne.

Liverpool ( It has a few Beaches) or North Wales loads to see and do for all budgets
Langollen for Inland
Llandudno / Conwy area for coast.
Llyn Peninsular is fantastic but towns are small so possibly not enough to see and do for the teens?
Surfing might be worth a look if they are good swimmers?

Liverpool. I think it’s very underrated, what a brilliant city

I agree having been to many cities all over the world its still my favourite.
Plenty to see and do for all budgets.
Some of the unique ones
Maritime museum has an excellent Slavery and Smuggling section and its free!
https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/maritime-museum#section--collections
Williamson Tunnels
https://williamsontunnels.com
Mersey Tunnel trips
https://www.visitliverpool.com/listing/mersey-tunnel-tours/25714101/
Western Approaches a secret underground World war 2 command centre
https://liverpoolwarmuseum.co.uk
Watersport's centre the speed boat trip is fantastic
https://liverpoolwatersports.org.uk
Lots to see nearby too.
New Brighton ( Fish Chips and Bingo place great for a day trip)
https://www.visitwirral.com/explore/new-brighton/
Southport Victorian seaside resort
https://www.visitsouthport.com/listing/southport-beach/24460101/
Knowsley Safari Park also a stately home which is sometimes open.
https://knowsley.com
Billinge Hill Highest point in Merseyside spectacular views and small wood land walks, loads of Wild Garlic and Blue bells
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g1656726-d23423755-Reviews-Billinge_Hill-Billinge_Greater_Manchester_England.html

It about 45-60 minutes away but I think they would love this
https://crockytrail.co.uk

Its not a bad drive as its near Chester you could see that too.
It also has the usual shops and many independent shops too,
.
For Food and shopping
Baltic market
Bold Street
Just food Lark Lane its next to a large park Sefton Park

I'm from Liverpool 😊 we go fairly often for a day as my family are all there.
However if anyone else is looking I would highly recommend!

The Maritime museum and Tate both closed at the moment, which makes Liverpool slightly less attractive unfortunately. Agree it’s great for a city break though.