Going shopping for birthday or Christmas presents is an ideal excuse to look for city breaks and this guide provided by travelsupermarket.com highlights the best cities outside of London to hunt for bargains.

Shopping in Newcastle

When shopping outside of the capital, one of the best places to head to may be Newcastle. The city’s Metrocentre is the largest retail and leisure complex in Europe and contains some 330 shops. These include well-known high street brands like Argos, but you will also come across several independent traders, such as Candle Essence.

If you’ve worked up an appetite after a morning’s shopping, head to one of the many restaurants and cafes for a bite to eat. You can also see the latest Hollywood blockbusters at the Odeon cinema.

The Metrocentre is about a 20-minute journey from central Newcastle, but if you’re staying in the city centre you may also want to visit Northumberland Street. This is one of the city’s main shopping areas and is home to the flagship Fenwick outlet, a chain of department stores that was founded in the region in 1882.

You can also visit the indoor Grainger Market, where you will not only find independent traders selling everything from handmade crafts to hardware, but also the world’s smallest Marks and Spencer store.

Shopping in Liverpool

Alternatively, you may want to visit Liverpool on a shopping trip.

Liverpool ONE launched in 2008 and is the largest open-air shopping centre in the country. There is some 1.65 million sq ft of leisure and retail space and with well-established brands such as Ann Summers and Sony having branches here, you will find lots of opportunity to splash your hard-earned cash.

Shops are open to 20:00 from Monday to Friday, until 19:00 on Saturdays and 17:00 on Sundays, so there should be plenty of time for you to find that perfect outfit.

Located nearby is Bold Street, where you will find some fantastic independent boutiques and gourmet food. But why not give your credit card a rest and take a breather at one of the many cafes that can be found here? One of the best things about the city is that everything is close together, and there are many hotels in Liverpool city centre which are ideal if you need a rest from spending your hard earned cash.

Shopping in Manchester

Elsewhere in the north-west, Manchester is a great place to go shopping. While you can visit the centrally-located Arndale Centre, it may be the Trafford Centre – which is around 20 minutes out of the city – that really catches your interest.

This three-floor shopping complex opened in 1998 and contains outlets such as Bench and Next. If you’re looking for jewellery, however, you’ll be in the right place to find it as HS Samuel and Swarovski also have branches here. For high-end fashion visit the area around King Street and St Ann’s Square, here you will find Vivienne Westwood and Armani stores, among others.

Shopping in Birmingham

Birmingham can also be a great place to go shopping, as it contains the historic Bullring centre. The development first began as an open-air medieval market but has undergone significant changes over the years to emerge as a modern 1.2 million sq ft shopping complex, home to brands such as River Island and French Connection.

And you’ll be in good company should you choose to visit Birmingham on a shopping break, as the Bullring claims to be the country’s most visited mall.

However, it may be the Selfridges branch that is the highlight of your trip, as the store has a unique design that takes its inspiration from a Paco Rabanne dress.

If you want a new pair of earrings or a necklace, stop by the Jewellery Quarter, as some 40 per cent of the UK’s jewellery is made here. Alternatively, why not visit Birmingham’s Farmers Market, which takes place twice a week on New Street to pick up some fresh local produce?

Shopping in Leeds

Last, but by no means least, is Leeds. Visiting the Yorkshire city’s White Rose Centre gives you the chance to buy goods such as artificial flowers and handmade costume jewellery from a number of independent traders.

There are also some well-established high street names, including HMV and Thorntons, but if you need help deciding what to buy, you can always make use of the personal shopping service for assistance. Other fantastic shopping centres in the city include the Corn Exchange and the Kirkgate Market, which is housed in a beautiful Edwardian building.

With so many fantastic places around the country to splash the cash, you will never be far away from brilliant shopping facilities.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post from the Travel Supermarket Team

Both the city centre and the nearby Albert Dock area are compact enough to explore on foot, but you need at least two days to see it all properly – with plenty left over for a return visit.

Architecture
From the new Liverpool ONE shopping centre to the immense historic Anglican Cathedral, Liverpool is home to a variety of striking architecture, both old and new. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City is made up of six historic locations including the Pier Head and Albert Dock, incorporating many of the city’s most famous buildings. The most iconic landmark of all is the Grade I-listed Royal Liver Building, a riverside ‘skyscraper’ dating back to 1911, topped by two striking Liver Birds – and still dominating the skyline.

St. George’s Hall is one of Western Europe’s finest examples of a neo-classical building, showing off the wealth of local merchants. But the oldest building is the Bluecoat, built in 1717, with a beautiful front courtyard and internal garden. Today it’s used as a creative hub for contemporary arts, and you can visit free exhibitions or grab a reasonably-priced lunch there, made with locally-produced ingredients. Dotted about the city you’ll find countless other beautiful buildings, including the Town Hall, Bank of England Building, and Oriel Chambers – the world’s first metal-framed, glass curtain walled building.

Live music
Liverpool is also well-known for its thriving live music scene and strong Irish links, and you’ll find free live music in many venues, from traditional Irish folk to contemporary local bands. The Cavern Club, where Epstein discovered The Beatles, is still a live music venue with free admission on many nights – and if you can visit Liverpool during August Bank Holiday, you can enjoy live music at the massive Mathew Street Festival.

