Favourite UK city for a 3 day break

capt_slog

The problem with anywhere mentioned (or any others) is, what do you do three days?

One you didn't have down is Stratford-on-avon, which is one of my favourites. You can find quite a bit to do there and also around nearby.

Rob Somerset

I visited York earlier this year as its a popular touristy place, to be honest half a day was plenty, but I suppose it depends on what sort of things interest you.

bianchimoon

as slog and Rob mentioned, unless it's one of the world's main capital cities a day would be enough, but in York's favour, within easy reach is harrogate/knaresborough, whitby/scarborough, north yorks moors/yorkshire dales etc

Pross

York would probably be my choice from that list although London is always good for those of us not living too near the smoke.

I would probably say Cardiff but work there and live nearby so not much of a 3 day break. It does have plenty to do if you aren't from the area though. Great bars and restaurants down in the bay, very good nightlife in the city centre, sport in the form of football, rugby and ice hockey most weeks, a white water rafting centre, theatres.

secretsam

bianchimoon wrote:

there are a couple of places i've always wanted a weekend in but never had the opportunity (Oxford and stratford upon avon) probably not as nice as I think they are?

Both are quite nice, but Stratford's quite small so not sure it's worth 3 days. Lots in Oxford, not least some very fine pubs.

Where the hell is Bristol on the list? Or is it a day trip option from Barff?

KnightOfTheLongTights

Edinburgh I would love to go to for three days - you'd have the option of spending one day of that in Glasgow, as it's not far on the train.
Or vice versa obviously.
I know Oxford well and there is plenty to do for two full days especially as beyond the usual attractions there are lovely walks out along the river in both directions, but especially around Portmeadow to Wolvercote.
There is also Blenheim Palace up the road and some cracking little Cotswold village pubs dotted around.
I would go somewhere between late Autumn and early spring though cos the tourist numbers can get pretty brutal - makes the place feel crowded even though it's quite ped-friendly as cars are heavily restricted.

simonhead

Think we have settled for York......many thank for suggesting it, had discounted it as didnt fancy a 5 hour drive for a 3 day trip but we can stop halfway up on the Thursday night after work, and then again on the way back. Unfortunately the wife wants to do it in the weeks before xmas to make the most of the shopping etc

Pross

Just noticed the list goes a bit t*ts up after London. By chance I put Newquay on the other thread without seeing it on this list! It's fine for a day at the beach (although there's better beaches in the area IMHO) or if you are into surfing but in Cornwall I would take St Ives or Padstow over Newquay every time.

I've actually done long weekends in a few of these venues when my company used to take us away for a Christmas do (Edinburgh, York and Oxford as well as Brighton and a few overseas venues). Chester could be added to the list. In most cases 2 days and 1 night is enough though probably.

simonhead

Few times I have been to Newquay i have enjoyed it, to be fair its been a mix of beech, bars and random other stuff like crazy golf. probably better for a lads weekend.

arran77

Newquay is definitely a youngsters type place, like Pross says there are far better options nearby although I'm not a fan of Padstein either!! I prefer the much smaller places on the north coast of Cornwall to be honest.

Ben6899

simonhead wrote:

Think we have settled for York......many thank for suggesting it, had discounted it as didnt fancy a 5 hour drive for a 3 day trip but we can stop halfway up on the Thursday night after work, and then again on the way back. Unfortunately the wife wants to do it in the weeks before xmas to make the most of the shopping etc

I can recommend a very nice York hotel, if you're interested?

Cedar Court Grand Hotel & Spa: http://www.cedarcourtgrand.co.uk/

shockedsoshocked

Ben6899 wrote:

simonhead wrote:

Think we have settled for York......many thank for suggesting it, had discounted it as didnt fancy a 5 hour drive for a 3 day trip but we can stop halfway up on the Thursday night after work, and then again on the way back. Unfortunately the wife wants to do it in the weeks before xmas to make the most of the shopping etc

I can recommend a very nice York hotel, if you're interested?

Cedar Court Grand Hotel & Spa: http://www.cedarcourtgrand.co.uk/

+1

Absolutely fantastic hotel. Although my GF was extremely embarrassed I told the Valet not to "drive around town thinking you're big time" in her 6 year old Mitsubishi Lancer Estate

Other places I'd recommend:

House of Trembling Madness: http://www.tremblingmadness.co.uk/

Great place to drink Trappist beer and peruse their pretty impressive liquor shop.

Pinvi: http://pivni.co.uk/

Another excellent bar, loads of different beers on offer.

