London and ???
 

My husband and I will spend 2 days in London at the end of the summer. We have an additional 4 - 6 days to spend elsewhere (we have both been to London before and traveled the English countryside) and are trying to decide where to go. We have both been to Paris, he to Amsterdam and I to Scotland. There are so many places that we have not been that we'd prefer go somewhere we have not been before. We are in our early 30's, need a little R&R. We are a little past clubbing but we certainly enjoy a great meal and good glass of wine or beer. Ideally, we'd like a mix of cultural activities and relaxation. Most of our travels have been backpacking trips but we can upgrade this trip (thought I prefer not spend more than $200 USD per night on a hotel or B&B). Any ideas?

We have thought a little about Ireland (has anyone done a 2 - 3 day not so strenuous biking trip and spent sometime in an urban area (Dublin?).

ttt

Although it is a bit further afield before I made a decision I would look at www.skyscanner.net or whichbudget.com for low-cost flights from London to just about anywhere in Europe.

Oh, how I wished I lived there and could take advantage of these!!! And four to six days would be ideal IMO.

Barcelona?

Berlin?

Venice?

Agree with PatrickLondon - Madrid, Cordoba, Valencia, Sevilla too.

The answer really is wherever you fancy that you can get a cheap fare to with Easyjet or Rynair.

Alternatively, stay in the UK. You say you have travelled the "English Countryside". I'd lay money that you have never been farther north than Oxford!!!

I may be wrong, but if I am right, then go north! York, Durham, the Dales, the Moors, Hadrian's Wall.

Perhaps not suitable if you want the kind of accom that 200 usd would buy.

On balance - if you want something different I would go to Spain - almost anywhere really except Marbella and the Costa del Golf (unless you like golf). If you don't want the hassle (and like walking and sublime countryside) then stay in the English speaking world - and go to Northern England.

I could rant on about how Durham Cathedral is the most beautiful building in Europe (the Mesquita in Cordoba gives it a run for its money). But it really all depends on you.

Happy planning; happy travels.

We did a Madrid-London trip and really enjoyed it. FLights withing Europe are very inexpensive. ANy of the places mentieond would be great.

Eurostar to Bruges? Great galleries, shops chocolate AND Beer!