I don’t know where to start. Good locations to stay in Airbnb or Vrbo? When to go ( I’m thinking August?)
How do I sort it out? No tours and we will be driving. I’m thinking it’s best to fly into Manchester and stay at each destination at least 3 days. Any ideas?
Posted by
Royaume-Uni nul points, pas plus
2600 posts
Make sure you time your visit to Newcastle to coincide with the Great Exhibition of the North
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1526 posts
We flew into Manchester and stayed at a B&B in Chester, which is similar in vibe to York, is only a 45 min drive from airport . Chester has a Roman city wall and a famous Horse Race track. It is also easy to get to Wales and Liverpool from there. Manchester is more of a big city and therefore has lots more action, etc. Check Wikipedia. Be sure to visit some of the seacoast villiages while in Yorkshire. Edinburgh is as great historic locations; the Castle is the must see. My favorite Web sites are National Trust UK and Visit Scotland.
Posted by
Hampshire, England.
1075 posts
The Edinburgh Fringe will be on in August and accommodation will be at a premium:
https://www.edfringe.com/experience/what-is-the-fringe-festival
Posted by
8322 posts
Sorry, I would skip Manchester, focus on York, Newcastle, Durham and Edinburgh.
We visited the North of England during our 28 day drive tour of Wales and England. We loved The Lake District, Durham, York, Whitby and Pickering.
Posted by
Chicago
1334 posts
I haven't used Airbnb nor Vrbo, but I can strongly recommend Manchester and the surrounding area as a vacation destination. What are your interests? There is so much to see in Manchester, Liverpool, and Chester. I love all 3 cities.
If these are your only 4 cities, you should be aware that they're connected well by train. I wouldn't want to drive in Manchester city centre at all, I was last there in May 2017 and the amount of construction was eye watering.
Posted by
Gateshead, UK
223 posts
Can only speak for Newcastle, but if you have a car then Jesmond may be your best bet for accommodation, though make sure the place has onsite parking. If you don’t have a car then you can look for a more central location: around Monument or the Station are the best options.
I actually think the Great Exhibition will be a waste of time and not as impressive as it’s being made out to be, but that’s just me and my cynicism. Read the events diary to see if anything appeals to you.
Posted by
2599 posts
Also check out the county of Northumberland - which you will be passing through:>https://www.visitnorthumberland.com
If going up the western side to Scotland, I would definitely visit the Lake District:>http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/placestogo
If you are only going into Scotland as far as Edinburgh, be aware that it is further north that you would encounter the true highland scenery.