Planning Our Next Trip to the UK - We Need Your Help!
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- Опубліковано 7 жов 2024
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Join us as we plan our upcoming adventure in the UK! In this video, we dive into our recent poll results and discuss potential destinations, activities, and experiences for our trip. From Christmas markets to indoor attractions, traditional foods to transportation options, we're exploring it all and we need YOUR help to make this the best trip we can. We'll be sharing our thoughts on visiting cities like Norwich, Manchester, and Newcastle, and asking for your recommendations on the best places to experience during the shorter, colder days.
As we'll be there during the festive season, we'd love to know: What are some must-do activities or traditions to experience a truly authentic British Christmas? Let us know in the comments!
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Next time you visit check out the bonfires on Scarborough beach and see what Guy Fawkes night has to offer, remember remember the 5th of November👍
Sorry to say but your assumptions about the coast in winter is wrong.
Llandudno. Average temp November 9celsius to 18c, 7 to 10 days of rain.
Birmingham average temp November 4celsius to 10celsius and 11 days of rain.
Don't worry, I'm subscribed to your channel for months here & I enjoy your videos.
I recommend a very British Christmas Pantomime, the humour will tickle you. Also try coming to Shropshire in the Midlands. We have many gorgeous historical houses and also Ironbridge. This is the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and is a gorgeous place to visit and plenty of museums with an old worldly feel to them ❤
Oh no you don't 😂
Second Ironbridge and it's better in the rain it adds to the bleakness
I agree that a Pantomime is a must, they are on in many theatres up and down the country. They are a real British tradition.
Five miles to London and still no Dick.
*slaps thigh*
You never know they may be 'behind you'...if they do decide to go to a panto 😃
Chatsworth House has a great Christmas market 9th Nov - 1st Dec.
The House tour and light trail is amazing at Christmas. 🎄 They decorate it so well.
We live about 30 min drive from chatsworth, took my kids every year, when they were young, all grown up but we still go every year, it's beautiful
I was going to say Christmas at Chatsworth too. It’s always so beautiful.
Derbyshire
Edinburgh, Christmas market and stay for the Hogmanay celebrations too.
Definitely - 100% 👍
Beamish is great around November/December, all decorated for Xmas
I mean Beamish is just amazing period . These guys will love it . History come to life in one of the friendliest parts of the UK . Not a local btw I just got to spend quite a lot of my youth going to the north east and Scotland. ❤
Came here to say this!!!
A train from London to Cambridge takes 45 minutes. Make sure you get to evensong in Kings Chapel, an iconic and unique experience, religious or not. Get there early as there will be a queue.
Just avoid the russian spies... the place is full of them. I went to Cambridge once, it was closed..
If your heading into East Anglia , Norwich is a hidden gem , a medieval city with loads of old streets
We come back to the UK in the first part of the winter to escape the darkness of a Scandinavian winter and we travel around until after Christmas before going south .I Asked my Swedish wife what's the best trip we went on and she thought the few days we had in castleton was most memorable ,nice walks friendly people snug pubs and great food ....the blue John caverns are worth a visit too.
If you’re here for winter I’d recommend Bonfire Night fireworks displays, and Christmas markets. Maybe Winter Wonderland in London too. More seasonal things that suit the time of year.
personally i wouldn’t send my worst enemy to Winter Wonderland in London. Horrendous crowds, ridiculous prices and lots of general tat. London itself is fine
Hi, if you would like a tour of Scotland in November by car, I would like to invite you to a free tour
Remember this couple bring along their pet dog. November 5 is a terrible time for pet owners who have to calm their pets amidst the noise from fireworks.
There's a beautiful Chistmas Market in Lincoln. That would definitely be worth a visit
first two - 100%, but Winter Wonderland is getting a reputation for being over-crowded and expensive, worth looking at perhaps?
Have you thought about Norwich? Lots of history, beautiful cathedral and close, historic Elm Hill, a pub for every day of the week and a church for every Sunday..! Also there is one of the oldest and most vibrant outdoor markets in the UK. Definitely a hidden gem
I agree. Norwich is well worth a look. The market is great.
Norfolk/Suffolk ( East Anglia ) is a very nice place to visit. You can even visit the Royal Residence at Sandringham. It also has the biggest man made waterway in the U.K " The Norfolk Broads" Also the City of Norwich is a Lovely Medieval City with plenty to see. Amsterdam seems to be favourite place to swap flights great to walk around for the day. But seriously check out Norfolk. Norwich has a Castle museum. I could go on and on about East Anglia but will stop myself lol
Totally agree. Norwich is a great place to check out. The most complete medieval city in England. Fantastic food available in the market, a beautiful cathedral to visit as well as a Castle and Guildhall. Lots of independent shops within the 'Lanes' area of the city, too!
