Help me plan a few days away on a budget please!

[marriednotdead]

We had been looking for a last minute deal for the bank holiday week but have now decided that staying in England would be cheaper and easier, there's lots of places we've never been to. No kids to factor in this time, we are the far side of 50.

Wanted to drive north-west with a couple of stops in a B&B/SC (starting from London), DP has suggested Blackpool which I'm not sure about and I had said perhaps Bristol, Bath, somewhere in Wales not sure really. I don't want to spend a week on motorways!
We like unusual places, museums, nature trails, stately homes, quirky markets and I do like a beach or at least an opportunity to swim or paddle. He is a bit of a geek and will no doubt want to Geocache and walk miles! Our idea of hell is a shopping centre or a soulless town. Don't need anything fancy, as long as it's got Wi-Fi and not too many stairs then it's all good. Cooking facilities would be a bonus.

I've spent a couple of hours trying to figure it out but it's overwhelming when I have a blank page! I'll be ok once there's a few points of interest to create a trip.
Any suggestions for areas to head, places to stay, things to see would be gratefully welcomed 😊

I have the Northumbrian coast and lindisfarne on my UK bucket list. You could stop in Durham, York, Yorkshire Dales on the way.

Given what you said you both like I’m surprised he’s mentioned Blackpool!

The plan so far! Feel free to add any suggestions for waypoints.

After a night with family in Sutton Coldfield we’ve got a couple of nights in Leeds for the carnival and then I’ve conceded to just one night in Blackpool- the illuminations apparently go on this weekend.

Next stop Chester for two nights- can get to some of the northern Welsh beaches mentioned in about an hour and then visit elderly relatives ((in the opposite direction but about the same timeframe).
Weather may be on the turn but we’ve booked somewhere with a gym and pool in case we fancy some downtime.
Our last stop (probably via Drayton Manor theme park!) is Stratford upon Avon- any recommendations for free/cheap/interesting things to do? We met up with family there for a day trip a few years ago but some of them were so late that we didn’t get a chance to see anything and then had a dreadful lunch that gave 2 of us food poisoning before heading straight home again.

We’ve used Explorial self guided tours in a couple of cities which is a great way to find out about the area so may look at one of those.

I was surprised too but he’s a very quirky one, loves history and debating politics but then wants to watch Pretty Woman and The Greatest Showman!

Aww, Blackpools fine as long as you manage expectations and stick to the seafront. I'd stay in Lytham and get the train into Blackpool, its only ten minutes from St Annes station and stops right behind the pleasure beach. Then when you've had enough of Blackpool (to be fair, probably quite quickly) you can escape to the much nicer bars and restaurants in Lytham.

Cornwall.

See if you can stay in Polperro, or maybe Looe (ask on Facebook town/village pages as you want to have parking included with the accommodation)

Walk coastpath between the two (but there are steps if that's an issue), wander the streets, then get bus back.
Sea swimming - groups meet in both towns if you want company. Polperro has Chapel Pool.
Walk through Kilminorth Woods by the river.
National Trust property: Saltram, Lanhydrock, Cotehele, Antony (watch for opening days).Walks available at these properties.
Mount Edgcumbe for a walk and take ferry over to Royal William Yard to eat.
Minions on the Moor and walk to Golddiggings, Cheesewring and Hurlers.

He sounds great! And a Bit like mine!

Blackpool lights will be packed it might be worth riding the tram through the lights its a great way of seeing them, check Tripadvisor for the best chippy too.
Food in North Wales
The Flower Pot is just off the A55 main road in the Village of St.Asaph, carpark opposite.
Great team of people great food
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g663600-d19859961-Reviews-The_Flowerpot_Cafe-St_Asaph_Denbighshire_North_Wales_Wales.html

If you go to Rhos Marmalade is very good as is the Marmalade in Chester not connected just same name.
Don't forget to report back

You're a star- I didn't mention that I don't eat gluten and The Flowerpot looks amazing!
Will see how chilly it is and much energy I have bloody fibromyalgia for walking to see the lights, the tram might be a better option.

Best to book the Flowerpot if you can but they do have additional seating outside in little hutsand will do what they can to fit you in..
Blackpool will be heaving for the first few weekends of the lights it will be gridlock along the front. I am sure your accommodation will advise on best routes etc, it is worth seeing. Lytham is much nicer but everyone must do Blackpool at least once.

Thanks, noted.
We are in Blackpool for Tuesday night, not overly fussed about it all to be honest! At worst it will meet my expectations 😂

In Stratford upon Avon we liked the MAD museum which is automata- only a small place but very quirky and fun if you like that kind of thing!

We managed to miss the lights. They are due to be switched on this weekend. We didn’t know that they were going to be on last night for the regular cycle ride so went in early- duh! Loved the beach but the smell of fried food everywhere has me traumatised.

Drove to Conwy this afternoon, how beautiful.
Drove through Rhos to Angel Bay and saw 8 seals. Sooo happy!

In Chester for a couple of days now.

Thanks for your update.
So glad you enjoyed it, the area is great and has something for everyone.
A few ideas for next time places to see on route.
As you travel down the A55, turn off at the Caerwys sign but go right to
Dyserth waterfall, nice views on the drive. Park at the waterfall and walk through the woods, you can see the smugglers cave and the stepping stones, in the spring the woods are covered in Wild Garlic, pick it carefully and it makes fantastic pasta.
A couple of miles away is Prestatyn, very nice beach ( Central Beach) and nice shopping street, it also has a Roman Villa ruin handy if the children are doing the Romans at school.
The Fun Ship at Mostyn (just a thing to see with a great story) and possibly Ruddlan Castle are worth a look too.
I hope you enjoy Chester