Latest news with #weekendbreak
Daily Mail
19-07-2025
- Daily Mail
The six best things to do in York
The hotel An easy direct train ride from Newcastle, Peterborough, Doncaster or London (book with York makes a great weekend break – with smart hotels including Elmbank Hotel ( doubles from £109). It's a handsome mansion from c1870 with original Art Nouveau details – roses in the restaurant's stained glass, a balustraded stairway by a Charles Rennie Mackintosh contemporary. There are special-occasion glam suites with claw-foot tubs; tea in the Peacock Bar can roll into whiskies until late. The restaurant Grape Lane was, in the 17th century, the heart of York's red-light district, known then as Grope Lane. It's gone upmarket since and, at trendy indie restaurant Fish & Forest ( the proof is in the pudding: ask for the heady chocolate delice with bay-leaf ice cream and oat-biscuit crunch. Young owner-chef Stephen Andrews is a whiz with mains, including sea bass in a Jackson-Pollocky swirl of cream and tarragon. If you like oysters, you'll love the cold, white Lindisfarne variety to kick off with. The cocktails You've got to love a place where you're greeted by a funky bartender with a pitch-black statement hairdo, accessorised with a broad smile. The Fossgate Social ( is that place. There's something edgy about its Gothic-dark, oblong dimensions, but all is offset by a chattery crowd, winking red fairy lights, table candles and a drinks list notable for spicy honey (or alternatively mango) margaritas that would stun an ox. Handily, there's a courtyard to crash in. The Sunday roast In a city said to have 365 pubs, worthy highlights include The Blue Bell ( the city's smallest: a shoebox of bric-a-brac and heavenly draughts. But our money's on The Ackhorne (@_theackhorne, above), down an alley outside the city walls. It's a woozy haven of low tables and stools, dogs and dad rock (ELO, Billy Joel). Families pile in for sensational Sunday roasts. The beef was unforgettable: tons of it, piled in rare-pink blankets, with a UFO of a Yorkshire pud and floods of pour-me-more gravy. The tour For some eerie, entertaining history, join The Bloody Tour of York (£12, for discounts see led by Lady Peckett, above. With a theatrical flourish, she shares some shuddery tales: of Roman soldier ghosts in the Treasurer's House; the trade in leeches in the plague years; and heads on spikes, including, they say, the Grand Old Duke of York's, in the Wars of the Roses. The 1586 execution of one Margaret Clitherow, crushed to death for harbouring Catholic priests, sounds truly grim. The neighbourhood Bishopthorpe (unofficially 'Bishy') Road is dubbed 'the Notting Hill of York'. It's certainly a barometer of city style: for gifts, Frankie & Johnny's Cookshop (no23) has beautifully patterned Polish tableware, and birthday cards by York artists; see also The Bishy Weigh (no1), selling local rapeseed oil, honey and chocolate. When it's time for brunch, do pancake stacks (above), at Robinsons (no7). Visit and for more independent stores across the city.
The Sun
06-07-2025
- The Sun
Five stunning European holidays that are cheaper than a UK train fare – with £2 prosecco and stunning beaches
WHEN it comes to booking a budget weekend break, you'd think heading somewhere in the UK would be the cheapest and easiest option. However, with the cost of train fares higher than ever in the UK, you may find a city break to Europe is cheaper than a staycation. 7 7 Fares to Scottish City, Edinburgh, over the summer are an average £200 return from London. Alice Penwill, a writer from Hertfordshire, was planning a girls weekend in Edinburgh when ticket prices stopped her in her tracks. "We really wanted to go to Edinburgh as none of us had ever been. It was only when we started planning the trip, we realised that it was so expensive to get there. "Just the train fare alone was almost going to blow the budget. All the trains, even ones at obscure times of day, were over £200 per person. " Hotels and guesthouses were also really pricey, so we started looking further afield". It's no surprise. Train fares in England and Wales recently shot up by 4.6% and the cost of railcards has also increased. The UK train network has a bad reputation with delays, cancellations and overcrowding, already testing the patience of paying passengers. At the same time, budget airlines like Ryanair, Jet2 and Wizz Air are flexing fares to Europe from £14.99 each way. So, for less than it costs to go away for the weekend by train, you could be drinking £2 Prosecco in Italy or tucking into Tapas at a bar in Barcelona. Alice agrees. "In the end, we booked a holiday to Bulgaria. We got a package deal for £260, so with the transport and accommodation, we ended up paying less than we would have in Edinburgh, going away for five days instead of three. "The cost of food and drink in Bulgaria is much cheaper too. A burger and chips on the beach was less than a Big Mac meal at McDonalds in the UK. It was a no-brainer". 