You need to come near the end of November into December, that way you can see the Christmas Markets. Particulary the one in York.
Agree with this, York is a beautiful place to visit, easy to get to by train, it has lots of museums and things to see. One is on vikings (jorvik viking centre) and the York castle museum is quite a traditional museum they've recreated an indoor Victorian street, a good place to visit in winter. Hope this helps and that you guys have a fab time.
Many of us don't wear "overcoats"- I would consider them quite old-fashioned. I generally wear a fleece and a waterproof jacket. As the temperature can vary a lot within a few hours in winter, several thin lightweight layers are better than one thick heavyweight jacket. You'll get them from outdoor equipment shops like Go Outdoors.
You should go and watch a Pantomime! Most cities will have one and they are a Christmas tradition. You don't need to go with kids - adults love them too. A uniquely British thing to do!!
Oh no it's not. :)
Kew Gardens do a winter wonderland illuminated trail with hot food / drink. Could be worth a look if you're in London at the right time. But it needs booking fist, and in good time as it's very popular.
American living in UK here - Icelandair are excellent and we almost always fly with them when travelling between US and UK. Iceland is also an AWESOME stopover. ❤ Iceland so much. I’ve flown with them in November and it was ok but maybe spring is better.
Hampton Court Palace is great if you’ve not already been!
If your visiting the North West and are in Liverpool the National Museum on the waterfront is worth visiting as are the Williamson Tunnels. If your staying in Manchester travel out to Rivington Terrace Gardens if you want to get out in the fresh air. Visit Blackpool and the illuminations if you want a trip to the coast.
East of Manchester is Saddleworth and the little villages. Trains give access to most of west Yorkshire and as far west as Liverpool. Manchester is great for access to North Wales and Anglesey.
A museum is a hidden gem in Salford called Lark Hill place.
Using a VPN, I have found that booking transatlantic flights from the Republic Of Ireland works out cheaper than booking from the USA or UK.
The Winter carnivals in Somerset are spectacular. First two weeks in November. Combine with a trip to Glastonbury
Great news that you’re coming back! You’re such a lovely couple. We’ve adopted you as honorary Brits! Have a good trip xx
National Trust website has large homes with Christmas lights and most open as museum too, so I think that should work.
Knaresborough has a Victorian market and is gorgeous. It’s not far from Harrogate where there is. Betties too.
Don't forget the clocks go back an hour and as you mentioned it gets dark earlier and more so the further north you go. A coat is called a coat here too, an overcoat is more of an old fashioned term for a man's heavy coat. Although a coat will be needed as you already know our weather can be so changeable so may be layer up or down with clothes depending on where you are visiting in the UK and also the forecast for the locality too. Other than that where ever you choose to go welcome back, I am so glad to hear you are coming to visit again.
If you are considering the ferry from Holland to Newcastle, remember this is the North Sea , and it’s rough, especially in the Winter, also it’s an overnight crossing. Wish you both well,
November - make sure to bring warm winter clothing and expect for it to get dark at around 4.30pm. The 10th November is Remembrance Sunday, so the Cenotaph in London would be a memorable experience. I'm an ex-army wife and the Remembrance Sunday service in London was very emotional.
I majorly recommend the Isle of Wight! Massively underrated and beautiful place.
In November?
Christmas Carols at places like Highclere Caste (Downton), Blenheim, etc.
Christmas lights extravaganza at Highclere too.
@@elizabethargyll4720 I wanted to go to Highclere Castle, but the day I could tour to the Cotswolds, it wasn't open, darn! Did enjoy the village, though.
Dundee could be an interesting choice; it has lots of small museums: Verdant works, HMS Discovery, Dundee V&A, Dundee Museum of Transport, Science Museum and Broughty Castle Museum. It's easy to get around - especially if you don't have a car!
I live close to Beamish and can absolutely vouch for it, almost all the houses there are transported from various parts of the north east so it's as authentic as it gets
Beamish is brilliant. Havent been since was a kid
and it has a long-life entry ticket doesn't it? which would be a bonus if they're short on time
End of November in Scotland is when festivities start. From St.Andrew's Day thru to the 3 day Hogmanay fun. Plus it's easy to get and quick to get to Northern Ireland. The beauty of the UK is that you can get anywhere in Europe fast.
