Uk Cities

[rockyracoon]

I’ll be embarking on a tour of some UK universities in June. On the Friday we will be visiting Birmingham then travelling up to Manchester to see the uni there on the Saturday. After that, we need to be in Durham for the Monday. We’ll have Sunday free. Any ideas where to stay and what to do? Or, should we spend 2 nights in Durham.

[maggiebee]

Would have a look at both Manchester and Durham to see what's available that might interest you. Depending on outcome, you can decide.

[gness]

You'll get more knowledgeable answers, Rocky......but do have a look at Durham Treasure Trails......I think there are three or four for Durham including a mystery trail and a pub trail....all will involve solving a mystery of some sort and you'll find out so much about the hidden city...... good fun.... :-)

Link may not work..... :-(
https://www.treasuretrails.co.uk/days-out/durham/durham

[Kidas]

Depends on your interests, but I'd suggest spending as much time in Durham as you can.

Stuff to do in Durham:
* wander round the cathedral
* walk along the cobbled streets toward the river
* wander around the river banks, down below the cathedral
* Admire the magnificent views of the cathedral from various vantage points around the city

(I'm not selling this well, but it's worth spending some time ralaxing in Durham.)

Manchester is a big city, much like any other, but Durham has a bit of an edge, if you like views, out-doors-y stuff and enjoy trekking up and down hills and quaint olde-worldy cobbled streets

[bhg481]

Travelling via York is one suggestion. Nice city just to look round, National Railway Museum, if that's your thing or Castle Museum if you're an old fogey like me.

[jourdain2]

bhg ..... both are good visits. rocky, if you do stop off at York, use one of the Park & Rides; traffic system is difficult and parking fees exorbitant.
Myself, I'd love a couple of days in Durham and environs. Eldest sprog was at University there. In addition to previous suggestions, there is an environmental, rare-type plants 'garden' run by the University. It's a lovely city, currently there is some sort of 'ice-sculpture' exhibition around the cathedral (said sprog was up there on Sat.).

[rockyracoon]

Thanks all. Gness, those Treasure Trails look very good. York also seems like quite a good idea.

Decisions, decisions.

[DTCwordfan]

Stay in Ripley at the Boar's Head....Ripon, Harrogate nearby..and the Dales or Moors - or at the Black Swan Inn Oldstead if you can afford it but Tommy Bank's cooking is amazing, so too is Frances Wilson at the Yorke Arms in Nidderdale but that may be just too far south. Also you have Thirsk and Richmond in the area....

An alternative the Black Swan at Ravenstonedale for the Dales and eastern Lakes - 6 miles off the M6 and not that far from Durham.

[Peter Pedant]

Mong - coo - knee
deffo
that is Mancunie - 90% of the population ( here: that is not 90% of ste loolie des bains!) think Manchester in French is Mancunie
It is not - The French for Manchester is - - -- Manchester
zat eez Mong shest taire

go there- for almost anything
esp sciences

I blagged my way onto a maff course at Manchester ( Geim has a Nobel Prize ) - and then had to write
"I am not able to take up this place because I am on the ICU at Hope Hospital with PCP - I am dicatating this froo my sister in law" (2012)

oops and I have survived far longer than the doctors said
and almost daily regret not taking up the place

|( er well I wAS stuck on a ventilator)

[DTCwordfan]

http://www.boarsheadripley.co.uk/

http://www.blackswanoldstead.co.uk/

http://www.blackswanhotel.com/

[gness]

They're a great way of discovering and exploring a new place, Rocky....x

[tonyav]

Which campus will you be visiting in Brum, rocky.
( There are three ).

[rockyracoon]

Jeez, is there? I’ve no idea. Where ever there is History & Spanish. Another thing to look up. Thanks Tony

Thanks all, for your ideas. Got a few weeks before we go, but I wanted to get the best prices on hotels.

[tonyav]

Phone number on this link, rocky.
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/jointhonours/hispanic-studies-and-history.aspx

[rockyracoon]

Thanks Tony :)

[tonyav]

Best of luck, rocky. Edgbaston is a nice campus.

[RobNorth]

Durham is a nice place to stay with plenty to see and do. The city is very compact so most things are within walking distance. You need half a day just to see the Cathedral (it's verg big and a lot of things to look at) and nearby Castle. Try for a deal in the Royal County hotel which has a nice spa to relax in after your drive.