(I had a prob posting this, so it may be posted twice - sorry. So here goes again...)

I know similar threads have been done, but please indulge me here. We are planning our anniversary trip to London. We are already committed to 7 days in London (family obligations, etc.) and we definitely need 2 nights (3 days) to ourselves outside of London. Any ideas?

What we desire is only one town to explore, accessible by train (not a fan of driving), in a nice romantic quaint 4 star hotel/pensione/cottage, with enough shopping, sights, and restaurants to keep us busy, but relaxed enough that we can enjoy a respite from hectic London. A town with great vistas would be nice too, but we still prefer a town with enough to do (we're not the lay about the pool types-we like to explore cities that we stay in).

Any help out there?
Thanks

For your stated purpose I highly recommend Chester. Founded by the Romans, enclosed by fortified walls, half-timber houses and shops - especially "The Rows" - all you could ask for.

Other candidates would be Oxford or Cambridge or Bath. Check out Chester though.

Hi
Along with Tuck's suggestions, you might want to consider Cirencester in the Cotswalds - Cathedral, Roman ampitheater.

I vote for Chester as well. While visiting friends in Wrexham, North Wales, they gave us a tour of the area which included Chester this past May. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
John

topping - this is the duplicate of one now running