7 7 So, grab your passport. If you fancy a few days in the sun, here are five great deals to European cites you can nab now for less than the £200 return fare from London to Edinburgh. Rome Rome is one of the most interesting, romantic and historic cities in the world, so a cheap break here would suit couples, friendship groups and even families. A wander around this city is an attraction in itself, with historic sites such as the Colosseum, Vittoria and Pantheon, all free to view from the street. If you do want to go inside the Colosseum, the entry free is £15. Buy your tickets from an official seller in advance and jump the lengthy lines for tickets. For lunch, grab a seat outside Pizzeria della Madonna dei Monti, which is just a short walk from the Colosseum. Here, a large pizza slice is only £5 and it's a prime position for people watching. Summer is a great time to visit Rome as every year there are free movie screenings in various locations around the city called il Cinema in Piazza (Cinema in the square). Pick up a £2 Prosecco from various hole-in-the-wall bars and find a spot in front of the screen. There are a range of films being shown this year, from old classics to new releases. This deal is £30 less than a return to Edinburgh, and includes return flights on Ryanair from Manchester and two nights in a 3-star hotel with a rooftop pool, for £171 per person. Book with Amsterdam A stroll alongside Amsterdam's picturesque canals is stunning in summer, with open-air cafes, a choice of parks and gardens and attractions such as the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank's House. For one of the best free things to do in Amsterdam, head to Rijksmuseum, a museum with stunning gardens, sculptures and lots of pretty places to grab some shade. Mexican tacos might not sound very Dutch, but the street food vendor, Taco Lindo just went viral online for its tasty £4.50 tacos. This is a hot spot for a cheap bite during your visit - but prepare to queue as there is usually a line. Stay two nights at the four-star Zaan Hotel, which has a delightfully Dutch exterior and is situated in the charming area of The Zaanse Schans. This residential neighbourhood is lined with traditional wooden buildings that have been preserved for historical heritage. With this deal from you get two nights with return flights from London Luton, from £188 per person. Barcelona Laid back, foodie Barcelona is one of the best Spanish cities for an easy weekend break. The main areas are mostly pedestrianised with stunning architecture and historic landmarks easily viewed free of charge from the outside. Avoid La Rambla, which is always overrun with tourists and head to the Gothic Quarter. If you want to venture inside but not pay the big tourist prices to enter landmarks like Sagrada Familia, step into La Catedral for free most mornings and marvel at the magnificent hand, sculpted interior. Plus, Spain's tapas culture means you can snack on cheap small plates all day, with some bars offering free food when you buy a drink. The glasses of £3 Cava are also worth toasting too. Here you will find cute cafes hidden in shady alleyways, locally-owned shops and stunning Medieval buildings, many of which are open and free for the public to pop in and have a peek. A stay at the three-star Ramblas Hotel, right in the centre of the action, with return flights from Leeds Bradford are only £198 per person with 7 7 Zante, Greek Islands Zante has some beautiful beaches and is far more affordable than some of the more trendy Greek islands like Santorini and Mykonos. Navagio Beach, known more commonly as Shipwreck Beach, is one of the most beautiful and interesting in the area. As well as white sand and crystal clear water, this beautiful bay has a huge, rusting shipwreck grounded in the middle of the beach. Not your usual Greek-Island view, but kids will be fascinated. Zakynthos Town is made up of winding, cobbled streets and hanging bougainvillea, making it as picture-perfect as the more boujee islands but with a budget price tag. For example, local favourite, Ladolémono, in the town has a BBQ grill and outdoor tables serving huge chicken and salad gyros for £3. This is a great deal! For the same as the fare to Edinburgh, this deal with TUI offers return flights and a whopping seven nights in the two-star Mojo Hotel for £200. The hotel has its own bar and even a resident DJ. Lanzarote The Canary Islands almost guarantee sun and fun, especially at this time of year. Whether you want the beach, water-sports or a few days to party, Lanzarote has a little something for everyone. For a day trip to see a more authentic side to the Canary Islands, you can get a 25-minute ferry to La Graciosa, the smallest inhabited Canary Island, from only £14. There are no cars on the island but it's easy to explore. The golden-sand beaches here are pristine. Make your way to Playa del Salado for lunch. The fresh seafood from tiny cafes that line the beach is probably better than Scotland's deep-fried Mars bar. Just. For £20 less than the train to Edinburgh, you can stay three nights at the THB Flora Hotel in Puerto del Carmen, which has two pools and a family splash park. Plus, it's a few minutes' walk from the beach and the old town harbour, which has a strip of cute tavernas and bars that become very lively from mid-afternoon. Book with for only £179.
