ideas for 40th birthday.
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Discussion

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

84 months

Sunday 4th March 2012
quotequote all
It's my wife's birthday at the end of July and I want to plan a special long weekend break for the 2 of us to enjoy. We've been to Paris before so while that's a safe bet, it's not that imaginative.

Alternatively, we could take our 2 kids (8 and 10) and do something as a family. Any ideas? I really would like her to have a great time.

oblio

5,604 posts

257 months

Sunday 4th March 2012
quotequote all
Bruges? Go by Eurostar in first class with meal, champagne etc and then transfer to Bruges.

We did 1st class to Paris on Eurostar a few years ago and it was really good smile

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

84 months

Sunday 4th March 2012
quotequote all
oblio said:
Bruges? Go by Eurostar in first class with meal, champagne etc and then transfer to Bruges.

We did 1st class to Paris on Eurostar a few years ago and it was really good smile
Ah, great idea on the Eurostar! I was thinking easyJet but your suggestion is much better. Haven't been to Bruges for a very long time. Given the choice, do you prefer it to Paris?

steve2

1,868 posts

248 months

Sunday 4th March 2012
quotequote all
We have been to both on many occasions and there is a lot more to see in Paris than Bruges although if you can go without the children Bruges is very nice

oblio

5,604 posts

257 months

Sunday 4th March 2012
quotequote all
Only been there once as opposed to loads of time in Paris. So on that basis yes...as there would be more to see/do for us as we have seen loads in Paris(IYSWIM).

We enjoyed Bruges and would certainly go back again. yes Dead nice for a romantic 40th weekend. Loads cheaper than Paris too so you could spend a little on nice touches for the missus' 40th smile

Lille is another option via Eurostar - went there a million years ago and it was very nice. No need to change trains either.

Also Brussels is a great city for a weekend break...

...choices, choices hehe

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

84 months

Sunday 4th March 2012
quotequote all
Thanks guys, really appreciate the advice and I can see a plan forming. I like the idea of romantic + good eating/drink + a bit of entertainment, perhaps some live music. Stumble back to a nice hotel fat, drunk and happy.

Do you think Bruges can provide this or would I be better off in Paris?

Edited by anonymous-user on Sunday 4th March 16:01


Edited by anonymous-user on Sunday 4th March 16:07

Vytalis

1,744 posts

194 months

Sunday 4th March 2012
quotequote all
How about Moscow - can be very romantic / drunken and is a bit different to the Paris / Rome / Barcelona type breaks?

The_Burg

4,853 posts

244 months

Sunday 4th March 2012
quotequote all
Surprise party?
My wife organised one for me, mates i hadn't seen for years. Sounds cliched but it was a hell of a night.

Went to mates one last night, similar though smaller.


anonymous-user

Original Poster:

84 months

Sunday 4th March 2012
quotequote all
The_Burg said:
Surprise party?
My wife organised one for me, mates i hadn't seen for years. Sounds cliched but it was a hell of a night.

Went to mates one last night, similar though smaller.
Good suggestion but we've been through that and we stay in touch with everyone we like! :-D. Moscow sounds interesting, never been though.

Simon Brooks

1,527 posts

281 months

Sunday 4th March 2012
quotequote all
Rome

oblio

5,604 posts

257 months

Sunday 4th March 2012
quotequote all
wormus said:
Do you think Bruges can provide this or would I be better off in Paris?
Both can do it ...but Bruges will be closer (in terms of everything being closer to your hotel), safer and considerably cheaper smile


pointedstarman

554 posts

176 months

Sunday 4th March 2012
quotequote all
Simon Brooks said:
Rome
Second that. Loads to do and great food. Wouldn't bother with high end restaurants though - so much good food to be had from the reasonably priced places why pay more? (we did & regretted itfrown)

Simon Brooks

1,527 posts

281 months

Sunday 4th March 2012
quotequote all
pointedstarman said:
Simon Brooks said:
Rome
Second that. Loads to do and great food. Wouldn't bother with high end restaurants though - so much good food to be had from the reasonably priced places why pay more? (we did & regretted itfrown)
Try to find places to eat where to local go, never eat near major tourist attractions

anonymous-user

Original Poster:

84 months

Sunday 4th March 2012
quotequote all
Thanks for all the suggestions. I think I shall look into Bruges as it sounds fun with the Eurostar 1st class!

Inverness

556 posts

208 months

Monday 5th March 2012
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Don't go to europe, in July stay in the UK,

Penny Hill Park, good resturant even better Spa http://www.pennyhillpark.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE_HOTELS/th...

Water Side Inn, one of the best resturants in the land http://www.waterside-inn.co.uk/ I would also recommend getting the room package.

The Balmoral in Edinburgh http://www.thebalmoralhotel.com/ This is also very nice.

Gidleigh Park http://www.gidleigh.com/ Again very nice.

Or any nice town city, Bath, Cardiff, York, Cambridge etc etc.

gerrywitt

4 posts

175 months

Wednesday 14th March 2012
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That’s so sweet. How about a more private time at a cozy b n b with other activities surrounding you.