Lauren Tabbron shares her favourite things to do in Manchester
Jess Astbury regales tales of festivities in warmer climates.
Edinburgh - romantic weekend away
Having booked the train tickets a few months back and a lovely little hotel only a matter of days before, we set off. I had been looking forward to this trip for some time.
Edinburgh has been described by many as having one of the most beautiful cityscapes in the world. With only a short weekend and so many things to see it proved hard to decide.
What to do
The famous Edinburgh Castle with its awe-inspiring architecture and grandeur, should be at the top of everyone's list, especially first timers. Although entrance tickets were quite pricey, especially for students, there were lots of staff on hand to help you, and our tour guide kept us entertained with interesting stories and information
The rather controversially new Scottish Parliament Building is worth checking out too. This brand new, ultra modern home of the Scottish MPs will interest even the least politically active visitors. With entertaining tour guides and helpful staff on hand, one can forget how expensive its construction was, and the intense debate over Scotland's bid for independence.
Another distinctive landmark which should not be missed is the energetic climb up to Arthur's Seat, the 251m rocky peak southeast of the centre.
Aside from that, we spent the weekend simply walking around the old town, eating, drinking and soaking up the atmosphere in this amazing city. Dotted with beautiful landmarks and talented buskers, a leisurely stroll is a must. For indeed, Edinburgh is not overly commercialised, retaining a traditional feel, and giving it a look unlike most high streets.
Where to eat
Scottish cuisine, although less prestigious than food from the continent, is delicious. I recommend Atrium Restaurant, for its amazing traditional Scottish dishes. The menu offers plenty of fresh fish, and enough haggis to please any Scottish enthusiast. Currently there is a deal on two course meals for a £15 pounds.
Nightlife
Being a capital city makes Edinburgh a premier spot by night. With so many clubs and bars to choose from, you can't really go wrong. I would recommend the City Club. This "superclub" is huge, and live DJs spin till the early hours. Alternatively, Why Not, is dubbed the finest club in town, with great student discounts on a Friday night.
The Bottom Line:
Only a few hours away from York by train, and with tickets ranging from £50 return to around £20 for those who book well in advance, Edinburgh is the perfect place to escape to. With a romantic theme in mind I would say the Scottish capital was a great choice for Valentine's weekend!
The Lake District - a country getaway
The Lake District: beautiful, awe-inspiring, romantic…in short, all the things that your Valentine means to you.
Where to Go
To avoid the tourism pack, head to West Cumbria. It’s a little further out of the way but well worth it: the tracks are less trodden and the landscape is just as striking. Eskdale has a picturesque ‘post man pat country’ feel while Wasdale is more dramatic and home to ‘Britain’s Favourite View’.
Getting There
Probably easiest to drive but if that’s not an option a return to York will cost you about £35 on the train (with a Young Person’s Rail Card) and it will take approximately 4-5 hours to get you to your destination, depending on connections.
What to Do
The Ravenglass to Dalegarth steam train, the ‘Ratty’, is the perfect old-style romantic journey (adult single, £6.40). They have closed carriages if the weather is not so good (which, to be honest, is pretty frequent in the Lakes), but if you’re lucky enough to have the sun shining down on you try an open topped carriage: perfect to take in the scenery and just small enough that you’ll be nicely squeezed in together.
When the weather is nice there’s nothing better to do in the Lake District than be in the Lake District! So get those hiking boots on and go hand in hand through a forest, round a lake, up a mountain…wherever you please!
Don’t lose hope if the Great British weather hasn’t been kind on you though. The Lake District is full of quaint little tea rooms and top class pubs. I recommend ‘The Bridge Inn’ in Santon Bridge – warm fire, cosy atmosphere and good grub!
The Bottom Line
A couple’s break to the Lake District – just you and your loved one with all the splendors of the open air to share. Corny? Perhaps, but if there’s one day of the year to throw all cynicism aside and indulge in some sheer sentimentality it’s February 14th. And what better place to do that but the Lake District, home of William Wordsworth – you could even read some poetry aloud to one another.
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