I know it is quite early to write this because we just started our new term, but why don’t we just get prepared to do something refreshing for our brain? A weekend trip is one way to refresh our brain. It is easy, and I think it will be worth it if you do this kind of refreshment. It also helps us to learn more about the UK, the country that we are studying in.
It is quite easy to organise weekend breaks. First things first, it would be nicer if you get a partner to go with or maybe a small group of people. Secondly, decide the place that you want to visit. Decide it according to your own interests, and don’t forget to compare with other places that you also like. And don’t forget to search a little bit about what you can do once you are there. I will share with you some interesting places in the UK later in this article.
Thirdly, find a train ticket and book a room. It is very easy to find a train ticket now. Just go to thetrainline.com, and put your dates. It is very helpful if you have a railcard. Look for offers and the cheapest ticket available. After you purchase it, you can collect your ticket at the station. And it is also easy to book a room to stay. Just go to booking.com, type the town that you want to visit. You can compare each available room and hotel, and then book it. And before you depart from this our lovely Lancaster; don’t forget to bring your basic needs (clothes, etc) and your ticket and room booking confirmation. Enjoy your weekend trip!
Best places to spend a weekend trip
London
London, the capital city of England is very tempting to visit. Although I think it is not enough just one weekend to explore London, but it is still one of the best places to visit. If you want to shop high street brands, which you can’t find in Lancaster, just visit Mayfair or Harrods in Knightsbridge. If you want to see England’s History and Culture, there are plenty places to visit like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Parliament House, Westminster Abbey (where Kings, Queens, and famous people were buried), Tower Bridge (the most famous bridge in the world), Tower of London, and many more. “Hop on hop off bus” is a useful transport to use if you want to visit those places. You also can visit London Eye, Madame Tusauds (wax sculptures of famous people), and River Cruise along Thames River. London is also a departure city if you want to see the famous Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, Oxford, and Bath (a very beautiful old town).
York
York is located in the northwest of England, about 2.5 hours from Lancaster. It is a historical city, one of the top destinations in the UK. You can see a city wall around York which is very long, although it is not as long as China’s Great Wall. York Minster is a nice place to visit. You should walk around the minster and see amazing architectures, climb up to minster’s tower, the highest tower in York, 275 steps from the ground, and you should see the crypt beneath the minster, and see how this minster was built. You also should visit JORVIK, it is a Viking centre in York. It will tell you quite a lot about Viking in York.
Lake District
Lake District is a beautiful place to relax. It is quite near to Lancaster. There are some daily buses from Lancaster Bus Station. It is famous for its beautiful lake. It is possible to visit Lake District as one day trip or more. You can stay and enjoy the beauty of the lake or if you like mountain hiking, you can hike mountains around there and see the beautiful scenery.
Stratford upon Avon
Stratford is the place where world famous poet, William Shakespeare, was born, lived, and buried. It is a small beautiful old city, the best place to relax. You can visit Shakespeare’s birthplace and other important places in his life. You also can watch a play at Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and Courtyard theatre.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is located to the north of Lancaster. Actually, it is in Scotland, another country but still under the United Kingdom. It is a very famous old city. It is registered as UNESCO historical city. It is very famous for Edinburgh Castle, you should visit it. But remember, it is far northern than Lancaster, don’t forget to bring a thick coat!
Watching football matches
If you like football very much, welcome to the land of football. Watching football live in the stadium feels like your dream come true. I realise that Lancaster is quite far away from central England, but don’t worry there are some Premier League football clubs near to Lancaster, including world most famous football club, Manchester United. Manchester United and Manchester City are located in Manchester, about 1 hour away by train. Bolton Wanderers is in Bolton, halfway to Manchester, about 30 minutes. Blackpool FC is in Blackpool, and there are direct buses from the university to Blackpool. Liverpool FC and Everton FC are located in Liverpool. Liverpool is about 90 minutes from Lancaster. So, watching football matches also can be your weekend break!
So, just prepare carefully and enjoy your weekend breaks! : )
By Haikal B. Anggoro
