Long Weekends in Britain: Places to Explore This Autumn
If you’ve recently started university, there’s a good chance you’re already making new friends and planning for your first year as a student. One thing many friend groups, new and old, like to do is a long weekend away! Long weekends are a great opportunity to bond and to make those funny memories you’ll be talking about at each other’s weddings years from now.
In this short guide to Britain’s best long weekends, we’ll be going on a short tour of some of the nation’s most picturesque destinations to visit this Autumn (or indeed any time of year), taking in the best things to do as a young person on an adventure in barmy Britannia. Let’s dive right into it with a trip to Yorkshire.
Save on the Train First
Before you book your trip, make sure to buy a 16-25 Railcard. It gives you a third off most train fares across the country. It costs £35 for a yearly pass or £80 for one to cover you for three years.
York
A truly historic city with a history stretching back further than its Viking heritage, York is one of Britain’s most popular tourist destinations and is the ideal place to visit if you’re studying in the north of England or Scotland.
What is York Known For?
There are plenty of great things to see and do in York, not least the famous York Minster. This massive Gothic cathedral is one of the biggest in the country and is world-renowned for its stained glass windows. It costs less than £20 to get in, and experience one of the finest pieces of architecture anywhere in the country. Outside, you can explore the Guy Fawkes Inn, the place where Fawkes himself was born. It does a phenomenal roast dinner, and some great craft ales that are perfect for a chilly Autumn afternoon.
Just a few minutes’ walk away is The Shambles, one of the nation’s most historic shopping streets. Often cited as the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series of books and films, it’s a sight to behold. It is only a small street, so come early to avoid the biggest queues. This is especially true if you plan on visiting the York Ghost Merchants. If you love cool collectables, the ghosts are sure to be added to your shelves. Each is a unique collectable and is hand-crafted by expert artists. For a quieter experience, you can walk a little further to the Dispensary, a smaller version of the shop that sells equally unique ghosts.
We do have to make note of York’s Nordic side, too. The city is legendary for its Viking background, which is showcased at the Jorvik Viking Centre. It’s an immersive museum that shows visitors what life in the city was like under Viking rule. You’ll also see the world’s biggest poo on display (you read that right).
Ely
It would be easy to add Cambridge to this selection, but we all know about the university city with which the county shares its name. That’s why we opted for its smaller brother, Ely, in today’s list. Located in the Fens, Ely is the second smallest city in England. That doesn’t stop it from being a wonderful little place to spend a long weekend.
What is Ely Known For?
It will likely come as no surprise that Ely is famous for eels. Though, thankfully, they shipped most off to London to be jellied and eaten. Similar to York, Ely’s most notable attraction is its cathedral. It is famous for being the ‘Ship of the Fens’ and is over 900 years old. Inside, you’ll also find the Stained Glass Museum, which shows off a collection of glasswork stretching back almost a millennium.
One of Ely’s most famous sons, Oliver Cromwell, can be discovered through a visit to his family home. A small cottage just a short walk from the city centre, it is a museum dedicated to exploring the story of one of Britain’s most divisive figures. Will you leave believing him to be a hero or a villain?
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Ely Markets are still there to put this tiny city on the map. Serving up the best of the Fens, you’ll find hand-crafted gifts and delicacies to enjoy every week. Upon our latest visit, we enjoyed a freshly cooked Scotch egg that oozed yolk and gave off a warmth you crave at this time of year.
Chester
We’re heading back north now, to Chester. Another city with a history of conquest, but this time it’s the Romans who shaped the story of the city. One of the few walled cities seen anywhere in Britain, Chester is a compact city that delivers for history buffs and those in search of the finer things in life.
What is Chester Known For?
As we touched upon, Chester was once the Roman city of Deva. It held a garrison and, as such, became one of the busiest places in the British part of the empire. The city still has much of its Roman wall intact, as well as the country’s largest excavated amphitheatre. Both are free to visit and should not be missed. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a centurion marching around the city centre.
Away from the city itself, you’ll be able to enjoy two very different attractions. Firstly, Chester Zoo. This is arguably the best Zoo in Britain and is well-known for its conservation work around the world. Inside, you’ll meet lions, jaguars, elephants, and orangutans in some of the most immersive enclosures you can imagine. The bat cave is an unmissable part of the day, if you’re brave enough.
For anyone with a penchant for dressing up smartly, Chester doesn’t disappoint. The iconic Roodee (or Chester Racecourse) is the place to be if you want a day at the races. Hosting events throughout the summer and into autumn, you can try your luck or just bask in the sun with a glass of something fizzy.
Edinburgh
It may be something of a cliched pick at this point, but Edinburgh has to be on an Autumnal list of long weekends away. The Scottish capital is the home of the misty Instagram shot, and has some amazing places to make the most of the season.
What is Edinburgh Known For?
As far as capital cities go, Edinburgh is small. This doesn’t mean you can see it all in a day, though! Of course, there is the castle and the Royal Mile. However, you need to look a little deeper to find the real Edinburgh. This comes in the form of its small alleys and local pubs that just brim with Scottish cheer and the distant smells of Scotch whisky.
One of my favourite things to do in the city is to visit StillsAutomat. Found inside the Stills Centre for Photography, this little photo booth will give you a unique memento of your Scottish adventure for just £7. It’s the only attraction of its kind in Scotland, giving you a sheet of black and white photos to treasure forever.
Head outside the historic centre to Hillend, and you’ll come across a real thrill-seekers’ dream. The Alpine Coaster is an interactive roller coaster that allows riders to control how fast they hurtle down the hill for around three minutes. There’s nothing quite like this in the area, and it makes for another great memory on a budget. Just around the corner, you’ll also be able to visit some Highland Cows at Swanston Farm. A calming walk through the local hills is a good way to bring your heart rate back down after the coaster.
Where Will You Visit Next?
We hope you’ve enjoyed this rundown of my favourite places to visit for a long weekend in Britain this season. My advice is to find a cosy place to stay, a few nice pubs that offer food and good vibes, and just let these wondrous destinations sweep you away to your autumnal dreams.
If you’re planning to make one of these cities your home next year, lucky you! Explore our range of student accommodation in York, Chester, and Edinburgh today. Or, widen your search to one of our other amazing cities.
