I’m
very proud to be able to say that I’m collaborating with London North Eastern Railway (LNER) on a series of posts in the run-up to a complimentary first-class
trip on June 15th.
1.
Edinburgh
Things
to see and do:
Edinburgh
Castle – learn about its fascinating, vibrant and grisly history, ensuring you
visit the Scottish Crown Jewels while you’re there. Opening hours: 9:30am –
6pm, tickets: adults = £19.50, Concession = £11.50, Children (5-15) = £10.50,
free for children under 5
National
Museum of Scotland – not only can you explore the exhibits and displays but there’s
also an incredible panoramic view of the city from the Museum’s rooftop terrace.
Opening hours: 10am – 5pm, free admission, donations welcome
Christmas
Market – crepes and waffles, glass baubles and decorations; Edinburgh Christmas
Market is visited by thousands of shoppers a year
Shopping
– Princes Street for all of your high street stores from Superdrug to Apple to Primark,
for luxury shopping; Multrees Walk
Places
to eat and drink:
Mary’s
Milk Bar – a cute and cost space full of the best quality and unlimited
flavours of chocolate and ice cream, 19 Grassmarket, EH1 2HS,
Wellington
Coffee – basement coffee shop for your caffeine fix and freshly baked sweet
treats, 33A George Street, EH2 2HN
The
Blackbird – a trendy, stylish bar with award-winning cocktails, 37-39 Leven
Street, EH3 9LH, 0131 228 2280
Amarone
– Italian restaurant with a recommendation of the seafood pizza, 13 St Andrew
Square, EH2 2AF, 0131 523 1171
2. London
Things
to see and do:
Warner
Brothers Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter – a first-hand look at
costumes, props and film locations, tickets from £80
Madame
Tussauds – the opportunity to ‘meet’ the world’s most famous faces, admission
from £32
Hop
on Hop off Bus Tour – a bit of a cheat to avoid listing all of London’s most
famous must-see places from Tower of London to Buckingham Palace, tickets from
£26
Shopping
– Oxford Street for all of your high street stores
Places
to eat and drink:
Aqua
Nueva – a Spanish restaurant with a stunning rooftop view of the London Eye and
The Gherkin, 240 Regent Street, W1F 7EB, 020 7478 0540
Circus
– glamourous eating and drinking with cabaret and circus acts, 27-29 Endell
Street, WC2H 9BA, 020 7420 9300
Anchor
Bankside – a traditional pub within walking distance of the Globe Theatre, 34
Park Street, SE1 9EF, 02074 071577
3. York
Things
to see and do:
The
National Railway Museum – celebrate the past, present and future of innovation on
the railways with interactive activities too, Opening hours: 10am – 6pm,
tickets: free entry
York
Minster – see the exquisite stained glass and handcrafted stone in this 7th
century Minster. Opening hours: 9am – 4:30pm, tickets: adults = £11.50,
concessions = £10.50, students = £9, children = free
Shopping
– York City Centre for independent jewelry stores and high street shops
Places
to eat and drink:
ASK
Italian – Italian dishes in a prestigious venue of the Grand Assembly Rooms,
Blake Street, YO1 2QG, 01904 637254
Wagyu
Bar & Grill – a family friendly restaurant with catering for all tastes, 75
Low Petergate, YO1 7HY, 01904 232262
Kuda
York – latest nightclub to hit York with three floors and well-known DJs, 12
Clifford Street, YO1 9RD, 01904 647947
4. Durham
Things
to see and do:
Shopping
– Prince Bishops Shopping Centre for numerous high street stores, Opening
hours: 9am – 5:30pm
Durham
Riverside Walk – a 3 mile circular walk that takes approx. 1 – 1.5 hours
Durham
Cathedral – set on a rocky promontory next to the Castle the profile of the
Cathedral is recognizable to all visitors, DH1 3EH, Opening hours: 9am – 6pm, Tickets:
suggested donation of £3pp
Places
to eat and drink:
The
Rabbit Hole – 20s inspired restaurant, 17 Hallgarth Street, DH1 3AT, 0191 386
5556
Market
Kitchen – a menu of wholesome inspired dishes from around the globe, Old Elvet,
DH1 3JN, 0191 386 6821
Marco
Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill – signature steaks and timeless English
and French classics, Hotel Indigo, 9 Old Elvet, DH1 3HL, 0191 329 3535
5. Leeds
Things
to see and do:
Shopping
– Trinity Leeds has over 120 stops, cafes, bars, restaurants and a cinema,
Albion Street, LS1 5ER
Places
to eat and drink:
Blind
Tyger – drinking den and cocktail bar, Belgrave Street, LS2 8JP, 0113 246 0770
Candlebar
– delicious and relaxed dining experience, Candle House, LS1 4GJ, 0113 244 6655
Byron
– for ‘proper hamburgers’, 9a Lands Lane, LS1 5DQ, 0113 243 1248