There is a good car rental place near Mancester Picadilly train station (EasyCar I think) they do the Mercedes 'A' class for about 7 quid a day. But a rail pass is good as well. B&B in the North of England will probably cost you 15-25 quid a night now but there are plenty of ttavel lodge type places that do a room for 3 for about 40 quid. You and the lads would be more than welcome at our place (5 miles from Manchester) for free if you like. Just give us some notice so Mrs Gnome doesn't strangle me for springing people on her!;-) PM me or email me on dpolshaw@ntlworld.com. How old are the Boys? I have a 20 year old who knows the rock scene in Manchester pretty well. Plenty of jazz and folk in our fair but rainy city as well.

Let me know

Cheers

DtG