Liverpool’s maritime history
The Albert Dock area by the River Mersey is the place to discover more about the city’s historic role as an important maritime centre. By the early 19th century, some 40% of the world’s trade was passing through Liverpool’s docks, contributing to its wealth and status. The docks feature the most extensive collection of Grade I-listed buildings in the UK, including old redeveloped warehouses that today house chic restaurants, boutique shops, museums and galleries, offices and apartments.

The free Merseyside Maritime Museum tells the port’s story, and within this is the International Slavery Museum, which looks at Liverpool’s role in the slave trade and its impact across the world.

For fans of Modern Art, the Albert Dock is also home to Tate Liverpool, which is generally free, and if you’re a fan of the Fab Four, the Beatles Story at Albert Dock is a must – although there’s a hefty entry fee for the pleasure (£12.25 at the time of writing).

Before you leave…

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This post on having a cheap weekend break in Liverpool was brought to you by InsureandGo.

Photos taken from Friar’s Balsam & Retrobus

Edinburgh's Royal Mile - by N.Hewson

A truly outstanding city, Edinburgh weaves narrow cobble stoned alleyways, spires and picturesque landscapes together to balance its historic, old-town feel with its vibrant, modern urbanity.

Impressive medieval architecture, panoramic vistas, shops and dining, make Edinburgh – the capital city of Scotland – a perfect destination for a cheap weekend getaway. 

Things to See in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle 

Edinburgh Castle - Jordan S Hatcher

Sitting atop the city’s high, volcanic hill, Edinburgh Castle was built in the late 11^th Century. The site of various conquests, the castle has functioned as a royal residence (where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to Prince James, who later became both King James IV of Scotland and James I of England) as well as a prison, military barracks and now a tourist attraction.Admission to the castle is affordable but not free.

Check the website ahead of time for online discounts.

Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh

Arthur’s Seat is regarded as the best outlook point for bird’s-eye views of the city. At 250m, though, getting to the top of  requires a bit of physical effort.

Royal Mile, Edinburgh

This route, running from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace – the Queen’s Scottish residence, winds along Castle Esplanade, Castlehill, Lawnmarket Street, High Street, Cannongate and Abbey Strand. The streets are home to both culturally significant buildings like St. Giles Cathedral and the Scottish Supreme Court as well as a busy mix of pubs, cafes and local charm.

Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh 

Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

Tour the Royal Botanic Garden for free and you’ll find nearly 34,000 plant varieties. The garden –originally a medicinal garden – offers a sampling of local landscape as well as the largest collection of Chinese plants outside of China.
 

Travel Tips for a Weekend in Edinburgh

Eating out in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s dining scene certainly benefits from pub culture. Countless pubs serve local ales and dram (Scottish whiskey) in traditional style and offer an authentic Scottish experience.

The food in Edinburgh, that once had a less than flattering reputation, has certainly disproved any such claims. Cullen skink (traditional Scottish soup) or haggis (sheep’s heart, liver and lungs minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices and salt) with neeps and tatties (mashed turnip or rutabaga and potatoes) are a must, and fresh seafood, lam and Aberdeen Angus beef are favored by a growing, international foodie fan base.

Getting to Edinburgh 

Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh - by gray_um

Edinburgh airport, although international, is relatively small and easy to navigate. Airlink buses provide quick, convenient transportation into the city for less than £5.

Busses and trains into and out of the city also offer affordable transit options, connecting to various points in the UK.

When to Visit Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival, regarded as the biggest arts festival in the world, takes places every August. Now a 50-year-old tradition, the festival attracts visitors from around the world. The original Edinburgh Festival itself features classical music and dance while the all encompassing Fringe Festival also includes music, drama, comedians, literature, TV and more.

If you opt not to go for the festival, then the cheapest time to visit Edinburgh is between November and Easter, which is considered the city’s off season (with the exception of Hogmany or New Year’s Eve.)

 -A Guest Post from Christine Fisher 

Christine Fisher is a contributing editor for WorldReviewer.com and a freelance journalist currently based in London.

The United Kingdom has an array of beautiful landscapes which are easy to access by road. Whether you’re a native or a visitor, travel by car to explore the UK’s finest scenic routes.

Scenic Route One: The Atlantic Highway

Drive Through Exmoor - by Gravyphig

The “Atlantic Highway” stretches from Lynmouth to Newquay via Lauceston.

Start in Lynmouth and heading through a section of the Exmoor National Park towards Barnstaple. Exmoor National Park is famed for its walking trails that cover vast areas of open moorland and you may even see wild horses.

After joining the “Atlantic Highway” via the A399 at Blackmoor Gate, you could visit the local zoo. Exmoor Zoo is home to a whole host of different animals including penguins and meerkats (and there’s the Legend of the Beast, which has a dedicated Black Panther enclosure.)

Join the A39, the “Atlantic Highway” itself, and continue from Barnstaple down the coast towards Newquay. Stop off in Boscastle (PL34 0HE), a lovely village whose castle is believed to be the birthplace of King Arthur.

Your journey along the A39 will take you near The Big Sheep (EX39 5AP). This centre is home to a number of activities such as mountain boarding and high ropes, and there’s also the chance to see some edge of your seat action at the local sheep racing circuit.

