CITY ESCAPES You Must Visit!
City breaks are perfect for packing in the sightseeing or simply people-watching from a pavement café
1 VANCOUVER This scenic city on the west coast of Canada makes a wonderful holiday spot, plus low-cost airline WOWair is introducing flights between Vancouver and London Gatwick from this summer. Spend time on the golden sands of Kitsilano Beach or in the outdoor heated salt water Kits Pool with its terrific mountain views. Or book a guided Vancouver Food Tour to sample the city’s best restaurants, breweries, distilleries and more.
2YORK This is a very popular UK city for a short break. Take a walk along its city walls or tackle the 275 steps up York Minster’s central tower for dramatic views. Follow York’s Chocolate Trail to discover the city’s confectionery connections, or simply indulge in some of the delicious offerings at York Cocoa House. Bettys Tearoom is celebrating its 100th birthday this year, so look out for special centenary talks, tastings and treats. 3 DURHAM Head further north to find another enchanting city to explore. Visit Durham Cathedral, then take a guided tour of the neighbouring castle. Lumière, the largest light festival in the country, will be back in Durham celebrating its 10th anniversary in November, a spectacle not to be missed. Durham is one of the host cities for this summer’s Cricket World Cup so you could catch a match at The Riverside. 4 BARCELONA Catalonia’s capital is perfect for combining beach break and city escape thanks to its golden beaches, Mediterranean sunshine and relaxed pace. Take a stroll along La Rambla to enjoy street performance, peoplewatching and a visit to the famous Boqueria market, where you can eat, shop and soak up the atmosphere. Gaudi’s architecture is a highlight of Barcelona and a tour of his magnificent Sagrada Familia is a must. 5 MILAN This Italian city offers style on a grand scale. Be awestruck by the cathedral as you wander the piazza, then cool off with sorbet from Grom. As evening falls you might partake in “aperitivo” – pre-dinner drinks and nibbles in the bars. 2019 marks 500 years since Leonardo da Vinci’s death, so why not visit the special exhibition at the Ambrosiana Library?