The heart of Wales line from Swansea to Shrewsbury is gorgeous
I don't think I've ever used "overcoat". It sounds old fashioned to me, and I'm nearly 60. It's a coat.
Museum ideas (from my own experience - i.e. I know I'm missing some good ones I haven't been to):
Ships:
- SS Great Britain in Bristol
- Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
- The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Museums in York:
- Castle Museum
- Jorvik
- National Railway Museum York
Quirky:
- Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford
- Oakham Treasures near Bristol
- Thursford in Norfolk (could be a Christmas experience)
Living History Museums:
- Beamish
- Blists Hill Victorian Town
- Saint Fagans
- Weald & Downland Living Museum
- Black Country Living Museum
Museums in London:
- The British Museum
- The V&A
- Tate Modern
- The Musical Museum in Brentford
I am sure a lot of people suggest you join the National Trust, and it has a lot of great properties, but do look into the restrictions on photography. By default it now allows photography (it used to be almost entirely banned indoors), but you could get into trouble for publishing material on its properties without permission. My favourite National Trust properties are probably (some surely missing):
- Snowshill Manor & Garden
- Hardwick Hall
- Croome
I'm not a great expert on or fan of Christmas markets, but one you didn't mention which is different (and big) is Bath. Although Bristol is my nearest city and it's great in many ways, I wouldn't go for the Christmas Market which is tacky. Lincoln used to have a great one, but no longer I believe. I am pretty sure the one in Gloucester was OK when I visited a few years ago.
Royal Armouries in Leeds is a decent indoor museum
It's exceptionally good 😊❤❤❤
Please come back to Glasgow! I was so sad that last time you only saw Primark and the airport! We've got loads of great museums and art gallerys, plus so much more! I'd be happy to show you round!
Glasgow is a great city, but it's the people that really make it brilliant
If you end up going via Amsterdam, I recommend catching the Eurostar train from Amsterdam direct to London; it's cheap, fast and convenient.
I would definitely recommend the overnight sleeper train from London to Fort William.
Sorry, I added a second post but I'm not sure if it actually went through to comments LOL.
I was just pointing to an earlier comment from someone mentioning charity shops.
I was saying that the charity shop is a quintessential part of British life where people donate for free to charity shops who then sell items at very low prices.
You can buy almost anything there from simple ornaments to electrical items through two books; baby clothes; shoes and adult clothing including coats. Clothing includes main fashionable names.
I think you might enjoy looking through the kinds of things you'll find in charity shops and might be more interesting than Simply going to a clothing shop itself. Remember that much of what you will pay in a main store is profit and for clothing, this is very high.
Some charity shops even have things that men might like to rummage around in LOL.
Charity shops are everywhere. More affluent areas will obviously have more of the higher end items. Less affluent areas will have standard brands et cetera.
Mooching around charity shops can be a mini adventure in itself. Perhaps compare the charity shop from one city to another as part of your exploration of every day living in Britain.
That time of year, visiting some castles and cosy winter pubs with real open fires would be great. Don't be too afraid of the weather, just enjoy the excuse to be cosy.
If you are in the North West and are in Manchester or Liverpool you could take a day trip to Blackpool to see the Blackpool Illuminations. They run the 6.2 miles of the coastline. You can walk the entire length and there are gaint boards, light installations, giant glitter ball etc.. you can then get a tram back through them. There are some days when there are firework displays too. And they are FREE!
I concur, - Blackpool (the UK’s premier Seaside resort) has loads to offer towards the end of the year. Just North of Manchester, and can be reached by rail. Plentiful cheap accommodation. Unlimited daily tram travel, only £6.60 per day. At over 500 ft, Blackpool has its own illuminated ‘Eiffel’ Tower. Three traditional piers, complete with bars. Many, many fine fish & chip shops. The beautiful Stanley Park, a mile or so inland. Blackpool Zoo. Beneath the Tower, on the promenade, you’ll find the World famous Tower Ballroom. Blackpool, is a cross between smaller versions of Las Vegas, and Atlantic City. Buzzing with activity, especially at weekends. The illuminations, btw, continue into the New Year. Lisa Kudrow and Matt LeBlanc have even visited the town. Don’t be put off by any negative reviews - it’s a totally British experience. PS - it’s also got its own circus, beneath the Tower. 2:30 pm shows. During the finale, the circus ring completely fills with water. I doubt you’ll see similar elsewhere. Oh, yes, and it has one of the UK’s best rated Wetherspoons, on the promenade, namely, the large ‘Velvet Coaster’ - with views over the Irish Sea. Enjoy your trip, regardless guys. 👍🏼
Perhaps stay in Lytham St Annes if visiting Blackpool.