Detouring to Launceston, you can take a trip on the Launceston steam railway (PL15 8DA), tackle a number of hiking paths or visit a farm park. 

Scenic Drive One

Details for Scenic Drive One

Lynmouth to Newquay (via Launceston.)Distance: 135 miles. Roads: A39, A395, A399. Postcodes: PL34 0HE (Tintagel) EX39 5AP (The Big Sheep) EX31 4SG (Exmoor Zoo) PL15 8DA (Launceston Steam Railway), EX35 6EO (Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway)

Scenic Route Two: Belfast to Derry

Giant's Causeway - by smemon87

Northern Ireland is the home of the A2, which runs from Newry to Derry and passes through Belfast. This route runs alongside the northeast coastline and the picturesque Glens of Antrim.

Along this 128 mile coastal road, stop off at Ballintoy for the chance to walk the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge across a 20 metre wide chasm.

A 20 minute drive east of Portrush brings you to the ecological rarity of the Giant’s Causeway, a collection of basalt hexagonal columns produced by a previous volcanic eruption. This stunning attraction is situated in the Glens of Antrim, where the Bushmills distillery can also be found (BT57 8XH).

Scenic Drive Two

Details for Scenic Drive Two

Distance: 128 miles. Roads: A2. Postcodes: BT54 6LS (Ballintoy, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge) BT57 8XH (Bushmills Distillery)

Scenic Route Three: Conwy to Portmeirion

Snowdonia National Park - by Richard0

The Welsh route from Conwy to Portmeirion takes you on a journey through the Snowdonia National Park. Starting off in Conwy, with the famous Conwy Castle, you’ll pass through some traditional slate villages as well having the opportunity to enjoy Snowdon’s summit, either by sight or through your hiking boots.

Within Snowdonia, you’ll find the village of Betws-y-Coed, a camping hotspot and excellent starting point for your mountain drive. From Betws-y-Coed, Llanberis is only 17 miles away where you can enjoy a 4.7 mile trip to the summit of Mt Snowdon by means of a time-honoured steam train. From the peak, the highest point in England and Wales, you can relax and take in the panoramic views from the Hafod Eryri centre. For adults, a return ticket will cost £25, while a child’s ticket is £18. You can easily opt for a single ticket if you wish to walk part of the distance. A trip to the summit will take around 5 hours, and there are a variety of different routes to get you there, depending on how energetic you’re feeling.

Scenic Drive Three

Details for Scenic Drive Three

Distance: 38.5 miles. Roads: B5106, A5, A4068, A498. Postcodes: LL48 6ER (Portmeirion)  LL55 4TY (Llanberis Lake Railway) LL32 8LD (Conwy Castle)

Scenic Route Four: Glasgow to Inverness

Drive the Loch Ness Area - by conner395

The scenic drive from Glasgow to Inverness takes you through the majestic and timeless Munros. These mountain ranges dominate the Scottish skyline and offer truly mesmerising views. The route also includes the Loch Ness, with a dedicated exhibition centre that explores the legend of the monster (£4.50 for children and £6.50 for adult entry). If you happen to visit during June, be sure to give the RockNess dance music festival a try.

You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the largest loch in Great Britain, the stunning Loch Lomond. At 27 square miles (71km²), this loch contains around 60 small islands, including Inchconnachan and its settlement of wallabies.

For water sports, Loch Lomond offers jet skiing, boating and canoeing, whereas for other kinds of driving, try out the surrounding golf courses.

On the way to Inverness, you can see Britain’s highest point: Ben Nevis.

This 4,409ft peak sits at the head of Loch Linnhe and is visible from Fort William, a popular winter sports destination. From the Nevis Range Ski Centre, you can ski, snowboard and even mountain bike. There’s also the chance to enjoy the landscape from the comforts of a 650m gondola via the Mountain Discovery Centre.

Scenic Drive Four

Details for Scenic Drive Four

Distance: 170 miles. Roads: A9, A82, A827, A93. Postcodes: IV63 6TU (Loch Ness Exhibition Centre) PH33 6SQ (Nevis Range) PH18 5TL (Blair Castle)

Scenic Route Five: The Lake District

Helvellyn -by IanBrookesPhotography

For those looking to experience nature during their drive, the Lake District offers astonishing beauty. This circular route includes the popular towns of Kendal and Keswick, as well as winding around 29 miles of the national park to provide views of Lake Windermere, Lake Thirlmere and the Lakeland Fells.

The village of Grasmere has inspired poets such as Coleridge and Wordsworth and today you can visit Dove Cottage, one of Wordsworth’s former houses, for £7.50 for adults and £4.50 for children.  

Travelling east along the A66 from Keswick onto the A5091 brings you to Ullswater Lake, the second largest body of water in the Lake District. Ullswater offers Steamer tours (£2.80 per child, £5.60 per adult, each way) that cruise the lake from the village of Glenridding or Pooley Bridge to Howtown. The Lakeland Fell area also has many trail paths, so you can take a leisurely stroll within the lakes’ beauty.

For more demanding hike routes, travel to Glenridding, the base of the third highest mountain in the UK. At 3,117ft, Helvellyn has many tough trails for more experienced hikers, although summit routes aren’t the only ones available. Ask the local tourist information office for more information on walking routes.

