UK city break with tween

[Sandramademedoit]

I’d like to take DS age 12 away for a few days over Easter. DS is history and science mad so I’ve narrowed options down to Oxford, York or Edinburgh. We’re going to be relying on public transport so we need somewhere that’s easy to get around without a car. Anyone have and opinions on what might be a good option?

I’ve been to all three and if it’s just a few days with a 12-year-old who’s into history and science, I’d probably lean towards York. I took my nephew there around that age and he absolutely loved the Jorvik Viking Centre and the National Railway Museum, and the city itself is really compact so you can walk pretty much everywhere without needing a car. Oxford’s museums are brilliant as well, especially the Natural History Museum, but it can feel a bit busier and more spread out. Edinburgh is fantastic too, loads of history, but for an easy few-day trip on public transport York just feels very straightforward.

Some brilliant tips here, thank you all so much. I’ve booked the Viking museum and looking at 2for1 Dungeon tickets with train travel. DS very excited.

If you're doing Jorvik, you could get discounted tickets for the Dig museum. Archeology aimed at kids. If your tween would find lengthy discussion of Viking poo enjoyable, it's worth a visit.

In York, he might enjoy the Puzzling World of Professor Kettlestring world of illusions place.

Also the York Chocolate Story is good. Lots of chocolate freebies!