I'm planning a short break (fri-sun) in mid Jan for asurprise 30th present for my partner.
No idea where to! We're in Staffordshire and will be travelling by train so know-where as far as Cornwall etc. As most of a day would be spent travelling.
Have been advised the Rhyl is not a nice place to visit at the moment due to demolision work (a friend likened it to Beirut!)
We're leaving our 4 year old and the dogs with Mum (who no doubt will be spoilt rotten and not want to come home!)
I'd prefer not Blackpool as we went for the week in August.
Anyone had any breaks lately that you can recommend?
I.e Southport / Llandudno etc etc.
Thanks

i have just come back from a fantastic cottage and incredibly dog friendly. (they allowed my 4 danes)

www.blackthornleisure.co.uk


cant recommend this place more and the scenery locally is great.

Sounds odd I know but a city break can be fun when you are without kids or dogs.

We used to live in Cheshire so I always think very fondly of Manchester (love going back!) - great shops and museums, and Birmingham city centre is pedestrian friendly with plenty to do.  Both very local for you so you're not spending hours travelling and it also doesn't matter about the weather if you're in town.  If you book early you might be able to get a great hotel for a bit of pampering too.  A bit further afield, York is a nice place to spend the weekend.

Whatever you decide, have a nice time :)

How about a spa break?   there are plenty of spas that do couples breaks :-D

i totally agree that Rhyl is a no go zone! its really bad...i call it bed-sit city!!
Llandudno is lovely i am going to stay at the lighthouse on the Great Orme for Daves birthday also in january
there is a lovely guest house at the foot of the Great Orme on church walks called Burleigh house its very cosy and the people are lovely
there are plenty of lovely restaurants including a mediterranian one..have a coffee on the pier visit Alice in wonderland museum
sit on the Great Orme looking out to Anglesey.There are plenty of buses to take you further afield as well(conwy castle etc)
also check out the Theatre and see if anything s going on that week and combine it wih your stay.

The Cotswolds are lovely at that time of year.  Less tourists than usual, roaring log fires in the pubs / hotels, nice places to get afternoon tea. Lots of villages to visit, or Stratford-upon-Avon or Oxford if you fancy something a bit bigger.

My OH surprised me in January with a weekend away for my 30th, he booked a hotel and show in london we went to see we will rock you it was great, the other day was a relaxing day but we went to the dungeons, i'm sure anywhere you decide will be special.

Shrewsbury is very nice for a short break, lovely countryside and lots of cozy pubs and restaurants.  Hay on Wye is also another lovely town for a break.  Or futher afield by the sea - Norfolk is gorgeous and has miles of empty beaches for long walks followed by lunch/dinner in quaint old pubs.  Wells next the Sea is really nice and so is Cromer. 

I think it all depends on what you plan to do. Are you wanting peace and quiet and some outdoor activities or are you wanting shops and inside entertainment?
My 30th is next year and i'm trying to plan a trip to Switzerland with the some friends.

To be honest Sue, a bit of both really. We both enjoy walking, shopping and eating out etc. Am going to look into many of the suggestions raised and see what's what.
LOVE the idea of a spa break...

How about coming over to York. Beautiful city and loads to see and do. Plenty of walking if you want as well.

It's a shame you didn't come to Southport a few weeks ago , we had the Airshow then the fireworks competition .
How about Liverpool ?  Shopping at Liverpool 1 , a trip on the Ferry across the Mersey with a look at the U Boat and a wander around the Maritime Museum .
Shopping and Roman soldier hunting in Chester ?
Whitby is nice , as is York . I've always fancied a look at Harrogate with tea at Betty's tea rooms .Bath and the Cotswolds are nice .There's always the Lake District - beautiful at this time of year .
Oh lucky you , i'd love a weekend away !