Scenic Drive Five

Details for Scenic Drive Five

Kendal to Kendal, circular route: (via Keswick & Glenridding.) Distance: 67.8m. Roads: A5284, A591, A66, A5091, A592. Postcodes: LA22 9SQ (Dove Cottage – Wordsworth Museum) CA11 0US (Ullswater Steamers)

This guest post was written by Michael Wade of the car hire team at travelsupermarket.com

A Weekend Break in Glasgow

Why Glasgow? 

Glasgow from Queen's Park - by John Lindie

Coming from Glasgow, I am slightly biased about the city. In fact, I would go as far as to say I love it. I live in Edinburgh now and often find myself pining for Glasgow at the weekend, there is just something about the city that anyone from Glasgow will tell you, you can’t find in any other city in the world. I can’t quite pinpoint it, but if you do visit if for a weekend break you will see what I mean. 

For most tourists, I guess it is normal to immediately think of Edinburgh as the place to visit when you come to Scotland, it is our capital city after all, and with architecture and history that will take your breath away, I can see why! In actual fact, letting you into a secret, you really want to go to Glasgow or be greedy and visit both. But travelling can become expensive, so this is my insider’s guide to visiting Glasgow on the cheap. 

An Insider’s Guide to Glasgow on the Cheap 

Weekend Accommodation in Glasgow 

Accommodation – Glasgow is fast becoming the business centre of Scotland and with this brings demand for cheap accommodation. You don’t need to stay in youth hostels to get a cheap night’s sleep, there are plenty of great value hotel chains right in the heart of the city. Premier Inn, Travel Lodge and Ibis all operate in the city centre and offer great value hotel rooms close to everything you need. If there are more than two of you and you want to keep accommodation costs at an absolute minimum, then Euro hostel, which is by the riverside, offers clean low cost accommodation two minutes walk from Central Station. 

Weekend Travel in Glasgow 

Ghosts of Glasgow - by atomicjeep

Bus

 - Glasgow has a very efficient public transport system. The cheapest way to get around the city is by bus. An all day bus ticket for First Bus costs around £3.50 and will take you to all parts of the city. Buses are frequent and quick (although it’s worth noting that there is more than one bus company and tickets are not interchangeable) 

Underground – The city also has an underground system, which will take you to some parts of Glasgow. It is ideal for taking you quickly to the west end and the start of the south side of Glasgow. Again you can buy a low cost all day ticket for this which is under £3.00 

Train - There is also a good rail network that will take you to most suburban areas of Glasgow (It is worth noting that the train is more expensive than the bus, and the bus will take you to everywhere the train does). If you are coming on a day trip from Edinburgh and there are more than 4 of you, make sure you ask for a ‘group ticket’. You cannot buy this at the ticket machines in the train station, however it gives you 4 tickets for the prices of 2 on the Glasgow – Edinburgh line, which is quite a big saving. 

Walking – One of the best ways to see Glasgow though is to use your feet. There are some parts that are quite hilly, but overall it is easy to walk around and the city centre is built in a grid of streets so you will struggle to get lost. 

Weekend Things To Do in Glasgow

Weekend Museums in Glasgow

Glasgow School of Art, by zawtowers

Unlike many major cities, all the council run museums and galleries are free to enter in Glasgow. Glasgow has a huge number of free places to visit and you can easily spend a weekend going around them alone. Tourist hot spots include – The Gallery of Modern Art, Kelvingrove, Scotland Street School and the Burrell Collection, but there are many, many more. Find a full list here. 

Weekend Theatre in Glasgow

Glasgow also has a good theatre scene, with shows on most nights at the Theatre Royal, Citizens theatre, Tron Theare and Kings theatre. The best way to find out whats on when is to buy yourself a copy of The List magazine, which includes everything that is on in Glasgow and Edinburgh. You can buy it in most newsagents and it costs around £2.00. The Theatre Royal normally offers heavily discounted tickets if you show up at the box office prior to the start of a show, so it is worth chancing it. 

Architecture in Glasgow

One of the great things about Glasgow is the architecture. Really it is a stunning city, built on the profits of previous, extremely wealthy generations. One of the best things to do in Glasgow is to walk around and look up and you will see some of the best examples of Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian architecture the country has to offer. 

Most people visit the city to see the Charles Rennie Mackintosh architecture. Some of his most famous building are also free to enter as well, such as The Lighthouse, The Art School and The Huntarien. There are a number of others than you can pay to enter if you want a Mackintosh overload. 

Parks in Glasgow

Botanical Gardens, Glasgow - by bicameral

If you have picked a nice weekend to come, then either head along to the Botanical Gardens or Kelvingrove Park, (both of which are in the west end.) Other parks include Glasgow Green in the east end, near the People’s Palace (another free gallery), and Queen’s park on the south side. 

September in Glasgow

If you are coming to the city in September, try to make it the Doors Open Weekend. This gives you free access to lots and lots of normally closed buildings and makes for a fascinating trip to the city. 

