Don Pacifico Bristol seems like a good idea in combination with a day trip to bath.
Brighton seems a little out of the way, passing by London first.
Any idea if Cardiff is any fun?
Holidays Advice
MistaT Seeing the Northern Lights was one of the most magical experiences of my life - and I've seen Dennis Bergkamp play for the Arsenal. Nearly ten years ago, and I still get goosebumps when I think of it.
Clrnc I run an office in Cardiff, but, apart from a trip to the Millennium stadium to watch Arsenal batter United in 2003, I've pretty much only ever walked from the station to it and then back again. But one of my team tells me it's beautiful. However, I appreciate you might not heed such third party advice!
That's a good shout doing Bristol and Bath together.
Don't know much about Cardiff - have heard it's a good night out but not sure if there's loads to see...happy to be proven incorrect!
Claudius maybe just the holiday bit. I’ll be burnt out watching the amount of football he does in a year lol
Anyone been to Portsmouth?
Not gonna lie mate, have not heard the best reviews of Portsmouth. Not been myself though.
Pepe LeFrits Only to Fratton Park. Can’t say it screamed holiday destination. There are much nicer spots on the South Coast both east and west of it.
Bath is a lovely city, and both Bristol and Bath have some great museums and pubs. A mate used to live on a narrow boat on the Kennet & Avon canal in Bathampton, just out of Bath. Lovely spot. Captain Arthur Phillip - he of Australia's First Fleet and founder of the colony of Sydney - is buried in the church at Bathampton.
In the countryside I've enjoyed the Peak District and Yorkshire Dales immensely.
As a frequent tourist to the UK there are many places I still wish to visit - Northumberland, Cornwall, Welsh coastline and national parks, all of Ireland. Need more money and time.
Asterix As a frequent tourist to the UK there are many places I still wish to visit - Northumberland, Cornwall, Welsh coastline and national parks, all of Ireland. Need more money and time.
Visited Northumberland last year for the first time. I’d forgotten how much of the country exists beyond Newcastle. Beautiful part of the country, but even in the hottest spell of the year, it was incredibly wet and cold. Stayed at the foot of Bamburgh Castle which is very impressive. Stunning beaches up there too which look largely untouched. Driving across the causeway to Holy Island was an experience.
Going up to the Lake District in March, which is now becoming an annual jaunt. Not a bad drive for us where we live, and we absolutely love it up there. As long as it’s not too wet.
- Edited
If you are going to cross the Irish Sea, I would recommend spending more than 2-3 days and visit more than just Dublin/Belfast alone. The Atlantic coast is worth driving down and stopping along the route.
If you're staying in Great Britain, combining Bath and Bristol is a good shout. You could also visit Cardiff or stop by the Cotswolds as part of the same trip. Cardiff is a fun place for a night out.
Controversially I don't recommend Brighton at the moment - I visited in 2021 and thought Covid has hit the place hard. Plus it's London prices for everything.
Mirth I went to a family friend's (woefully inadequate description, the girl is like my younger sister) wedding in Kenmare, Co Kerry six years ago, around this time of year actually. It was astonishingly beautiful, crazy sunsets, although I missed out on a beach walk to watch the Arsenal against Crystal Palace and so got the beauty of Oli G's scorpion kick instead!
Booked a trip to Japan and South Korea, cannot wait, been dreaming of it for a long time now.
Loved Japan - where are you visiting whilst you're there?
Tokyo, Nikko, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara - Osaka
Good mix - haven't done Nikko or Hakone but spent time in all the other places. So much to do in all of them but a couple of small suggestions based on my experience, I wouldn't spend too long in Kyoto (I reckon you don't need much more than a day) and in Osaka, worth checking out the aquarium and the museum of human rights (also be sure to try okonomiyaki if you've never had it).
One caveat - I went quite some time ago now so am sure there have been some changes been then!
Would also endorse Hiroshima for what it's worth - very moving to visit but also Miyajima island is a treat.
- Edited
Thanks for the advice I'll try to keep them in mind, especially the food ha
Don Pacifico Yeah definitely.
Ōkunoshima island is brilliant too, a full rabbit island. Basically everywhere in Japan is amazing
HomeSteak unless you’re there for 10+ days I’d suggest decreasing the number of cities, or changing a few to be day trips. Far better to spend more time per city!
The trains are great but it’s still a lot to navigate some of the larger subway stations (in Tokyo, Osaka, etc) and hotel check in can be challenging. You can stay in Osaka and easily do day trips to Nara and Kyoto.
That said, I really liked biking around Kyoto as it has a great canal. I would also highly recommend a guided tour of a temple/garden in Kyoto.
Holler if you want any tips.