York's lovely Helen

York would be my choice as well Glynis .

the New forest is lovely at that time of year Helen and lots of lovely pubs. Weve been several times in october . Canterbury and winchester are another couple places we have been to and enjoyed . both places have plenty to keep you busy for a couple of days but not as good as york for lovely old pubs and atmosphere. How about somewhere like Dorchester , bath ,Salisbury, chester maybe ( theres a travel lodge in the centre that I nearly booked for £29 a night at christmas) or even the cotswolds.

have a look at the tourist board websites for each of those Helen.

There are some good suggestions above but I would go with York. It's such a lovely city, easily walkable, plenty to do, great pubs and restaurants, hotel options galore etc etc. Chester is probably too close to you in West Wales but although I enjoyed the city, it's not in the same league as York.

For hotels, try the Premier Inn on Blossom Street. Although prices have rocketed and go up even more during peak periods of the year it is very well situated at the beginning of Micklegate with entrance to the wall about 2mins walk from the hotel. Walk time into the city 10-15mins depending on pace. Alternatives, the Travelodge Central, Novotel and Hilton are the other side of York near Clifford's Tower (the Novotel is further along Fishergate but easily walkable) although only the Novotel has free parking. Further afield are two Holiday Inn Express (free breakfasts) and along the road near the racecourse are the Marriott and Holiday Inn. Of course there are just some of the chain options, there are plenty of independent choices as well.

I doubt you would be disappointed with York Helen

We've been to York once & loved it - the problem is its more than a 6 hour drive from us. I've priced up the train and it would cost us nearly £160 in fares. I'll have a look at a few of the other places though. Thanks for the suggestions.

The Cotswolds or the Forest of Dean area would be an easy drive for you. Good at that time of year too.

Pippa

We've been to Ironbridge and Stratford over the past year and would recommend either of them for a nice weekend.

Have you checked the Ryanair site?, apparently they are selling cheap flights at the moment you may get a good deal for a city break

Jordy

Someone mentioned The Cotswolds earlier and I would definitely vote for that. Stow on the wold or Bourton on the water are beautiful, with gorgeous little pubs and shops. Not to far to drive either.

Sarah

We stayed in Cirencester when the kids were small & really enjoyed it. Hubby did mention Gloucester in passing. I'll have a closer look. Jordy I've looked at Ryanair, and it's the same as all the airlines - prices have gone up for half term.

We've just come back from a break in Bowness on Windermere and it really is beautiful there. Also in the Lakes is Ambleside or Keswick but if you stay in Bowness you can get the boat to Ambleside for a visit. It's great any time of the year.

This may sound daft you coming from West Wales, but I know that my friend from West Wales never ventures to North Wales!
Have you thought of Llandudno -- the St George Hotel is superb -- see tripadvisor --- and you will have a fabulous drive up through some stunning scenery. We cant think of a nicer hotel and better location.

We've also stayed at the Devere St David's Hotel and love it -- it is near to Chester and the hotel does special offers.

And, dont laugh, we love Blackpool mid week during the illuminations. We stay at the Imperial and know the best rooms to get to avoid the bad reviews! It is far enough out to be just right. Mid week it is all about families, and lovely sea views and time to chill. Avoid the weekends!

happy hunting

Sometimes you can get some great hotel offers around various areas of the uk on INVALID URL you might need to register on the site to view their best deals (top 20 deals).

Thanks both. We went to Criccieth & Portmeirion last October & Rhyl the October before.

Hi Helen
what about Morth Devon
I was thinking Bideford , Clovelly , Woolacombe sort of area
Lally

Check out the Innkeepers Lodge site, they are doing three nights midweek for just £99 amazing value at certain venues. They all have catering, ie Toby Carvery, Vintage Inns etc.

We are going to Horning on the Norfolk Broads in November and York in March.

the £99 is for the two of you and includes breakfast.

Good Luck in your quest.

Dave
Ps Just checked 22/10 23/10 24/10 at Chester is available

Found good flight prices to Riga in Latvia with Ryanair from Bristol, so we have booked those. Thanks for all your suggestions, which will come in handy for our next break

So pleased you have managed to find something Helen. Looking forward to your verdict ;).

Have to say Ive been enjoying all these suggestions.

Have you ever been to the IOM we have just come back from doing 3 nights there..Its really lovely some of the hotels do packages with sea crossings included+b/b its worth having a look..

Oh silly me i've not read the post properly you've already found somewhere.never mind my suggestion may come in handy for the next time..