 Highlights include the Panoptican, Royal Hall of Physicians, The City Chambers and the Arches,  (It is worth noting that the City Chambers offer a free daily tour, and this really should not be missed. This outstanding building on George Square is incredible inside) 

 Weekend Markets in Glasgow

Another not to be missed thing to do is to visit the Barrowlands market on a Sunday. Glasgow’s infamous market sells everything and anything! 

Eating Out in Glasgow

Eating Out in Glasgow - by atomicjeep

Glasgow also has plenty of bars and restaurants, so you will be spoilt for choice. You will find lots of cheap places to eat just by wandering around. Most places offer a ‘pre-theatre’ menu if you eat between set times in the evening. If you are in to anything in particular, then The List magazine has a section on eating out which will give you some ideas. 

Vegetarian in Glasgow

And if you are vegetarian like me, then there are a few excellent veggie restaurants, but virtually every restaurant has a great selection of vegetarian food anyway, so you don’t need to worry. 

An Insider Secret to a Weekend in Glasgow

However a little insider secret to getting an ultra low cost meal is to check out this website before you head out http://www.5pm.co.uk/ . Here you can book meals at really low prices, so it is worth a look before you head directly to a restaurant.

Find even more things to do in Glasgow here.

Manchester - Home of the World's First Train Station

Manchester is a wonderful city for a weekend break, according to this week’s guest author, experienced travel blogger Keith from Velvet Escape. With its wide array of restaurants, theatres, shops, museums and art galleries, plus its vibrant nightlife, the city offers something for everyone. Manchester is easily accessible from all the major cities in England and Scotland, and is just a short plane hop from the continent.

A Weekend in Manchester

I recommend a visit of at least two full days to get a feel for Manchester’s infectious energy and to enjoy its stunning sights. The city centre is pretty compact so the best way to explore the city is to walk.

Ten things to look out for on a stroll around Manchester:

Manchester's URBIS Building

1 - The magnificent Victorian architecture. The best examples can be found along Oxford Street.

2 - The Abraham Lincoln statue on Lincoln Square. Learn about Manchester’s contribution to the American Civil War.

3 - Quirky street performances along Market Street.

4 - The futuristic Urbis building.

5 - The historic Barton Arcade, with its stunning glass and iron façade.

6 - Vinyl records at the Piccadilly Store in the Northern Quarter.

Manchester's John Ryland Library

7 - The gorgeous interior of the Manchester Cathedral.

8 - The world’s first train station at the Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI).

9 - Canal-side pubs and bars in the Castlefield district.

10 - The interactive exhibits at the Manchester Art Gallery. My favourite: the ‘Wish You Were Where’ wall!

Shopping in Manchester

If you love to shop, reserve your Saturday for a fun and diverse shopping experience. The top designer names can be found in Exchange Square, St. Ann’s Square, King Street and Deansgate. Market Street is the city’s main shopping avenue – you’ll find the popular high street names here.

For an indie shopping experience, head to the city’s Northern Quarter – Affleck’s is a must.

Manchester’s Culture

Barton Arcade, Manchester

Spend a leisurely afternoon in one of Manchester’s gorgeous museums and art galleries. My favourites are the Manchester Art Gallery, the Museum of Industry & Science (MOSI), the Whitworth Art Gallery, The Lowry, the Manchester Museum and the Imperial War Museum. Don’t miss the John Ryland Library, located along Deansgate, with a dazzling interior.

Manchester also has a lively performing arts scene. The Palace Theatre is a great place to watch a musical or you can catch a ballet performance at the Opera House. In addition, Bridgewater Hall is a great venue for jazz, classical and World Music performances and also the home of the BBC Philharmonic orchestra.

For something more contemporary or experimental, head to the Contact Theatre, the Dancehouse or the Royal Exchange Theatre  for comedies or dramas.

Manchester’s Nightlife

Manchester’s throbbing nightlife can best be experienced in three distinct neighbourhoods: Oxford Street, Deansgate Locks and Canal Street. Oxford Street is home to Manchester’s two universities; there’s a plethora of bars, cafés and clubs that cater for the student population and anyone young at heart. Deansgate Locks attracts a slightly older, somewhat yuppie crowd, while Canal Street is in the heart of the city’s vibrant gay quarter. I can also recommend the Circus Tavern in Portland Street – it’s one of the tiniest pubs in the United Kingdom!

The Palace Hotel, Manchester

For an indulgent evening with a view, visit the “Cloud 23 Skybar” at the Hilton Hotel. They serve great cocktails and the views over Manchester are terrific.

Bio: Keith Jenkins is a thirtysomething who lives in Amsterdam and writes about his travels on his Velvet Escape travel blog. In addition to being a travel blogger, Keith offers travel writing services as well as social media consultancy and marketing services. He is also the co-founder of the Global Bloggers Network, a community that helps individual and corporate travel bloggers grow and monetize their blogs

“York is a terrific place to visit for a long holiday – but it’s an even better weekend getaway. Here are five reasons why.

York Minster - by Purpleseadonkey

1) It’s tiny.

The residents of York (including yours truly) find it faintly hilarious that York is a “city.” How many cities can you walk across in an hour? Although like many English settlements it’s swallowing up its neighbouring villages at a respectable lick, the city itself is of modest, medieval proportions exactly designed to fit your feet – perfect for weekenders on a tight schedule.

2) It’s dense.