The Sun
02-07-2025
- The Sun
I stayed at the UK hotel with the country's first swim-up bar
WITH its beautifully bright and modern interiors and use of local produce, The Manor House makes for a trendy yet relaxing weekend break. Here's everything you need to know about the hotel, from how much rooms cost to what to eat at the restaurant. 7 7 Where is the hotel? The Manor House is tucked into East Cheshire's tranquil countryside in Alsager, a quiet market town. It's about an hour's drive from Manchester and Birmingham. Crewe railway station, the nearest train station, is a 17-minute drive away. What is the hotel like? The hotel is charming countryside property in the heart of east Cheshire with a fantastic indoor and outdoor spa, set in a stunning country garden. It features an award-winning spa, cosy bar, and a restaurant serving excellent and healthy food. What are the rooms like? There are 50 rooms in total - I stayed in a Manor House King, which was very spacious with a large bathroom, a desk, an espresso machine, plus robes and slippers. Each room has a similar spacious and elegant feel, with traditional furnishing and bright interiors. Luxurious bed options include the Manor House King, the Manor House Twin and the Four Poster. Rooms start from £97.01 per night. Spa days start from £120pp, with overnight spa breaks starting from £255 per room. For more information, click here. What is there to eat or drink there? No need to head out for a meal - The Manor house has something for everyone at its AA Rosette restaurant. At dinner, I had English beef filet, which they suggested pairing with La Barbe Merlot - it was a match made in heaven. Inside the English spa hidden in the countryside with a serene private outdoor pool away from everyone 7 7 7 My partner had roast pork, which looked beautiful and full of flavour. The hotel serves breakfast and dinner in its Stables restaurant with a small, high-quality menu. Fry-ups are generous while other options include Scotch pancakes, avocado and salmon and French toast. What else is there to do at the hotel? The spa as the main attraction here, with its outdoor relaxation rooms, steam room and an amazing metal plunge bath as well as the UK's first swim up bar. I loved popping in and out of the herbal saunas, salt steam chamber and into the tin plunge bath, ending in the Greenhouse relaxation lounge to read my book. Top-notch therapists are also ready to carry out treatments. And if you're up for adventure, there's plenty to discover in the surrounding neighbourhoods of Staffordshire and Cheshire. There's also easy access to the Peak District National Park, just a 30 minute drive away from The Manor House. Immerse yourself in some pottery with Emma Bridgewater or Burleigh pottery, or treat yourself to some classic retail therapy at the nearby Trentham shopping village. Is the hotel family friendly? Yes, the hotel offers select rooms for families, with specific rooms available to accommodate those with children ages 12 and under. Is there access for guests with disabilities? Yes, the Manor House are committed to providing inclusive services. Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here. 7 7
Times
24-06-2025
- Times
11 of the best Airbnbs in Oxford
It's hard to think of a better city in England for a weekend break than Oxford. Despite its austere, academic image, underneath its fusty, medieval façade Oxford is at heart a fun-loving city, beautiful and buzzy in equal measures. One minute you'll be strolling along the banks of the Thames marvelling at the colleges, the next you'll be chilling out in a Jericho café, snacking on street food at Gloucester Green's outdoor market or soaking up the atmosphere along Cowley Road. There's a fantastic food culture and a lively music scene, and the city has some of the loveliest old pubs in England, where intellectuals, artists, students and professors have been sinking pints and debating weighty issues since time immemorial. The one drawback to Oxford is its popularity. While it has some terrific hotels, they don't come cheap, so if you're travelling as a family or a group, it can be an expensive city to visit. However, the boom in short lets has opened up much more choice — so if you're happy to forgo the hotel spoils, you'll find a huge selection on offer in Oxford, from modern apartments to quaint, traditional townhouses. One point to note: if you're driving, it's worth remembering that parking in Oxford can be extremely pricey, so anywhere that has its own car spot is worth its weight in gold. Here's our pick of the best Airbnbs and holiday lets in Oxford. