Holidaying in England

[FrancisB]

My friends and I want to go on holiday; but we want to go somewhere realistic

I suggsted that we go on holiday in England, but my friend (who, incidentally, is English, and I'm not) is completely against the idea...saying there's nothing to see/do, and we would be better off going to France.

We're in our early 20s and live in London. Could you suggest places to go in England, and please give your reasons why?

Thank you in advance.

[whitbybabe]

Nothing to see and do in England ?? I have never heard anything like it.I have travelled all around the world and still I find my favourite place to holiday is England.It depends what you are into.If you want nightlife,shopping and culture you could choose from a lot of places,i.e Leeds, York, Newcastle-Upon -Tyne, Glasgow or Edinburgh.If you want a sleepy, quiet holiday spending lots of time on the beach then you could head south west to Newquay(although nightlife is actually good here aswell) or Exeter/Exmouth.My personal favourite is Whitby in north Yorkshire, although I actually live in the Midlands.We spend every Christmas and summer holiday there as it appeals to us so much.If you want any more info just let me know !!

[SaxyJag]

It would depend on what sort of holiday you want. Newquay in Cornwall has a very good surfer scene, so I hear (so maybe planty of fit lads to go with it). Manchester has a pretty good nightclub scene, by all accounts, and there's sightseeing and history wherever you go, if you look for it.

[FrancisB]

Actually, I'm male, not female...hehehe

But yes, most places have their own history and good points.

[zipadeedodah]

It does depend on what you want from a holiday - I'm biased as I live in Devon, but parts of both Devon and Cornwall are lovely - as suggested, Newquay offers beach, surf and a nightlife - aimed at people our age. North Cornwall around Polzeath is beautiful (given the right weather).

[shammydodger]

As previous posters have said, it all depends on what you like to do on holiday. I like walking, seeing sights, taking in the scenery, getting some fresh air and stopping off at lovely rural pubs. Good weather is a bonus, and we all know we can't rely on that in Britain. I love the Yorkshire Dales and the Lakes and am not a beach freak, but each to their own. And Whitbybabe is 100% correct. Whitby and the surrounding area are great. A bit of seaside and a bit of countrtside together.

[shammydodger]

countryside!

[jno]

England has a great deal to see - historic buildings, busy towns, quiet countryside, theme parks, fine beaches, magnificent museums and art galleries and so on. But there are drawbacks. The tourist industry specialises in the rip-off; hotels are often dull and overpriced (some are quite stylish and overpriced); restaurants are just nowhere near the standard of those in France, or the USA, whether you're looking for fine dining or just a good steak. And the weather is deeply unreliable. If you want a week in the sun, southern Europe will always be better. If you want culture, England's good.

[jno]

...sorry, that didn't answer your question 'where'. It will depend very much on exactly what sort of holiday you want.

[Bohne]

Cornwall is absolutely beautiful.
I'd go there any day before I'd go to France.
Don't get me wrong, France is quite pretty, too, but your friend has no idea!

[daftpixie]

Perhaps if you want to go further than England, but not too far, you could try Ireland. I can thoroughly recommend the West Coast of Ireland, the people are fantastic, there is loads to do, nightlife, eating out, walking, horseriding, golf, etc. I went on a surfing holiday to Lahinch, and it was one of the best holidays I have ever been on!

I also agree with all the other suggestions, Cornwall and Devon are fantastic, and if you were looking for a city break, Edinburgh and Newcastle are brilliant. Oh, and I have just tried sailing in Weymouth, on the Dorset Coast, and that was amazing.

I live in the North West of England, and have also really enjoyed myself camping in the Yorkshire Dales, and the Lake District is stunning, sadly you have missed Keswick Beer Festival this year, otherwise I would have recommended you go to that! But obviously, all depends on what your in to!

[SaxyJag]

Apologies, Francis.

OK. maybe there are some fit girls there too - but I guess you'd have to fight for them - either that or learn to surf PDQ. ;-)

[SaxyJag]

If you're going in August, why not come up to Leicester and take in the Summer Sundae Weekender ( http://www.summersundae.com/ ). �75 each, three days, 80 bands, decent (and cheap) camping, v. chilled out and v.v.v. friendly.

OK, so I'm biased (I'm working it), but it is a brill festival.

[pagey3]

I used to hate the idea of holidaying in england too, but since living in bournemouth I have become much more attuned to the idea - we have mini breaks so often without even leaving dorset!

camping in swanage, beaches that can be Sandy, stoney, nudist(!), horse riding on the beach, new forest, purbecks, isle of wight, brownsea island. You can fish, jetski, canoe, paraglide, enjoy fine food and enjoy english culture.

I'm going to cornwall in summer and that offers even more I'm really excitd about it, and we're also spending weekends in london, cambridge and bath over summer, along with walking holidays in snowdon and the lakes and the peaks (this is over the space of a year by the way!)

as everyone said it depends what you're looking for, but for 2 young 20 year olds after a fun holiday I reckon newquay/cornwall is your best bet. have a great time!

[FrancisB]

Yeah, what's it like in Bath, anyway?

I've heard its very nice. I sort of know someone from there, and although I don't know her well enough, she would be happy to take us around, which would be nice of her.

[pagey3]

Bath is LOVELY francis B. lots and lots of culture to see, if its sunny you can sit in one of the many lovely park areas, there's a gorgeous arboritum nearby. Its not much of a clubbing culture there from what I know - more pubs and bars. Great restaurants along the weir and river, great for shopping - especially for quirky little shops.
plus you're near bristol, weston, lots of country to explore!

my bro has lived there about 15 year snow so visit regularly, me and my boyf have even considered moving there in the future.
beautfiul city well worth the visit.

[The Prince]

Nottingham(shire) is very cool for shopping/nightife/sight-seeing/country side.

[jno]

and what's more they're talking about opening Bath Spa only 3 or 4 years late...

[FrancisB]

Pagey,

Yes, you have only confirmed what I already suspected. If our plans fall through, I may ask my friend to take me around by myself.

Thank you.

[irishbabe101]

i think you should go to butlins in minehead its really gud especially the swimming pool bcus there is loads of water slides and a lazy river u shud go lol!