Seriously crammed. Brimming with stuff. Food? If you’re lucky enough to hit one of the food festivals in Parliament Square (and you probably will – there’s one most weekends, plus the annual biggie,) then you’ll spend an hour walking less than 50 yards, enticed into penury by a feast of delectables.

Pubs your thing? Legend has it there’s one for every day of the year within the city walls. Restaurants, ancient buildings, thoroughly modern shopping, green spaces, and on and on – and you hardly have to go anywhere to see it all. 

3) It’s on the tourist circuit.

Too frequently that’s seen as a bad thing – the queues, the infestations of shops selling tacky rubbish that disintegrates when the wind changes, the dumbed-down cuisine.

Forget that with York. There may be a touch of kitsch here and there, but you’re mostly faced with deeply competitive, though sometimes pricy, quality goods and services. The pinnacle of luxury is lunch (or elevenses) at Bettys, serving you a cream tea to truly die for – and the height of faux-history is the Ghost Hunt, winding through the narrowest streets after lights out, led by a ludicrously theatrical chap in a top hat.

Whatever you choose to do, you’re probably in good hands.

York's Shambles - by Noii

4) It’s all one big free historical tour.

George VI said that the history of York is “the history of England” – and a lot of that history is still around, free and above ground for all to see.

Imagine York as a careworn sock. Here and there, there are holes in the modern urban fabric (deliberate or unintentional) and through them you can see hundreds of years of history poking through.

Sadly we Yorkies tend to take this for granted, but at first encounter it’s enough to make you blink. Clamber onto the city walls, or dive down the umpteen snickelways* or the world-famous Shambles*. Stroll around and through the Minster*, feeling humbled beyond all measure.

York has one foot in the past – and when you visit it, you will too.

5) It’s central.

York is beloved by tourists because it’s the perfect stop-over. The city is on the East Coast Main Line, connecting London and Edinburgh via a series of fast trains. Booked well in advance, tickets to & from the capital can be vanishingly cheap (and horribly expensive if booked on the day).

The TransPennine Express can shuttle you back and forth from the internationally well-connected Manchester Airport just a few hours away – or you could use Leeds-Bradford or Doncaster to fly into. The city’s ringroad system keeps traffic from clogging the city centre (although parking is a perennial problem). And in the unlikely event that York loses its novelty and you’ve still time to burn, the North York Moors and the rugged east coast of Yorkshire is a short, cheap bus hop away…”

Mike Sowden is a freelance travel-writer and blogger. He writes about travel for MNUI travel insurance and for his own site Fevered Mutterings. Catch up with him on Twitter @Mikeachim.

* Translation Guide for Non-Yorkies

Snickelway – collection of small streets and footpaths in the city of York.

Shambles – Europe’s best-preserved medieval street, mentioned in the Domesday Book.

Minster – York Minster, the largest gothic cathedral in North Europe.

The history of York, “the history of England.”

A Weekend Break in Bristol: Things to See & Do

Visit the Clifton Suspension Bridge

Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol

This symbol of Bristol stretches across the Avon Gorge at an impressive 76 metres above the surface of the water. It was Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s first commission – although work wasn’t completed until after his death. The Clifton Suspension Bridge also has a small visitors’ centre.

Trivia: Brunel designed the bridge for horses and carts over 150 years ago; it now carries over 11 000 vehicles each day.

Visit St Mary Redcliffe

Described by Queen Elizabeth I as “the fairest, goodliest, and most famous parish church in England,” today St Mary’s seems more like an austere cathedral than a local parish church. Sailors said their prayers within these walls before heading across to the New World – and a plaque commemorates William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania.

Look out for the whale rib and the water sculpture devoted to chaos theory.

See Edgy Art in Stokes Croft

Stokes Croft, Bristol

The thought-provoking, colourful and imaginative images that rage across the walls and doorways of Stokes Croft make a detour here worthwhile. This was also Banksy’s original stomping ground before he hit the big time.

Stroll Along the Floating Harbour of Bristol

Bristol’s regenerated harbour has plenty of restaurants and bars as well as glowing fountains and sculptures. If you have time, check out the following:

Bristol’s Arnolfini

This former warehouse now hosts free modern art exhibitions. Arnolfini changes its programme regularly – check the up to date version here.

SS Great Britain

This great passenger steamship, also a work of Brunel’s, used to carry passengers across the Atlantic to New York before moving on to the Falkland Islands and Australia. Today, she stays put in her home of Bristol and welcomes landlubber visitors.

Cycle from Bristol to Bath 

For the active among you, this flat journey along a former train track takes you through the English countryside to arrive at one of England’s most beautiful places, Bath.

Eating Out in Bristol

Bristol, as a cosmopolitan city, has food for almost every taste and budget. For cheap eateries look out for Pizza on the Hill and the pubs in the heart of Bristol’s student area around St Michael’s Hill.

Bristol Hotels

Streets of Bristol

Luckily, you can find plenty of budget hotel chains right in the centre of Bristol. Avoid hotels near Bristol Parkway Station or the Airport as they’re not very convenient for sightseeing.

Getting to Bristol

You can fly from many cities – although make sure you read this post on getting to and from Bristol Airport first. It’s not the quickest of arrangements.