And just so I don't look like a total alcoholic, some nice restaurants:

Ate O'Clock: http://www.ateoclock.co.uk/

Can't remember exactly what I had but the food, wine and service was excellent.

The Blue Bicycle (also has rooms): http://www.thebluebicycle.com/

Only been in for lunch, but had some fantastic Pigeon breasts for starters and Sea Bass for mains.

It's a beautiful city and in winter it comes into it's own. Really hope you enjoy it!

simonhead

ShockedSoShocked wrote:

Ben6899 wrote:

simonhead wrote:

Think we have settled for York......many thank for suggesting it, had discounted it as didnt fancy a 5 hour drive for a 3 day trip but we can stop halfway up on the Thursday night after work, and then again on the way back. Unfortunately the wife wants to do it in the weeks before xmas to make the most of the shopping etc

I can recommend a very nice York hotel, if you're interested?

Cedar Court Grand Hotel & Spa: http://www.cedarcourtgrand.co.uk/

+1

Absolutely fantastic hotel. Although my GF was extremely embarrassed I told the Valet not to "drive around town thinking you're big time" in her 6 year old Mitsubishi Lancer Estate

Other places I'd recommend:

House of Trembling Madness: http://www.tremblingmadness.co.uk/

Great place to drink Trappist beer and peruse their pretty impressive liquor shop.

Pinvi: http://pivni.co.uk/

Another excellent bar, loads of different beers on offer.

And just so I don't look like a total alcoholic, some nice restaurants:

Ate O'Clock: http://www.ateoclock.co.uk/

Can't remember exactly what I had but the food, wine and service was excellent.

The Blue Bicycle (also has rooms): http://www.thebluebicycle.com/

Only been in for lunch, but had some fantastic Pigeon breasts for starters and Sea Bass for mains.

It's a beautiful city and in winter it comes into it's own. Really hope you enjoy it!

Cheers guys, like the look of that place and the Spa will keep the mrs happy.

bianchimoon

Some great links there SoS
also
http://www.starinnthecity.co.uk/

and make sure you walk the walls
http://www.visityork.org/York-City-of-Y ... ue=3610893
http://www.jorvik.co.uk/york-city-walls/

secretsam

bianchimoon wrote:

Some great links there SoS
also
http://www.starinnthecity.co.uk/

and make sure you walk the walls
http://www.visityork.org/York-City-of-Y ... ue=3610893
http://www.jorvik.co.uk/york-city-walls/

Ah yes, the Jorvik centre, and the gentle smell of p155

bianchimoon

SecretSam wrote:

bianchimoon wrote:

Some great links there SoS
also
http://www.starinnthecity.co.uk/

and make sure you walk the walls
http://www.visityork.org/York-City-of-Y ... ue=3610893
http://www.jorvik.co.uk/york-city-walls/

Ah yes, the Jorvik centre, and the gentle smell of p155

err yes was more a link to the walls, wouldn't encourage the visit to the jorvik theme park

florerider

Pross wrote:

York would probably be my choice from that list although London is always good for those of us not living too near the smoke.

I would probably say Cardiff but work there and live nearby so not much of a 3 day break. It does have plenty to do if you aren't from the area though. Great bars and restaurants down in the bay, very good nightlife in the city centre, sport in the form of football, rugby and ice hockey most weeks, a white water rafting centre, theatres.

Had a couple of good weekend breaks here. Commented to Mrs FR that the white water rafting looked stupid, why would anyone want to get cold and wet for fun. She thought that odd for a cyclist keen on cycling through the Welsh mountains.

fast as fupp

isnt york full of old biddies drinking tea?

i know its got the railway museum, but what else?

florerider

It has a cathedral, so it is a city- St David's

Very easy to spend 3 days there, and don't forget your bike for a spin over the Preselis and boots for a few miles around the coast path.

bianchimoon

fast as fupp wrote:

isnt york full of old biddies drinking tea?

i know its got the railway museum, but what else?

Nah, harrogate maybe full of old biddies drinking tea, York's a university city so loads of young uns about

PAULY1888

arran77 wrote:

Would we be leaving today because if we were I wouldn't want to be stuck in one of those Scottish shite holes once they close the door on Thursday

What a bell end !

ballysmate

PAULY1888 wrote:

arran77 wrote:

Would we be leaving today because if we were I wouldn't want to be stuck in one of those Scottish shite holes once they close the door on Thursday

What a bell end !

Arran would be the first to agree that he is a bell end.
But he ain't wrong, is he? Note his suggesting he wasn't 100% serious.