We live in the sticks but to be honest when we go away you can get cheaper fares by buying bus passes for the week where you can hop on and hop off
Likewise Railcards, they pay for themselves in a day, the trick is to travel off peek (actually start your journey off peek = after 11am)
Manchester! Yes! Just spent five days there, loved it, and need to go back. A different type of museum in MCR is the People's History Museum. To eat - Mackie Mayor. Did you do Chetham Library, the world's oldest English-based public library? So cool to be surrounded by books hundreds of years old.
You would probably love the V&A in London.
Add to that the Natural History museum bang next door.
… and there are other museums in South Kensington close to the V&A too - like the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum… although any of these you could easily wander around for a day!
Bath is beautiful at Xmas
Dickens christmas is great in Rochester, Kent. They have a candlelit parade all dressed up in victorian dress!
Hey, its Christopher here - I'm from northeast England, close to County Durham.
Regarding you route from US to UK -
(1) US to Iceland, Reykjavik then from Reykjavik to Scotland
(2) US to Dublin, Republic of Ireland then travel north to Northern Ireland (Belfast).
(3) US to Amsterdam, Holland then Ferry to South Shields (Newcastle) or Hull.
Coming to the UK in November/December can be just as good as coming in May/June/July. The weather is unpredictable all year round, but it is possible to have sunny days in October and November although the temperature are cooler and vary greatly from northern UK to the south.
Daylight is shorter in the winter months (December, January, February) and as you mentioned it can get dark from 15.30 or 16.00.
It is sometimes nice to experience the Christmas season in the UK (end November into December) especially in some of the bigger cities you can experience outdoor Christmas markets and see all the Christmas lights. London is a favourite during the Christmas season however the northern cities do just as good job with their Christmas decorations.
I would recommend the following cities in your upcoming trip, regarding England perhaps focus on northern England on this trip if you are possibly wanting to consider Scotland and Northern Ireland, much closer to get to than travelling from southern England.
Northern Ireland is accessible by plane from Newcastle Airport to Belfast (1 hour flight) or you can go on Ferry from Liverpool to Belfast (2 ferries per day, one morning, one overnight the journey is 9 hours to cross Irish Sea.
Northern Ireland
Cities: Belfast, Derry, Omagh, Lisburn
Natural Wonders: Giants Causeway (very cold and windy possibly snow in November/December)
Isle of Man
This is a fantastic place to visit and its between England and Northern Ireland. It is in many ways independent island from the UK, they have their own money, government system, language and culture (they do speak English however). It is an island full of history and Celtic legends, I have never been but planning to visit next year hopefully. Again accessible by ferry from Liverpool (4 hour journey I think).
Scotland
Inverness, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh
England (mainly north)
Berwick (border city England/Scotland), Morpeth, Carlise, Newcastle, Durham, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds).
I will be happy to explain what some of these cities have to offer either by email or another way, but I think this is a pretty good list to consider.
If anyone comes to the Isle of Man, hit me up if you need a tour guide . That being said travelling here by boat or plane is at the mercy of the weather in winter . So if the boats do go, make sure you take some travel sick pills first . Take it from one who learnt the hard way many times 🤮🤣🤣
Wetherspoons “spoons” is great. Cheap and cheerful 😊
I love the Isle of Man, I am half Manx so been loads, I recommend the Sound and Calf of Man for a seal and bird watching soul enhancing day out😊
A chain you might like is Miller and Carter, if a steakhouse is your thing
When I visit london, the Doctor Who Shop is always top of my list. They have some great memorabilia. 🇬🇧
The Wetherspoons in Great Malvern is a beautiful historic build with beautiful views over the town
If you go to York again go to Castle Howard. There is a shuttle bus from York and it’s a lovely place to spend the day.
There is also a service bus (81 to Malton) which will be slower but only cost £2 per person each way.
And Harrogate, Knaresborough, Fountains Abbey - by train
Fish and chips are better as takeaway, not eat-in. You'll find them in all towns and cities and dont worry about what company!
My fav Christmas markets are in Ely Cathedral (near Cambridge so you can easily combine the two in one day using a break in service in your train ticket), which take place in Nov. Skip the London Christmas markets (and Winter Wonderland), they've become absolute rubbish over the years (Christmas trees across the city are nice though!). Rochester (in Kent) does a Dickens Festival in early Dec. If you end up coming earlier in Nov, go to a Bonfire Night. Lots of National Trust properties do cool events / displays for Christmas too but likely too late in Dec for your trip this time. Worth checking the properties around where you're going though.