Bristol also has two train stations – Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway. Bristol Temple Meads is the one you want for the city centre.

To get a flavour of Bristol before your weekend begins, visit this blog that showcases a photo a day from Bristol.

Enjoy Your Weekend Break in Bristol!

King's College - By Alexbrn

A weekend in Cambridge reveals columns and spires, manicured lawns and bizarre traditions. A short break here will give you a brush with history, architecture and an extraordinary number of cyclists.

Cambridge celebrated its 800^th birthday as a university town in 2009, so not surprisingly Cambridge has enough to keep history lovers occupied for weeks.

However, with only a weekend to get the flavour of the place, here’s what I’d suggest:

A Weekend in Cambridge

King’s College

This massive white complex illustrates the grandeur that the Tudor Kings were aiming for when Henry VI founded King’s in 1441. Both the scale and design impress, with carved white stone, huge stained glass windows and an overall palatial feel. King’s still broadcasts its Christmas Carol concert each year.

The Bridge of Sighs

Bridge of Sighs - By Cantabrigensis

This bridge in St John’s College took its inspiration from the “Bridge of Sighs” in Venice, where legend says prisoners saw their city for the last time before walking into prison. The facts behind the story are hazy, but the arches and shadows within St John’s are beautiful.

The Backs

A flat path runs behind the main strip of colleges, lined with willows and oaks. The Backs give a calm, leafy and tranquil perspective, instead of the cycle and traffic jam mayhem that characterizes Cambridge’s city centre.

The Mathematical Bridge

Mathematical Bridge - by WorldIslandInfo

Another legend is out in force here. This charming wooden bridge neatly connects two different courtyards in Queens’ College* and was originally built by Sir Isaac Newton. His mathematical genius ensured that all the components stayed together without requiring a single rivet or nail. When students dismantled it to try to work out how he did it, they couldn’t repeat his success.

 The historical facts don’t add up, but – hey – it’s a good story.

Punting

By Chelmsford Blue

A punt is a long, wooden and virtually unwieldy boat. The River Cam is gentle and narrow and punting has come to symbolize both laid-back decadence and intellectual inspiration. It’s hard to avoid the touts in straw hats and striped blazers, but if you can, hire a punt yourself. It’s not the easiest thing in the world to navigate a punt beneath all those famous bridges, but then, that’s half the fun…

Emmanuel College

Finishing off with one more vast and imposing college, Emmanuel (“Emma”) has two claims to fame: the chapel was designed by Sir Christopher Wren (architect of St Paul’s in London) and one Emmanuel graduate set sail to America in 1636 before leaving all his wealth to a college in Massachusetts. His name was John Harvard.

* Queens’ college was founded by two Queens. Hence the position of the apostrophe…Knowing this does not make me a loser. It makes me very cool indeed…

Getting to Cambridge

Peterhouse, Cambridge's Oldest College

By Rail: a fast train runs from King’s Cross in London to the station in Cambridge. The station is on the edge of town so you will need to take a bus or taxi from there.

By Road: Cambridge is easy to drive to but parking is incredibly difficult in the city centre. You’d probably do better to use a Park and Ride service.

Visiting Cambridge

Be warned that many of the colleges close during exams and certain other periods. Most have websites now so quickly check before you make any commitments. Entry to the Cambridge colleges is usually cheap or free, even at the weekends.

Cardiff Opera House at Christmas

Cardiff gets pretty festive as Christmas approaches. It may not have the international reputation of Prague, say, or Strasbourg, but it does have some great backdrops to decorate. I’d always recommend an evening wander around Cardiff Bay, the regenerated Docks area that now showcases the Cardiff Opera House, historical buildings and lively new bars.

Cardiff Bay

Meanwhile, in Cardiff’s City Centre, you can zoom around the open air ice rink in the Winter Wonderland fair.

Cardiff Winter Wonderland

I’d bring you more photos of the Winter Wonderland, including the mulled wine, the ferris wheel and Cardiff’s elegant City Hall, but the security guards stopped us taking photographs. Bah humbug!

So, with the exception of that Scrooge-esque experience, I’d highly recommend a weekend in Cardiff to rustle up some Christmas cheer.

For more travel photos, head to Photo Friday at DeliciousBaby.

For more Christmas ideas, read 5 Great Christmas Markets

 Highlights of a Weekend Break in Bath

 The Roman Baths – a World Heritage Site

Roman Baths - by Denise&David

I can only imagine the glee on the faces of the Romans, shivering in England’s mists and wondering why they’d left their warm country behind, when they discovered Bath’s springs at a soothing 46 C.

Today you can walk around (but sadly not bathe in) the spring baths, overlooked by Roman columns and statues, and the extravagant Pump Rooms, a fashionable place for lunch.

 Watch out for the ‘opportunity’ to taste some real spring water, though. Looks spectacular, tastes disgusting.

 Bath Abbey

Roman Baths & Abbey - by Exfordy

 Right next door to the Baths, this Abbey overlooks a square that often entertains buskers. Look out for the stone angels climbing up the side of the building.

