6-day trip to UK (Manchester > Wrexham > Leicester City)
6-Day Trip to the UK (Manchester > Wrexham > Leicester City)
Update:
A huge thank you to everyone for your fantastic advice! It’s been super helpful for my planning. Here’s my revised itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Manchester and head straight to our hotel in Liverpool.
Day 2: Spend the day exploring Liverpool.
Day 3: Enjoy a bit more of Liverpool before driving to Wrexham. Later that evening, we’re considering a drive to Manchester, Chester, Nottingham, or Buxton for more exploration. I’ll start researching those options. Cheers!
Original Post:
Hello everyone! My wife and I have a commitment at a school in Wrexham during Easter week, and we decided to make a mini-vacation out of it by visiting nearby cities. We’re planning a 6-day trip with the following checkpoints:
- Day 1: Arrive at Manchester Airport in the morning.
- Day 3: Spend the afternoon in Wrexham.
- Day 6: Explore Leicester City in the afternoon.
We intend to rent a car and are brainstorming possible places to visit and accommodations. Our goal is to relax and take our time, visiting one spot at a time without rushing or driving late into the night.
Here’s my initial thought on a looped itinerary:
- Day 1: Explore Manchester.
- Day 2: Visit Liverpool and return to our hotel in Manchester.
- Day 3: Head to Wrexham, then stay overnight in Stoke-on-Trent.
- Day 4: Take a trip to Bakewell, still based in Stoke-on-Trent.
- Day 5: Explore Stoke-on-Trent, Derby, and Nottingham, returning to the Stoke-on-Trent hotel.
- Day 6: Spend the day in Leicester City, then back to Stoke-on-Trent.
- Day 7: Drive early to Manchester for our morning flight.
I chose Stoke-on-Trent as our base for several nights since most destinations are within an hour’s drive, which allows us to easily visit the countryside or return to Manchester without changing hotels often. This way, less packing is needed, and we only have a short drive on our last day.
However, I’m starting to wonder if four nights in Stoke is a bit much, considering we’re only spending one day in each of the major cities like Manchester and Liverpool. It feels a bit off, doesn’t it?
Also, is Easter a peak travel season in Manchester, Liverpool, and Stoke? Should I book our hotels in advance?
I’m here seeking your tips and advice, so please feel free to share your thoughts on my plan or any ideas you have!
Thanks so much, and have a great day!
Your trip sounds like a fantastic opportunity for a mix of sightseeing and relaxation! Here are some thoughts and suggestions based on your itinerary:
Day-1: Liverpool Hotel – Switching your stay to Liverpool on Day-1 seems like a good idea if you plan to explore the city. You’ll have a fresh start on Day-2 without needing to drive back to Manchester.
Day-3: Wrexham – After enjoying some more Liverpool in the morning, Wrexham should be an easy drive. The town has its own charm, but you might consider checking out nearby places like Llangollen or the stunning landscapes of Snowdonia if you’re up for a little adventure!
Extension to Manchester/Chester/Nottingham/Buxton – Driving to any of these cities on the same night is a great idea. Chester, with its historic city walls and uniquely preserved medieval buildings, is especially charming for an evening visit. Nottingham also offers a vibrant nightlife and interesting attractions if you feel like staying up a bit later. Buxton is lovely for a more tranquil evening surrounded by stunning countryside.
Accommodations – Since you’ll be traveling around during Easter, it’s definitely wise to book your hotels in advance. This time of year can be quite busy, and securing your stays early will help you avoid any last-minute challenges.
Staying in Stoke-on-Trent – While it makes logistical sense to stay in Stoke for a few nights, consider that while Stoke has its charms (like the pottery museums), you might want a bit more variety in your accommodation. For example, after Wrexham, you could spend the night in Chester or Llangollen and then move to Nottingham or Derby from there. This way, you get the adventure of being in different places without feeling tied to Stoke for too long.
Visiting Leicester City – Leicester is rich in history and culture, so it could be a great way to end your trip. Make sure to check out the King Richard III Visitor Centre if you have time!
Easter Travel – Yes, Easter is one of the peak travel seasons in the UK, especially for families. So, early booking is advised for both hotels and any attractions you plan to visit.
Overall, your plan sounds solid, and it seems like you’re on your way to having a wonderful trip. Take your time to soak in the sights and enjoy the experiences along the way. Wishing you both a memorable vacation!