We are going to be in Birmingham for a convention next June. We would like to spend some extra time in England. We are looking at York. How many days would be enough, with day trips. We will then drive to Manchester for the flight home. Would 2 days in Manchester be enough? We are thinking that we should rent a car in Birmingham and keep the car until we arrive in Manchester. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciatd
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32216 posts
Sherry, could you provide a bit of further information on what sights you want to see in that area? What "day trips" are you considering?
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
The highlights of York could be seen on a day-trip: Minstry, wall, couple of museums, walking around. However, I think the town deserves two nights or a day and a half of sight-seeing. The railway museum was my favorite and I usually don't even like that sort of thing. A walk along the river and atop part of the wall is enjoyable. There are free walking tours, a theatre, lots of restaurants and lodging. If you like small cities with a medieval character, York is the place.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
You might want to look into visiting one of the abbey's in the countryside. I had just finished one of Sharan Newmans historical mysteries that was situated at Rivauxl Abbey before I went to York. It was a wonderful spot in an isolated valley. It really gave you an idea of what those Cistercian monks had going! It's north of York and a car is really necessary to visit, I expect. Fountains Abbey might be a better choice. It's a world Heritage Site. I would have gone there if I hadn't just finished the book. ; ) I second the comment on the walking tours. Also, check out Candace Robb's Owen Archer mystery series which is set in York in the 1300's.
Pam
Posted by
Pacific Northwest
347 posts
We were just in York last month and we stayed for three full days (four nights). We felt like we had one day too many. You'll probably be good with two full days. Those who say that it only needs one are planning on you being on your feet walking and standing from 8 am to 8 pm non-stop. If you want to relax a bit, I'd give it two.
Posted by
OP
Dallas, TX, USA
6 posts
Thanks for all the info. Do any of you have any suggestions for a B & B? We are looking at the Botham Guest House. I know this may not sound like much of a problem, but my husband is 6'6" and we just can not fit in a double bed. It seems as though most of them advertise as a double. I have noticed that some seem to have rooms with a twin and a double, which would work. A four poster bed is completely out - no place for his feet to go. I think we would enjoy the compraderie of a B & B over a hotel.
Posted by
LONE TREE, CO, USA
29 posts
I would plan on 2 full days...allow plenty of time to take the guided Minster tour, see the walls, Shambles etc and then back to minster for Evensong at 5p...Russells is great for Yorkshire Pudding for dinner
next day take a trip out to Castle Howard via local bus for most of the day