Weekend away suggestions

[mamaduckbone]

I’m looking for ideas for a weekend away in early November with a friend as a belated ‘big’ birthday treat for both of us. One of us is in the midlands and one is in Suffolk, so accessible for both of us would be good, which is the first challenge. We only have Friday evening to Sunday afternoon so we’re probably looking at UK, although open to ideas for city breaks in Europe that could work. We usually do London or Cambridge as they are easily accessible for both of us, but fancy somewhere different.
Any great ideas? We like a good wander, a bit of shopping, exhibitions, gardens and nice food/drink.

How are you travelling and what kind of shopping do you like?

I'm wondering if Woodstock near Oxford would fit the bill? You could visit Blenheim Palace, there are lots of nice shops and restaurants, with exhibitions and more shops and restaurants in Oxford.

That looks pretty, thanks for the suggestion. We can drive or get the train - more likely drive. Shopping - independents, charity shops, arty/crafty shops - not fussed about high street / shopping centre shops. Oxford itself wouldn’t be a bad call actually, although it might be a bit of a trek for Suffolk friend.

How about Lincoln? It's picturesque and would offer plenty to do for a weekend. I particularly like the cathedral tours. My favorite, the Historic Graffiti Tour, is offered only on Thursdays, but you could go on the Roof Tour if you wanted to.

Lincoln is a fab destination. York is another. Today we have returned from Ludlow, what an amazing town with over 500 listed buildings. It has a castle a church where you can climb over 200 steps to the top for some incredible views lots of restaurants, coffee shops and streets to explore.

I was going to suggest York or Lincoln!!

York looks it’s far away, but it has very good rail connections.,

You don’t say where in the Midlands - but as someone from Suffolk parts of it are absolutely awful for transport links.

Lincoln has already been mentioned but also Somewhere around Stamford/Rutland could be an option.

York is fab would definitely recommend, but book Yorvik in advance if you want to visit, terrys of York is also great, consider buying a York pass to see a lot of attractions.

Thanks for the suggestions - Lincoln is a good call. I’ve only been once and liked it a lot.
I love York but think it’s probably a bit far. I must admit I had to look up where Ludlow is - too far for Suffolk friend and I’m East mids so quite a way for me too.

We stayed in a brilliant room in Warwick in the summer. The Globe. Its a pub, and was completely refurbished this year. The rooms have everything you want, and the pub food is good, for dinner and breakfast. Several restaurants round about if you want something more upmarket. In the town centre, on street parking nearby. The castle is well worth a visit, as is St Nicholas Park by the river. Stratford is a short drive. We had a super couple of days.