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue £ | 2-night minimum | SLEEPS 2 | Best for river views Oxford is the city of dreaming spires, and you get your very own private eyrie here at Folly Bridge House, an Oxford landmark right beside the Thames. With its red-brick façade and castellated roof, the house is immediately recognisable to university rowers as they scull downriver. Studio Iris is up on the top floor, with double aspect views across the water, offering just about as dreamy a vista as you could possibly wish for in Oxford. There is one bedroom, a small kitchen and a very compact bathroom, and you have to lug your luggage up several flights of stairs, but really, with a setting as wonderful as this, these are minor quibbles. There are other apartments to book in the same building, including a sweet conservatory studio. The excellent Folly Restaurant and Head of the River pub are right on your doorstep. ££ | 2-night minimum | SLEEPS 2 | Best for a quiet night's sleep A charming and central oasis that's nonetheless pleasantly removed from the bustle and traffic, this stylish apartment sits alongside a stretch of Castle Mill Stream, very close to Oxford Castle. It's compact — one bedroom, an attached living room and a small kitchen — but it's extremely smart, with wooden floors and a pleasant, unfussy, modern design. The stone building dates from around 1850 and has been cleverly converted into apartments. Here you can fall asleep to the sound of tinkling water and still only be less than ten minutes walk to the High Street. Even better, there is usually a parking space in the residential garage: Oxford gold dust. • Discover our full guide to Oxford £££ | 3-night minimum | SLEEPS 4 | Best for living like a local This is the kind of cottage that everyone dreams of finding in Oxford: whitewashed, grade II listed and packed with period features, from old fireplaces to original sash windows, and yet not in the least bit dated. It's a delightful space, with a book-filled lounge, two bedrooms and a sweet courtyard garden that's perfect for a morning coffee. The cottage is hidden away on the north side of Oxford in Summertown, a fun, mostly residential part of town that's popular with students, so it has some excellent pubs and cafés to discover. Unfortunately there's no parking here: to get into the city centre, it's a ten-minute bus ride or half an hour on foot. ££ | SLEEPS 2 | Best for imaginative design CS Lewis was a lifelong Oxford resident and a founder member of the Inklings, the literary group that included JRR Tolkien. This extraordinary place takes its inspiration from his beloved Narnia books, and sets out to recreate the home of Mr Tumnus, the faun who befriends the main characters. With its cave-like vibe, it feels a bit like staying in a movie set — unsurprising, perhaps, since it was designed by a film-set team — but it's actually on the ground floor of a Victorian house. This pad is full of fun details: stained-glass windows, a stone fireplace surrounded by a Green Man carving, walls draped with greenery and fairy lights, and a romantic canopy bed screened by drapes. You also have access to a hot tub, sauna, indoor pool and tennis court. It's out on the city's eastern outskirts in Headington, next door to Lewis's old house and garden, which is now a nature reserve. ££ | 3-night minimum | SLEEPS 5 | Best for period grandeur This is the house to choose if you want to pretend you're living the rarefied life of an Oxford don. It's on St John Street, one of Oxford's handsomest rows, lined by amber-stoned Georgian houses that wouldn't look out of place in a BBC costume drama. For what you get, the price seems incredibly reasonable: a huge back garden, three generous bedrooms and a smart bathroom with a freestanding tub. It's an excellent option for a friends and family weekend. The Ashmolean Museum is just around the corner (the rooftop restaurant is lovely for lunch), as is the Lamb & Flag, one of the city's oldest boozers, dating back to the 16th century. • Best hotels in Oxford• Best things to do in Oxford ££ | 2-night minimum | SLEEPS 4 | Best for anyone arriving by train In a cluster of early 20th-century terraced cottages constructed for railway workers, this stylishly renovated house feels much more spacious than you might expect at first glance. The interior has been opened up with a kitchen extension, skylights and ice-white walls, making it feel surprisingly uncluttered. The garden is a huge bonus here, and you're in a super location for eating out: there are some excellent pubs nearby, including the Porterhouse Grill, the Holly Bush and the Punter, all well worth trying. The Thames runs past the cottage; the walk past Osney Power Station, Osney Lock and Grandpont Nature Park is one of the city's loveliest. ££ | SLEEPS 2 | Best for a super-central location If you want to be in the heart of things, then George Street makes a brilliant base: it's thronged with shops, cafés, pubs and bars, and most of the city's key sights are easily walkable. So this corner apartment is a great find if you prefer to be amid the Oxford action. It's modern and minimalist, with a palette of cool whites and greys, sharp furniture and the airy, uncluttered feel of a loft apartment. No parking though, and nightlife noise can be a problem in central Oxford, especially at weekends, so perhaps bring earplugs just in case. £ | 4-night minimum | SLEEPS 2 | Best for foodies This quirky flat is on Jeune Street, a quiet side-street off the Cowley Road, one of the most multicultural parts of Oxford. It's functionally furnished — comfy rather than luxurious, in a vaguely Scandi style — but it's affordably priced, and in an intriguing