More people than ever are opting to have a UK city break as a holiday. Whether you go away over a Bank Holiday weekend or at Christmas, here are some of our favourite cities for a short break.
Liverpool
This proud Scouse city is packed with things to do. Whether you visit for an event, such as the Aintree Grand National or a football match, you won’t get bored after it finishes. By day, visit the shopping metropolis that is Liverpool One or the Beatles museum. By night, head to some of the city’s liveliest bars and restaurants- you’ll find somewhere for every budget and taste.
How to get there: Liverpool is accessible by train, so visit National Rail.
Local’s tip: Skip the Concert Square scene and visit the bars and clubs of Seel Street for better music, drinks and atmosphere.
Brighton
Although in recent years, a lot of Londoners have moved to Brighton, it hasn’t lost its charm as a holiday destination. Yes, hoards of people flock to the beach in the summer but there’s more to do than that! There are lots of independent bars and restaurants, a vibrant arts scene and parks and museums to take advantage of.
How to get there: Take a bus from London with National Express.
Local’s Tip: For a quieter part of the beach, head west to the Hove seafront.
Sheffield
Sheffield is the home of World Snooker- each year, the Crucible theatre hosts the championships. That’s not all that this Yorkshire gem has to offer, as it has a great culture scene from museums to gardens, cinemas to live music venues. Best of all, it’s a stone’s throw from the beautiful Peak District.
How to get there: Hire a car from Hertz and drive out to the Peak District.
Local’s Tip: Catch an independent film at the Showroom Cinema.
Bath
This historic Roman town is small and compact, but has plenty to do. You can’t take a dip in the original Roman baths these days, but you can do the next best thing and treat yourself to a spa. There are also plenty of museums and shops to keep you occupied. For beautiful views, take a walk along the Bath Skyline Walk.
How to get there: Bath is accessible by train and car.
Local’s Tip: Bath was famously the home of Jane Austen, so wander along the Avon riverbank at sunset to feel like you’re in one of her novels.
Glasgow
Glasgow often lingers in the shadows of Edinburgh in terms of a Scottish city break, but it is definitely coming into the spotlight. Educate yourself at the Science Centre or one of the many museums, walk around stately grounds or shop in vintage boutiques.
How to get there: Glasgow is best reached via train. Check the Train Line for discount tickets.
Local’s tip: All of the flagship museums in Glasgow are free of charge.
Hull
Hull will come into it’s own next year as it becomes the City of Culture 2017. In the meantime, take a trip and visit The Deep aquarium, Museum of Club Culture or the Fruit Market. Head to the Old Town for a taste of Hull in the days gone by.
How to get there: Hull is accessible via rail and road.
Local’s Tip: The best fish and chips in the area can be found at The Lion & Key.
London
You can’t write about UK city breaks without including London. It’s not the cheapest or most original option, but there is a reason for that. The capital has it all: historic buildings, world famous shops, prestigious art galleries, awe inspiring parks and some of the best theatre in the world.
How to get there: Take the train! London is at most a 3 hour train journey away from most UK cities.
Local’s Tip: Get the no.11 bus instead of a tour bus, it covers a similar route but only costs 90p!
Chester
Surrounded by Roman walls, this beautiful city has so much to offer. It’s close to Liverpool but has plenty to do in its own right. Visit The Row shops, take a trip to the Amphitheatre or head to the nearby Zoo. For a trip back in time, go to Tatton Park Tudor estate.
How to get there: Chester has rail and road links.
Local’s Tip: For a special treat, go to the Grosvenor Hotel for afternoon tea.
Manchester
The Capital of the North, Manchester, is famous for its rainy weather, but there’s always something to do no matter the weather. If you’re a Manchester United or Manchester City fan, you can visit their grounds for a match or concert. If you have children, head to the Legoland Discovery Centre. Out of town, the Trafford Centre has lots of shops.
How to get there: Manchester has rail, road and air links.
Local’s Tip: Visit Filthy Cow for amazing burgers and a Salford Quays Ice Tea.
Lincoln
This little city has lots of culture to offer. An iconic cathedral dominates the skyline as well as a castle. Lincoln is also famous for its Christmas market. This year, the famous Poppies: Wave from the Tower of London will be in the castle.
How to get there: Lincoln is accessible by train and car.
Local’s Tip: See the original Magna Carta from 1215 on display at the Lincoln Castle for most of the year. Check the website as it occasionally goes off display for conservation purposes.
