Weekend break in UK in January – Edinburgh?
Replies: 11 - Last Post: Oct 28, 2012 9:48 AM Last Post By: i_cu_jimmy
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Weekend break in UK in January – Edinburgh?
Me and my partner would like to go on a short break somewhere for my birthday in January but can’t decide where to go. We’re from Norwich, and not loaded so would like somewhere fairly close (3-4hrs drive), or to fly from Norwich. Also want to stay in UK as getting to Stansted airport for an easyjet flight is a hassle.There are so many places I’d like to go in the UK but most of them involve the countryside and I’m not up for that unless it’s warm, so that’s kind of out! So a city would be the best thing. Somewhere with history, beautiful buildings, museums, nice warm pubs.
We thought Edinburgh as Flybe flies there for around £100 and I’ve always wanted to go (so don’t mind spending a little extra). But maybe we should save Edinburgh for the summer?
Bath? Leeds? Canterbury? (We’ve already been to York and Cambridge. Cornwalls a bit too far (although can fly to Exeter from Norwich, bit expensive)
But I guess the same could be said for any other UK city – it’s always better in the summer?
I’m just terrible at making decisions (I just want to go everywhere…), so would just like any opinions or suggestions please!! Peoples thoughts on Edinburgh this time of year?
Edited by: elflick27
2
Hi....It's a lot lighter in summer ! !
Edinburgh in January.... Dark before 5, in summer.... Light till gone 10.
How about somewhere along the south coast? Fits the bill, 4 hour drive to (say) Dorset.
It's still hardly going to be tropical though.
Some lovely winter walks along the Dorset coast, as well as an all year round nightlife in Bournemouth.
Bit of country, bit of big town.... Howzat ?
3
Norwich to Cambridge by train is about 1hr (quicker than driving), then about 30mins Cambridge to Stansted by rail - perhaps closer than you think? It's Luton that's really awkward to get to from most places in East Anglia.Or, what about a night train from London Euston to / from Edinburgh, leaving London just before midnight, waking up in Edinburgh around 0700. Bargain Berths on Caledonian Sleeper train as little as £19 per person each way - price includes travel, bunk in 2 bunk cabin (so no strangers if travelling as a couple) & snack breakfast & drink brought to cabin door in morning. Need to look online exactly 12 weeks before travel date for best choice and book immediately.
Probably takes a lot longer than 4 hours to drive from Norwich to Bournemouth. Took us just over 3 hours from Cambridge to Fareham on Satuday morning a couple of weekends ago.
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#1 You are a genius. :)I personally don't think Stansted's that far from Norwich. I drove it back in May in 1:45, but I was fairly hustling as I trundled down the A11/A14.
I would also vote for Londinium. Why not. Nice and easy train ride on One/Anglia/Whatever-it's-called-this-week - this far in advance you'd get a decent rate on a hotel. Try the travelodge in Covent Garden for some nice rates, or Ibis, or easy hotel, or lastminute.com.
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Thanks for your replies guys.Not doing London as I've been there hundreds of times before! Also Cambridge too. Want to see a bit more of the UK.
I understand the light situation but thats going to be like that everywhere in the UK, and Europe too.
I know Stansted isn't too far away, but it'll take couple hours to get there, then the flight to wherever - total 5-6 hours? Then where to in January? Everywhere in Europe is going to be cold. Maybe Morocco, but bit far to go for 3 days...
Thanks to #3 though, I will def look into those trains. And #2 will look into Dorset too.
7
How about Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick.8
Lake District, although that might be pushing the definition of 4 hrs...10
Frankly, if you're going to go away when it's cold, you may as well go somewhere where they have a proper winter, with snow, and lots of activities to do in it. But if you must stay in the UK, what about Brighton, Canterbury as you suggested, Lincoln (surprisingly interesting, although not for more than a weekend), Oxford (I don't like it, but lots do), Leeds is at the edge of your 4 hours I'd guess, but has a fair bit to do,11
Edinburgh would be fine in January, cold but fine :-)There's lots to see and do during the daylight hours including many free museums and in those dark evenings you could go on a Ghost and Graveyard Tour or into the haunted vaults under the South Bridge of the Old Town.
There'll be several city centre bars with live music of all types and also 4 theatres.
Edinburgh Castle
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Georgian New Town
The RSA and National Gallery
Plenty to do in one weekend
You can also catch the train to Glasgow for a day trip , from 17th January the city holds the 'Celtic Connections' Folk Festival.