building, a converted Methodist hall. The Ultimate Picture Palace, the city's top indie cinema, and the Yard, the best place in Oxford for street food, are both just along the street. £ | SLEEPS 2 | Best for chocolate box charm You're a way out of central Oxford here, in the satellite village of North Hinksey to the southwest of the city — but this studio is recommended simply for its idyllic Oxfordshire architecture. It's part of a delightful old thatched cottage, with tranquil gardens and wisteria on the walls: as picturesque as a postcard. The studio has its own entrance and is accessed via a spiral staircase. Original A-frame beams and wooden floors give it lashings of character, and skylights let in lots of light. It's a two-mile walk to the city, or a 40-minute bus ride. For dinner, the Fishes pub is highly recommended. ££ | 4-night minimum | SLEEPS 4 | Best for longer stays A two-bedroom Victorian townhouse at your disposal, and in a handy spot: it's moments from the Botanic Garden and lively Cowley Road, and (scarcely believably) it has a parking place in the gated back courtyard. It's all very elegant — light, bright and clean, the model of a modern townhouse. The two bedrooms are spacious, and the kitchen comes with all the amenities, including a proper espresso maker. The only drawback is the inevitable traffic noise from St Clement's Street. To get into town, there is a lovely walk through Angel & Greyhound Meadow and over Magdalen Bridge: you'll be on the High Street in ten minutes. £ | 2-night minimum | SLEEPS 2 | Best for a bargain If all you're after is a cosy, central stay, and you're not too fussed about space, then this back garden studio could be just the ticket. It's tiny — essentially just a single room with a kettle, toaster, mini-fridge (no stove or oven, so you'll be eating out a lot). However, it's attractively decorated, and there are thoughtful touches like board games, potted plants and a little patio area to sit out in. You're literally at the bottom of owner Samia's garden, so it might not be ideal if you're seeking privacy — but it's perfect if you're after tips on places to eat and drink from an Oxford local. • Best hotels in Oxfordshire• Best gardens to visit in the UK
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why Dublin should be on your list of weekend getaways from London
I went to Dublin for a short weekend break and it's the perfect mix of history, sights and a lot of fun. Known for its historic Trinity College, its 13th century castle and vibrant Temple Bar serving pints of Guinness around every corner, Dublin is a worthy candidate for a short weekend break out of London. In the same time you could catch a train to places like Canterbury, Brighton or the coast, you could easily bag yourself a plane ticket to Dublin, Ireland for as little as £35 if you book in advance. After many years of wanting to visit, I finally got the chance this May to explore this vibrant city and I'll attest I had a great time. Dublin is a worthy candidate for a short weekend break out of London. (Image: Emily Davison) Beginning with where I stayed, I spent two nights at The Chancery Hotel – a modern and sophisticated hotel just a stone's throw from Dublin Castle and within a 10-minute walk of Temple Bar. Here you'll find rooms ranging from standard double rooms up to suites, and we stayed in one of their Deluxe King Rooms offering views of Dublin Castle, with incredibly comfortable mattresses. We stayed in one of the hotel's Deluxe King Rooms offering views of Dublin Castle, with incredibly comfortable mattresses. (Image: Emily Davison) Although I will admit I did feel like I had stepped into the set of a sci-fi film, with curtains and doors that opened and closed with the push of a button. The hotel also offers a basement Wellness Suite where you can have treatments and use the facilities, including the steam room, sauna and plunge pool, which is open to guests between 8am and 6pm if you feel like recharging after a day walking around the city. The hotel offers a basement Wellness Suite where you can have treatments and use the facilities, including the steam room, sauna and plunge pool. (Image: Emily Davison) If you feel like eating in the hotel, the Fawn Restaurant offers a menu of seasonally changing options along with crafted cocktails inspired by Irish folklore. This is also where you'll be served a buffet breakfast with a broad range of continental and cooked options like pastries, a full English, fruit and cheeses. I really loved the hotel's modern vibe, along with its warm reception from staff and close proximity to Temple Bar, whilst still feeling quiet and peaceful during the evening hours. I really loved the hotel's modern vibe, along with its warm reception from staff and close proximity to Temple Bar (Image: Emily Davison) One thing Dublin is well known for is its food and drink scene, with an Irish pub around every corner vying for your attention and a whole plethora of cuisines to choose from. Temple Bar is of course one of Dublin's most popular spots, and whilst many locals consider it the more touristy side of Dublin's pub scene it's still worth a visit