Relaxing UK Weekend Break

[Petrushka]

Tapping once more into the wealth of knowledge that is this forum, I'm looking to take my sister on a relaxing weekend break somewhere in the UK but the choice out there is bewildering so am looking for a recommendation from you worthy lot.

We are situated in the very centre of England so can manage all points of the compass but:

There must be easy train/bus access close enough to town or city without being in it and a good view would be a bonus
There must not be heavy walking (she's recovering from a broken foot as well as a broken marriage)
Must be decent accommodation and food but not ridiculously expensive.

Let's have your personal recommendations!

[Richard Tarleton]

Pet - see pm - a honey-coloured town in the Cotswolds!

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Pet - see pm - a honey-coloured town in the Cotswolds!

Yes - if it's only a weekend break, you wouldn't want to have to spend too much time travelling to your destination. I was thinking of somewhere like Stow-on-the-Wold in Gloucestershire, but the Cotswolds is a much better idea.

[Richard Tarleton]

Snap, ferney - Stow is also in my pm to Pet, along with Burford. Nowhere going to be particularly cheap as peak season but always the chance of a late bargain or cancellation...

[rauschwerk]

I recommend Northamptonshire, which is often said to be like the Cotswolds but without the tourists. Good canal walks there. Northampton is a pleasant town.

[Anna]

As it's only a weekend, and presumably travelling Friday evening after work, I would suggest somewhere not too distant. How about Ludlow? Very historic, lots to see and a foodie paradise? Otherwise, somewhere I've always wanted to go is the Derby Dales.

[DracoM]

Worcester or very close to. Three Choirs Festival is on there and a fantastic programme it looks, a well as being a county with access to great beauty in most directions.

[Serial_Apologist]

Worcester or very close to. Three Choirs Festival is on there and a fantastic programme it looks, a well as being a county with access to great beauty in most directions.

Yes definitely - the border areas marked by Ludlow, Hereford, Wenlock Edge and the Malverns that inspired Elgar, RVW, Holst, Howells, Gurney.... and me, while I was there!!!

[mangerton]

Some excellent suggestions above, but (and I would say this, wouldn't I?) Edinburgh has much to recommend it too. Yes, it's a bit further away, but it is easily reached by train, has great views, excellent accomm at a wide range of prices, and it's almost Festival time.

Wherever you decide, I hope you both have a good time.

Edit: You did say the UK. This could be your last chance to visit Scotland while it's still a part.

[Dave2002]

When is this trip to take place? Also, costs?

If you can wait until October I'd recommend Tetbury, and you can go to the music festival. However, if you opt for that it's best to book a hotel now - and if you change your mind you can cancel. Doing things the other way won't work.

For days out you can try some of the steam train outings, with or without fancy food. There are a few train based outings. This site has some suggestions. Not sure if they would work well from your location. http://www.uksteam.info/tours/trs14.htm

The National Trust has some good hotel locations - see http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/holi...-house-hotels/ Hartwell House is close to the National Computer Museum at Bletchley, which is definitely worth a day or two's attention. The NT itself might charge a lot for the hotels, but if you join one of the "groups", such as Travelzoo, Secret Escapes etc., you might get a very good deal.

Another great hotel break is Bovey Castle, in Devon - again - look for cheap offers. Golf may be a bonus for some people.

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

Tynemouth, delightful seaside town a short metro ride from Newcastle city centre ...

[Anna]

If we're looking North then what about Alnwick? Or indeed anywhere in beautiful Northumberland. I wonder, having re-read Pet's first post, is he looking for a Country House Hotel type of experience (bit of pampering and luxury) and wanting our recommendations for that rather than a specific town.

[amateur51]

Picking up on Anna's pampering theme, I've had some good weekends at Hewitt's in Lynton back in the day.

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g186257-d193700-Reviews-Hewitts_Villa_Spaldi-Lynton_Exmoor_National_Park_Devon_England.html

Make sure you get a room with a sea view

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

If we're looking North then what about Alnwick? Or indeed anywhere in beautiful Northumberland. I wonder, having re-read Pet's first post, is he looking for a Country House Hotel type of experience (bit of pampering and luxury) and wanting our recommendations for that rather than a specific town.

Lovely town, Alnwick ... but traffic can be blocked up by the Harry Potter families at this time of year. Berwick-upon-Tweed might be better - another lovely town (follow the Town trail of the Lowrys; plenty of cafés for those with restricted mobility) and near to Melrose, Peebles (super little Whisky shop), Lindesfarne, Flodden, Alnwick, Seahouses, that other place with the castle, Beamish, Jarrow, Hadrian's Wall, Ford & Etal estate ...

But Pet & his sister are only there for a wekend - this is a fortnight break, and there's quite a bit of travelling to get there.