Nice place for a one night stay

Norwich?

Canterbury?

Is north Norfolk too far? The Bell at Wiveton is lovely

Sorry, just noticed you want town centre
Ely, Cambridge?

Did a double take on this thread title...thought it said Nice place for a one night STAND! Sorry lol.

Lavenham?

Bury St Edmunds, Cavendish ?

So did I, Katey

We spent a few days in Nottingham 2 wks ago it was very interesting lots of the things you mention available as well as the Castle and Caves, its less than a couple of hours from you. We stayed at the Best Western Hotel its about 10 mins from the centre but we were also visiting family so was convenient to them. The hotel was fine we even got an upgrade, very clean and helpful staff and the breakfast was a help yourself buffet with everything you could think of on offer.
We had time to visit Sherwood Forest and Rufford Abbey which were well worth the visit but its about 30 mins away. I hope you enjoy your visit wherever you go.

Thanks all, definitely some great ideas there. Now I will research and talk to my daughter.

What about Marlow ? You should get a room at the Crown Plaza, don't be surprised it is on industrial estate. Only half a mile away there are lovely shops, stacks of restaurants. The Coach pub run by Tom Kerridge. The river Thames to sit and have an ice-cream by. Henley on Thames just down the road and stacks of charity shops selling good quality clothes. Have I sold it to you ?

It's the Regatta and fair this weekend but should be quieter the following weekend.

Norwich is a lovely city! Lots of hotels, but if you want central, The Maids Head on Tombland (nothing to do with tombs) is very central. Next door to amazing CAthedral, and 5 mins from Norman Castle, masses of shops, medieval churches, river walks, restaurants, coffee houses etc etc. Very much a pedestrian city, give it a try!

I was going to suggest Marlow too, not a million miles from St. Albans.

We often drive through Marlborough which looks interesting. Bath is of course wonderful for everything. But perhaps a bit far 2 and a bit hrs from St Albans.

How about Brighton on the train?

Thanks for further suggestions and I am still exploring but, of course, choice is limited due to the season. I used to live a short distance from Brighton and it is indeed lovely but just fancy somewhere new. I've also stayed in that hotel in Marlow as we were given a voucher as a gift. Again, it's lovely but maybe not so soon. We are going to talk about it tomorrow as we are wondering if we should go a bit later on, eg in September as it will be my 65th.

Battle, near Hastings - not mainstream shopping but little shops a few restaurants/pubs, and the Abbey.

Tunbridge Wells
Oxford
Windsor
Cambridge
Rye
Eastbourne

How about Sandwich on the Kent coast? It a pretty historic cinque port, The Bell hotel is lovely and there is also the Salutation run by Steph and Dom from Gogglebox. Lots of eateries and little shops. You can get a boat trip down the river and the secret Garden in the Salutation which you can visit even if you don't stay there. You can walk across the golf course to the coast. I also love Rye , another cinque port, lots of hotels and b and bs , great shops , galleries, and walks. The Hope Anchor and Jeakes House are good places to stay.

Battle is indeed lovely. I went to a wedding there last year. Lots of lovely places in Kent. I almost moved to Broadstairs last summer but couldn't find a house I liked enough so had to pull out of my sale here in Herts. I go there with my husband regularly and we rent a house rather than use a hotel.

Lincoln is lovely. There is a display of the Tower of London poppies at Lincoln castle until beginning of September. The cathedral is amazing and it is a nice shopping centre, lots of nice places around there.

We went to Sandwich recently suzied and I agree it is an atmospheric and interesting place. We had a lovely lunch there.