The M&S Christmas sandwich is divine.
Get a Two Together railcard, very worth it for trains (and this one is for all of England, Network Railcard is just the South East).
Also, there's so much cool stuff in Yorkshire if you go to York again (Harrogate, Ripon, Fountain's Abbey, Betty's, York Ghost Merchants, Crime book shop - all doable by public transport, either trains or the £2 buses. I travel England a lot by train so feel free to ask me any questions).
Have fun!
The Yorkshire stuff, especially, is good. Ely/Cambridge is good, too.
Delighted that you are coming back! There is so much to see here, you would need many lifetimes to do it all! The Settle-Carlisle railway is absolutely stunning, probably the most beautiful rail journey in England. Looking forward to having you back here!
For the ultimate bonfire night experience, it has to be burning tar barrels night in Ottery St Mary. Also if you come to the historic Roman city of Exeter, I’ll take a whole day to show you around! Exeter can cover everything on your list of things to do including the best Spoons experience in the UK, and the best Yorkshire pudding roast dinner in the UK! Big fan of you guys and your channel and enthusiasm for our lovely country.
You can't stay away. You are drawn here. You spiritually BELONG here.
Definitely visit the Sir John Soane Museum! Free entry, open Wednesday to Sunday. Sir John was an eclectic collector and his home is filled with unusual treasures.
Flight to Dublin >>>> Leeds Bradford >>>> Stay in Harrogate - former spa with Agatha Christie connections and a beautiful town (lots of hotels there) - Then you can travel by tain to York (35 min) bus to Ripon (tiny city with cathedtal) - walk to Fountains Abbey (filmed there Omen and the witcher). and Leeds - walkable City with some history.
Go to North Berwick. This place is magic in summer. No good in November. This location is a 25 minute train ride from Edinburgh Waverly. This seaside resort hold a lot of surprises and several culinary delights eg., at the harbour try fresh lobster caught that morning and cooked to perfection. Wow!!! Golf tournaments on world class golf courses. Take a trip around the Bass Rock or Fibra and enjoy the diving of the gannets to get fish. Climb the Berwick Law for stunning views. Try fish and chips. Spring and summer are best.
Beautiful place, friendly people.
Brit Rail Pass - Unlimited fixed cost rail travel across the UK for tourists
Being from Lancashire I consider it a winter tradition to go to the Blackpool illuminations. Great train links to Blackpool and the tram along the sea front is a unique way of seeing the lights, and worth getting off at Blackpool tower for the other light displays and to get some doughnuts!
If you decide to go to Liverpool, try Papilllon for a Sunday roast, Mowgli for Indian food and Down the Hatch for vegan food. All are great
Can I give a shout out to viva Brazil as well ? Only been once but man that was awesome 😂
Or find somewhere that sells a nice plate of scouse.
Bring plenty of warm clothing and raingear! 🤣
HaHa, this is family, and they are from WA state, very similar weather! But, definitely a very good idea!!!
Spring Thing: Rent a Narrowboat, spend a week on the canal network.
The Pennine Rings are spectacular, going up the Rochdale canal from sowerby to Todmordon, down to Brighouse and back up to Sowerby (called an out and back route)
My Australian friends did this in winter and they said the boat passing through the ice was really magical!
Sowerby Bridge not Sowerby
If you get to Wales, see if you can meet up with Steve(MrD/The Dudgies) in Barry Island, he loves the place and would be great to see a collab between 2 UA-cam channels
For Wales visit St Fagans, National Museum of History, outside Cardiff. You could try Portmouth - the Historic Dockyard for HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, the Mary Rose etc. Theres also Porchester Castle and futher down the road Fishbourne Roman Palace. Another city suggestion would be Worcester, theres the Catherdal, the Tudor house, Commandry museum plus the Victorian Christmas Fayre (28th Nov -1st Dec)
In ireland - County Donegal, Derry City , Belfast City. All recommended.
Beamish isn't any more outdoors than a town or city - It's whole streets, with buildings you're allowed in😜. It's reputed to have a good Christmas season, starting 23rd November.
The Yorkshire train you're likely thinking of is the Settle-Carlisle line. You can catch it in Leeds which you probably know is on the main line from London to Edinburgh, as is Durham & Newcastle. Carlisle is on the main line from London to Glasgow, as is Manchester & Birmingham.
There's also a line from Leeds to Manchester through the Calder Valley. The trains are regular enough for a pub crawl - check out the Railway Real Ale Trail. Hebden Bridge & Halifax are worth a look anyway. There's a charming industrial museum a short walk from Halifax station, right next to the Piece Hall, but it's usually only open on Saturdays.
