Manchester
Regarded as the coolest city in Britain, Manchester is a contemporary metropolis with modern landmark buildings, a brilliant source of culture and world-class hospitality.If you've never been to Manchester, you don't know what you're missing. The city is now widely recognised as the coolest in Britain. Manchester has thrown off its grimy industrial image for good and reinvented itself as a truly contemporary metropolis, with modern landmark buildings, a brilliant source of art and culture, great bars and world-class hospitality. Here there's every experience imaginable, from fine dining and top-class theatre, to major sporting events and year-round festivals. It's a shopping destination in its own right, rivalling that of the capital, with the added advantage that you don't have to travel far from one store to another.Liverpool is fast becoming one of the UK’s most popular city break destinations after being named European Capital of Culture 2008.
Liverpool
Liverpool is fast becoming one of Europe's most popular city break destinations. After being awarded European Capital of Culture 2008, the city has moved into the sights of travellers and tourists from around the world. Already famous as the birthplace of The Beatles, the city's other cultural assets are justifiably touted as some of the finest in Europe. With more theatres, museums and galleries than any other UK city outside London, Liverpool's history as one of the world’s great ports has left a remarkable legacy of art and architecture that gives it a distinctive look and unique atmosphere. Liverpool is also one of the world's great sporting cities with horse racing at Aintree and Haydock, 40 golf courses – seven of which are Championship standard, including the Royals Birkdale and Lytham, not to mention Liverpool and Everton FC. So if it's Strawberry Fields, Premiership football or Europe’s finest culture you're looking for, it has to be Liverpool.
Newcastle
Newcastle – great for shopping, leisure, nightlife and culture – has it all. Visit the Quayside, Millennium Bridge and many other attractions.Newcastle, once at the forefront of the 19th-century industrial revolution, is now at the forefront of technical innovation, leisure and culture. Wander down to the transformed waterfront, the Quayside, which is now lined with stylish hotels, designer bars, restaurants and public art spaces. The Gateshead Millennium Bridge, a work of art in itself, arches across the Tyne to link the City to Gateshead Quays and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.
Birmingham
It's very chic, vibrant, and culturally rich. The new Bull Ring area is buzzing with street cafes, contemporary shops, street performers (of a reasonable standard) and contemporary buildings. The sort of place where you want to be seen. For eating out and socialising, Birmingham has something for everyone. If you are into clubbing, pubbing and generally looking cool and trendy, just have a stroll down Broad Street and Brindley Place. These are definitely the places to be if you want a flavour of what Birmingham offers - from chic wine bars to cheap and cheerful local pubs, it is all here. If you want a taste of the authentic British-Indian i.e. Balti or Curry, you will need to venture out of the city centre to Sparkhill or Smethic, birthplace of the UK’s number one dish – Balti. Another unique feature of Birmingham is that it has a surprising range of food options from East Asian to Afro-Caribbean, and sometimes next door to each other.
Sheffield
Sheffield offers a dazzling array of attractions for even the most discerning visitor plus a rich cultural tradition and close proximity to the outstanding Peak District.Sheffield offers a dazzling array of attractions to suit even the most discerning of visitors and prides itself on its rich cultural tradition. Historic buildings sit alongside award-winning museums and galleries; an enviable programme of theatre and music complements the city's many sporting events. Whether your interests lie in industrial or cultural heritage there's much to discover. Internationally renowned stately homes, such as Chatsworth and Hardwick Hall, and industrial heritage sites of world importance offer fascinating reminders of our illustrious past. If you are looking for something more active, choose from the extensive range of sporting facilities, which include Europe's largest all-season ski resort, an Olympic size swimming pool, choice of golf courses, and the brand new iceSheffield amongst many others. Sheffield is unique in that a third of the city falls within the boundary of the Peak National Park, making it the perfect base from which to explore the region.
Bristol
Bristol has always been an adventurous city in search of new horizons. In bygone times, explorers and merchant adventurers set off on epic journeys from its harbour. Nowadays, the city's spirit of boldness and creativity expresses itself in art, architecture and an enviable quality of life, through a vibrant culture and exciting entertainment programme.One of the UK's best short-break destinations, Bristol is a happening city that hits a high note with everyone from clubbers to culture vultures. On a typical day in Bristol you can take in cool cafes and gorgeous Georgian terraces, waterfront arts centres and monuments to the city's rich maritime heritage as well as green spaces and great shopping. Then round it all off with a night out that's as loud or laid-back as you want – the city is justifiably proud of its buzzing music scene but it also boasts many acclaimed restaurants.The city's treasure chest of culture and heritage glitters with the work of key historic figures like Isambard Kingdom Brunel as well as modern artists, musicians and animators. The thriving theatre scene also continues to delight and entertain.All this is set against a truly classic view – the River Avon and its dramatic gorge reaching almost into the heart of the city.
Lancaster
Built on a site first fortified in Roman times, the superbly preserved medieval castle is part of the array of fascinating historic buildings in Lancaster.Built on a site first fortified in Roman times, the superbly preserved medieval castle is just part of the array of fascinating historic buildings in Lancaster, a city where you will find evidence of Georgian pomp and Victorian civic philanthropy as well as Roman and Medieval remains. Of course, Lancaster has always had a key role in England's history, giving its name to the great county of Lancashire as well as to the Royal House of Lancaster, and Lancaster Castle is still owned by her Majesty the Queen.The castle is still a working building, housing two crown courts and a prison. Guided tours throughout the year offer you a glimpse behind its high walls. The castle and the ancient Priory Church of St Mary the Virgin form a magnificent backdrop to special events throughout the year, including the Georgian Fair and the hugely popular November fireworks celebrations.Form this hilltop you can also look across to another famous Lancaster landmark and one of England's grandest follies, dominating the skyline - the Ashton Memorial, set in the sweeping gardens of Williamson Park.
The United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland)
Our privacy and copyright statements.
Our commitment to freedom of information. Double-click for pop-up dictionary.
Open the original version of this page.
Usablenet Assistive is a UsableNet product. Usablenet Assistive Main Page.