just for the atmosphere alone. Temple Bar is of course one of Dublin's most popular spots. (Image: Emily Davison) I visited one of the district's nearby pubs – The Wild Duck – which had a really eclectic interior with old-fashioned dolls, photos and memorabilia, along with a menu of Irish pub staples and cocktails. But equally if you're looking for a traditional Irish pub, then spots like Grogan's, The Haul and Gravediggers came highly recommended by locals. Dublin has an Irish pub around every corner vying for your attention and a whole plethora of cuisines to choose from. (Image: Emily Davison) Dublin has plenty to offer for things to see and do, whether you want to explore its links with Guinness and whiskey, or whether you want to learn about its past. Dublin has plenty to offer for things to see and do, whether you want to explore its links with Guinness and whiskey, or whether you want to learn about its past. (Image: Ei Travel Group) One of Dublin's must-do attractions is of course a visit to the Guinness Storehouse in St. James's Gate, this fun and immersive experience takes you through the process of making Guinness and showcases the history of the drink that has become so synonymous with Ireland. You could easily spend a few hours here, with plenty to see and do, and you can also have additional experiences like The Guinness Academy, where you get to learn how to pull the perfect pint. This was my first time trying Guinness and I do agree with what the Irish say, in that it is 'an acquired taste', but even if you're not a big Guinness drinker this is still an experience I'd highly recommend if you have the time. Another of Dublin's boozy attractions was a visit to The Whiskey Museum, where you're taken on an interactive tour with a guide, highlighting Ireland's history with whiskey and how it was actually discovered (through pure chance and a little forgetfulness). At the Whiskey Museum you're taken on an interactive tour with a guide, highlighting Ireland's history with whiskey (Image: Ei Travel Group) The experience, lasting an hour, ends with a tasting, where you get to try three iconic Irish whiskies, which were quite unlike any I've tried before. But if you fancy it, you can also tack on extras like a masterclass in how to make the perfect Irish coffee. The experience ends with a tasting, where you get to try three iconic Irish whiskies. (Image: Ei Travel Group) Dublin is quite a vast city, so if you feel like seeing as much of it as possible I'd recommend a tour aboard the Dublin City Sightseeing Bus. During the bus tour you can hop on and off to see some of the city's main attractions like Trinity College, Ha'Penny Bridge and Marsh's Library, with tickets priced at £27.41 for adults and £12.85 for children for a 24-hour ticket. If you feel like seeing as much of the city as possible I'd recommend a tour aboard the Dublin City Sightseeing Bus. (Image: Ei Travel Group) Dublin also has a number of historic buildings like St Patrick's Cathedral and its historic castle, with a history dating back to 1204. One of Dublin's most-do historic attractions is a tour of Trinity College and The Book of Kells. Trinity College was first commissioned by Elizabeth I in 1592 and over the years it has played host to many famous academics, writers and scientists like Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde and George Berkeley. Trinity College has played host to many famous academics, writers and scientists over the years. (Image: Trinity College Dublin) We booked for the 45-minute tour led by one of the university's students, followed by a visit to The Book of Kells and Iconic Trinity Library. On the tour you'll learn about the university's past and its role in Dublin today, and have a chance to see The Book of Kells – a famous manuscript containing the four Gospels of the New Testament in Latin, which was created in around 800 AD by Celtic monks. On the tour you'll learn about the university's past and its role in Dublin today, and have a chance to see The Book of Kells. (Image: Trinity College Dublin) Finally, no visit to Dublin would be complete without visiting Dublin Castle, with a history dating back over 800 years. If you book on one of the daily guided tours, you'll get to see the Medieval remains of the castle as well as its historic chapel built in 1814. To this day Dublin Castle plays a prominent role in Ireland's parliamentary life, hosting state visits, inaugurations and ceremonies, and the tour led by our guide Daisy really brought the stories of the castle to life. Dublin Castle has a history dating back over 800 years. (Image: Emily Davison) Dublin is well known for its vibrant shops, from the Brown Thomas department store on Grafton Street to its many independent shops in streets like St George's Arcade and O'Connell Street. In Dublin you can be sure to find anything from antiques and vintage clothes to unusual pieces, making it a really great place to shop – just be sure not to overdo it if you have a stringent luggage allowance. With such a diverse mix of things to do in Dublin, this popular city is well worth a visit if you're looking for a fun weekend trip away.