The sooner you make some outline plans, the cheaper you can get any intercity train tickets.
Dunno if that goes for a Panto too - but you'd need a good excuse not to see one if you're here in December.
Great news; I would always suggest Leeds for its Christmas Market. If you come over in May I would recommend the UK Games Expo as I think you enjoy board games and general geekery.
Leeds armoury is amazing and highly recommended. I look forward to watching your plans unfold; and if you do come to the UK Games expo we may see you there to play some awesome board games.
Excited you guys are coming back over! If you're doing a more budget-conscious trip, I'd suggest looking into coach travel - which is generally very affordable - or consider car rental for at least parts of the trip. Totally get that trains are convenient and faster, but - as we've found from our travels around the UK in the past year or so for our channel - train prices here have gone completely nuts. If you do decide to drive for any of it, try and get hold of an app called Waze, which is way better than any other GPS for avoiding traffic. Also, I echo what another commenter said and recommend you go to a pantomime. I would LOVE to see what America makes of one of our weirdest traditions!
Glasgow's Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery is worth visiting and just a few minutes away at Glasgow University is the Hunterian Museum, I can't recommend them both enough, also just a few miles away on the other side of the Clyde is the Burrell Collection another of Glasgow's free museums and again well worth a visit.
Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is great and easy to get to by Train from London. Also, visit the Spinnaker Tower and take a ferry to the Isle of Wight. London is spectacular prior to Christmas; see the Oxford Street lights and the Southbank. Many pubs will do a fantastic traditional Turkey Christmas dinner with Christmas crackers. You just need to prebook these in advance. Enjoy your trip!
Try St Fagans National Museum of History outside Cardiff. Similar to Beamish with reconstructed buildings from all around Wales and from different eras, set in lovely grounds but with the added benefit of being free to enter!
Blackpool lights for a dark winters night is a must!!!
For a trip in late spring/summer/early fall I'd love to see you both on one of our many amazing mountain summits, Snowdon in Wales has a train to the summit so no hiking involved and it would make for an awesome video, there's also some amazing castles nearby like Conwy and Caernarfon, and there's the worlds fastest zipwire if you want to throw in a bit of adrenalin! Other highlights would be Bodnant garden, the beautiful village of Portmeirion and visiting Dinorwic Slate museum which is at the foot of Snowdon too.
York, has an area called Holgate, which a fantastic pub named, Carlton Tavern has a spiffing Sunday spread
If you’re taking the ferry from Holland to Newcastle (flying into Amsterdam) , skip Amsterdam city, take a cab from Schiphol airport to Haarlem city it’s only about 15 minutes from the airport (train is possible too) ,smaller city than Amsterdam but just as historic, and less touristic crowds and easy to walk around. With lots of cool eateries and cafes to satisfy as well as historic and places such as churches , square and museums. You’ll love it .
From Haarlem then it’s even closer to the Newcastle ferry at Ijmuiden ferry terminal than coming from Amsterdam.
November.
Wet, Cold, Windy and Dark.
5th for Bonfire Night.
Ferries from Newcastle, the sea will be rough or very rough (it is the North Sea and North Channel) and will take 15 hours at best, hope you don't get Sea Sick.
Train travel can be expensive, avoid Friday Afternoon/Evening, Monday morning and Sundays reduced service these times are very busy. Avoid peak times before 9am and after 4:30 to 5pm more expensive and busy. These are just things to be aware of.
Most towns have Christmas Markets but some are better than others, be careful because some prices can be a rip off. You will have to check on line closer to the time, it's not like Germany where they are a fixture for a week or two.
if you base yourself in Manchester for a few days....Liverpool is just half an hour on the train...so you could explore both cities at your leisure (a sort of 2 for 1 deal)....as well as that...Chester is about 45 mins from Manchester, as well as the most affluent county outside of the south, "Cheshire," with picture postcard little villages, that would rival anything in the cotswolds....
What happened to Brian Poole of The Tremeloes?
About | Brian Poole
In the early 70's Brian and the Tremeloes had gone their separate ways, with Brian pursuing a solo career and at the same time forming his own record company (Outlook Records).
Warwick. Tilted Wig to stay, and the full English is amazing. Christmas in Bath.
Just wanted mention “Floating Homestays” narrowboat accommodation in the centre of Manchester, on the canal near Deansgate train station . They have a website. Very central. Near nice places to eat in Castlefield, and near Science and Industry Museum which is free, and has some excellent rooms related to Industrial Revolution. This end of town is steeped in Manchester’s industrial history but is also very trendy. Also fancy shopping on Deansgate and St Anne’s square. I live on a narrowboat a few miles out from Manchester so can recommend the experience!