The other Bath Spa – Thermae Bath Spa

 The Thermae Bath Spa is certainly less sumptuous than the Roman Baths, but you can actually get in the water here. This is Britain’s only spa with natural thermal waters but for me the highlight is the view across the city from the open-air pool. Especially if it’s raining. Be prepared to sprint back to indoor warmth afterwards, however…

The Assembly Rooms

 Chandeliers hang above these former dancing rooms, where Charles Dickens and Jane Austen would while away their evenings (though not together, of course).  Entry is free, although you do need to pay to visit the Fashion Museum downstairs.

 Bath’s Atmospheric Architecture

 For free, you can walk from Pulteney Bridge and its charming riverside, to the impressive Georgian Circus and on to the Royal Crescent with its view across the Avon Valley.

Bath certainly has plenty of luxury boutique hotels and restaurants but you can also find budget accommodation right in the city centre. You can walk to each of Bath’s highlights. Travel by train if you can, since the roads around Bath are very congested and parking is expensive and difficult.

If you travel by train, you can get a 2 for 1 deal on many of the attractions listed here.

Bath – one of my favourite places for a cheap weekend break.

The Armadillo - Cardiff Bay

A weekend break in Cardiff rushes you headlong into the land of rugby, castles and red dragons before refreshing you in the shining, regenerated Cardiff Bay.

 Cardiff’s Top Attractions

Most cities have their stadiums on the edge of town, their historic castles brooding from a craggy hilltop and their nature trails starting from small villages. Not Cardiff.

The Millennium Stadium

The Millennium Stadium sits snug within the heart of the city, attracting rugby world cups, Madonna and Mick Jagger to perform beneath its retractable roof. Tours of this dizzying home of Welsh Rugby are available on its empty calendar days.

 Castles and the Great Outdoors

Cardiff Castle from Bute Park, By Oliphant

Walk around the block to see 2000 year old Cardiff castle (Cardiff Castle, Castle Street, Cardiff) and the Renaissance style City Hall with its marble statues. Then cross into Bute Park – a slice of green within the city and also the start of the 55 mile Taff Trail.

Walk for a few minutes in the other direction to arrive at the Cardiff Market, a glass topped Victorian institution where traders have sold fresh produce for over 100 years.

Cardiff Bay

For modern Cardiff, travel by bus to Mermaid Quay in Cardiff Bay. Alongside fresh new restaurants, shops and bars, the harbourside walk leads you to the magnificent Wales Millennium Centre – or Armadillo as the locals call it - reflecting its scaly brown exterior. The Armadillo hosts operas, ballet, circuses and more, but if the weather’s right, it’s also beautiful open space to walk around.

Where to stay in Cardiff

Accommodation is cheap and plentiful in Cardiff UNLESS there’s a huge event scheduled at the Millennium Stadium. Check the list of upcoming events before you book.

Getting Around Cardiff’s Attractions

Cardiff City Centre is easily explored on foot from either Cardiff Central or Cardiff Queen Street Stations. Cardiff Bay is also easily walked around once you get there – but you will need transport between the two.

Does anyone have any other suggestions for a great weekend break in Cardiff?

Metre Tall Chocolate Sculptures - the Height of City Living by The Therapist

Brighton may border both the sea and the South Downs, but its specialty lies in slick city living, rather than as a base for outdoor pursuits.

The Lanes

For well-heeled streets and lattice-windowed boutiques, wander around the conventional ‘Lanes’ between antiques, jewelry and designer labels. A rush of lively new restaurants now make The Lanes a cheap place to stop for lunch – without losing any of their charm.

For a free lesson in chocolate sculpture, drop by Choccywoccydoodah on Duke Street.

For the boho version of twisting lanes, head to the North Laine area. Here funky cafés, craft shops, vegetarian shoemakers and mystic healers cluster together in between brightly painted signs and slogans.

The Brighton Pavilion

Brighton Pavilion - by Xgkkp

Technically called the Royal Pavilion, this onion-and-lace creation took its inspiration from 19th Century India and the lavish tastes of the Prince Regent. It’s free to visit the outside, with tickets on sale to see the exotic fixtures and fittings that remain in excellent condition.

Brighton Pier

Again, technically called something else (The Brighton Marine Palace and Pier), this somehow combines noisy fairground rides and arcades with a seaside Victorian touch. The Brighton Pier forms a striking landmark along the coast, and a salty, entertaining place to stroll along – traditionally with fish and chips in one hand (and possibly Graham Greene’s Brighton Rock in the other.)

Brighton Breaks - Brighton Pier by Svein-Magne Tunli

Brighton Rock

Fluorescent pink cylinders of sugar, with letters you can still read all the way down. Who can resist? Batches of these peppermint flavoured sticks are sold all along the seafront.

Brighton Beach

Oh, alright, there’s a downside. While there are deckchairs and beach huts, the beach itself is all pebbles and rumours persist about just how far away the sewage pipe really runs…

In fact, you can tour the Victorian Sewage System and make up your own mind, so long as you book in advance.

Getting Around

From Brighton Station (trains run regularly to London), everything can be reached by foot, although at times the notorious sea breeze and steep hills can make for a bracing experience. Parking is difficult and expensive.

Costs

- unless you buy a ticket for the Brighton Pavilion (or Sewage Tour) everything above can be done for free. Just one of the reasons why I think Brighton is perfect for a cheap weekend break.

Head this way for even more tips on things to see and do in Brighton.