Blist's Hill museum at Ironbridge OR mention in your next vlog if you are interested in a ferry trip from Portsmouth to Normandy or Brittany in France to check out St Malo,Mont St Michel, the D Day beaches etc. and tons of other amazing places. You are welcome to use my house there.
when it comes to Derbyshire and the like, I know Evan Edinger has done a video on exploring Derby. Its also under an hours drive from Alton towers to tick off the theme park visit. on the Visit to a previously visited city, I voted for somewhere else, specifically, Nottingham. Last time you visited was when the castle was closed so you'd now be able to check it out. Maybe even visit the National Justice Museum and city of Caves as well.
with travelling on the train book at least 3 weeks in advance for good deals on tickets
Aberdeen is an interesting city even in Winter. Along the coast is Dunnator Castle and seal spotting at the river mouth of the River Don.
For museums, one that would be worth a visit is to go to the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site in Derbyshire and visit Cromford Mill. It's the very first true factory anywhere, and the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. You can also have a lovely wander around the village to see the worker's houses and things like that. You can get there by public transport from Manchester or Sheffield using the trains and buses, and if you're coming from Manchester, you can include a visit to the town of Buxton. The Mill belongs to the Arkwright Society, who do tours around it, and there's a company called Derbyshire Heritage Walks who do tours around the village - plus lots of other places too.
As for public transport journeys, the Hope Valley Line from Manchester to Sheffield is a nice scenic journey through the Peak District. Or take the train from Manchester to Buxton, then the Transpeak bus to Derby, which is a nice cheap scenic route through the Peak District. You could even combine the two into a circular day trip, going to Buxton on the train, then the Transpeak bus to Derby. After a bit of an exploration there, you can take the train to Sheffield, and then the Hope Valley Line back to Manchester. You could do most of the journey using the Derbyshire Wayfarer day rover ticket, apart from the bit immediately around Manchester.
Don’t forget the North and East Mills in Belper - a ‘World Heritage Site’ and beautiful setting with plenty of pubs/restaurants & hotels.
Glad to hear that you are thinking of visiting Ireland/Northern Ireland at some stage both are beautiful and welcoming, Whilst Belfast and Dublin both have lots to offer for weekend visits I would strongly recommend leaving your visit until the Spring which would give you a much better chance to experience the best part, the beautiful countryside and particulary the costal scenery, in addition to city visits. Given Ireland's westerly location we are also prone to more wind and rain than other parts of the UK in November.
- If you came over to England between the 28th November and 1st December there's a Victorian Christmas Fayre in the heart of the city that happens every year in Worcester (England, not Massachusetts!).
- In one street (a five minute walk from the city centre) there is the Tudor House Museum (1520), Greyfriars (1485) and the oldest pub in Worcester, The Cardinal's Hat which dates back to the 14th century. There are also rooms available to stay at The Cardinal's Hat too.
- A five minute walk from The Cardinal's Hat is also Worcester Cathedral and The Commandery:
- The Commandery was used as the Royalist headquarters in Worcester in the English Civil War during the siege of Worcester, where the Civil War began and ended. It's a museum about the Civil War and other things about Worcester. There's also the "President's Room" because John Adams and Thomas Jefferson visited Fort Royal Hill (a stone's throw from The Commandery) in 1786.
- Worcester Cathedral was originally built in 680 and then again in 983 due to fires. The current building dates back to 1084 and has the tomb of King John 1166-1216.
- Another five minute walk from the city centre in the opposite direction has the Worcester Art Gallery and Museum.
Basically you could see a lot all within 30 minutes of walking.
This will probably be for another trip as you'd be using a car. If you're doing the Midlands, there's the Birmingham Back to Back Houses museum (tickets need to be booked in advance - there is a website), then a bit further out is the Black Country Living Museum near Dudley (outdoor museum) and for somewhere different to eat in that area is Mad O'Rourke's Pie Factory, where you can get the legendary Desperate Dan Cow Pie - if you're going for this option - go hungry
It's going to be cold, wet and dark early. If you expect that you'll handle it fine. Choose city breaks and sightseeing in the morning because you won't want to in the evening.
A lot of hot meals and drinks tea or coffee, and maybe some vitamin D supplements about 4000IU.
York Christmas Fayre and Market - I know you like York and that time of year is truly magical
To buy discount clothing try visiting the charity shops. You will find several along any British high street.
Kelvingrove museum in Glasgow is a great place, looking forward to you guys getting over here again, I'm in London.
Kelvingrove is great
If you are coming in the spring, take a trip to the Isle of Man! It’s not technically the UK, but it’s the British isles, and it’s like going back in time. It’s a fascinating culture and community, stunning landscapes and lots of eccentricity. You can get a ferry from Liverpool (and Ireland I think) or a flight from most places. It’s a 20 minute flight from Liverpool.
You can or could by a railway pass for different areas of the UK or the whole UK for a week or a month at a time. Carlisle- Leeds via settle is a great scenic railway route to travel! There are also deals on 2 people travelling together or more.
If you are planning on visiting other countries I would suggest you research winter markets. Europe, especially Germany does them very well.
Indoor museums - if you hit Scotland, National museum of Scotland, and the camera obscura on the Royal Mile (significantly cheaper than Edinburgh castle).
Glasgow - Kelvingrove gallery
Burrell collection
Dundee - Victoria & Albert annex (there’s not much inside but it is a stupendous building) and next to it is Scott of the Antarctic’s ship the RRS Discovery.
Stonehaven - good fish and chips, on the railway line. Dunnottar castle - a ruined castle on a headland. Used in Mel Gibson’s version of Hamlet. Get the bus up from Stonehaven.
If you're visiting the UK during the Christmas season, then I'd highly recommend visiting Chester again. The city gets beautifully decorated during the festive period, and there's a market that remains open outside the City Council for four weeks. Also, Chester is just such a beautiful city
East Midlands Railway, London St. Pancras to Sheffield is usually quite affordable from their website with advance tickets, and Advance First Class are often not too much more. You'd then need onward travel from Sheffield, but can get to Leeds, York (via CrossCountry or Northern) or possibly Doncaster to pick up mainline services again without too much hassle.
could even stop in Chesterfield and take the bus on to Chatsworth for their Christmas market
The Ticket Line is a good place to book advance up to 3 months tickets. Where possible have them mailed as ticket machines and barriers can have a faulty Internet connection and booking offices, if open, don't have access.
When coming back from USA we flew Atlanta to Manchester arriving at 7.30 am then took the train to York. Such an easy trip. York is a must see. You're only an hour from the Moors, Dalby Forest and the coast - seaside best visits are Saltburn, Whitby, Filey.
Well Wetherspoons “Spoons” hits the spot and cheeky - sometimes 😊 - Trains and bus - a must everywhere. I don’t drive and haven’t in 2 years of being here. Enjoy!!!!!! Stay safe if you are back in Florida! So am I 😝
Generally, the best place to get the best breakfasts 🍳🥓 is in a nice B&B (the clue is in the name!), where it is cooked fresh to order and will usually feature local produce. Likewise, for a Sunday roast, you want a traditional country pub (preferably an independent one, not part of a big chain, and ideally not a carvery) ... or get to know someone who's aunt/mum is a farmer's wife and get yourself invited round there, because a really good home-cooked roast is better than anything you can buy!
One of the problems with asking "What's your go-to chippie?" is that for the most part, the best places to eat are local and independently-owned, it isn't like saying "When you go to the US, you have to try a Wendy's" and you know that there _will_ be one nearby - chain restaurants in the UK can be ok but they are very rarely at the top of the scale.
Marks and spencer for your overcoats and one more big tip, If you know what area you are going to be in at xmas time then book a xmas dinner at a pub as early as you can as spaces will be snapped up.
Would recommend 'The Sir John Soanne museum' in London - utterly unique and good for a rainy day (free, but check which days it's open: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm bags need to be left with the porter). I'd also recommend two other places in London: 'Dennis Sever's House' at 18 Folgate (you would need to book a time slot for your 'silent visit') and lastly 'The Viktor Wynd Museum Of Curiosities' (for drinks)
I too will suggest a Pantomime. I also recommend the following cities in East Anglia: Norwich - cathedral, castle, very good art gallery, attractive townscape; Cambridge (obviously); and Ely - small attractive market town on an 'island' in the Fens, just north of Cambridge with one of the best cathedrals in the UK. Finally Stamford in Lincolnshire, one the most beautiful market towns in England. Go on market day, (Friday), when Broad St, Ironmonger St and the High St are full of stalls. All these four are easily done as day trips from London by train.
The coast is often milder than inland in winter, and if it does snow it rarely settles.
I grew up in Birmingham which can regularly have winter temperatures in the minus double figures.
I now live in north wales coast and it is far milder. I think we 1 day of frost last winter.