Great British City Breaks
LONDON is well known for its diverse attractions, including the royal palaces, museums, galleries, restaurants, theatre, and the iconic London Eye. There’s so much to do in the capital it can be hard to know where to start. How about a cruise along the River Thames, or a visit to the London Dungeon? The London Bridge Experience is fun, and nearby, the
Tate Modern offers contemporary interpretations of what constitutes art. Watch the street performers in Covent Garden, or shop til you drop in Oxford Street, Harrods, Carnaby Street, or Camden Town.
EDINBURGH is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with medieval buildings in the Old Town and Georgian architecture characterising the New Town. Edinburgh Castle towers over the city on the rock of an extinct volcano. Step inside the Great Hall, see the State Rooms, the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and visit the National War Museum. Other popular attractions in Edinburgh include St Giles’ Cathedral, the 15th century John Knox House, Dynamic Earth, the Scottish National Gallery, the Portrait Gallery, the Museum of Childhood, and the Edinburgh Dungeon!
CARDIFF BAY in the Welsh capital, redeveloped 20 years ago, was transformed into a vibrant cultural centre, with music venues and cafes illuminated at night and the stunning Millennium Centre and the Welsh Assembly at its heart. There’s a buzzing atmosphere around Cardiff Bay, and the area is still associated with Torchwood, the DoctorWho spin off that was filmed there.
Three miles away is Cardiff Castle with a fascinating history dating to the 11th century. There are ghost tours and events at the castle, as well as regular visitor tours, where you can peruse the state rooms and gardens.
Nearby attractions include the National Trust’s Dyffryn Gardens, Castell Coch, and St Fagan’s living history museum, with historic buildings, mills, and an Iron Age village.
YORK is a great place to visit if you like a bit of history. The Shambles is the city’s most famous street, with overhanging timber-framed buildings, dating to the 14th century that provided inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley! Nearby York Minster is of medieval construction and is one of the world’s most majestic cathedrals. Head back to the reign of William the Conqueror when you visit Clifford’s Tower. It’s the last remains of York Castle, built in 1068. If you like Vikings, you’ll love the Jorvik Viking Centre, which celebrates York’s Viking past. See a recreation of Viking streets or even meet a “real” Viking warrior! The Jorvik Centre houses the remains of Viking buildings, and you’ll see Viking artefacts discovered during excavations. Visitors can take a ride through Jorvik, seeing recreations of people’s homes and yards, and experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of a real Jorvik city.
SOUTHAMPTON is a city of contrasts, with ancient landmarks set alongside modern architecture, pretty gardens, and scenic marinas. Inside the Sea City Museum, explore the fabulous Titanic exhibition and follow the lives of those who boarded the ill-fated ship. See what the cabins were like, have a go at steering the ship on a simulator, add coal to the furnaces, and send messages by morse code. In the courtroom you’ll hear accounts from survivors, exploring what went wrong that night. Other galleries look at the maritime history of Southampton, including trade, emigration and immigration. Visit Southampton City Art Gallery to see classical and medieval paintings, as well as modern art. At the other end of the city is Solent Sky Museum, exploring the history of aviation in Southampton.
Whatever you enjoy doing on a city break, there’s variety and colour to appeal to young and old alike. WWW.VISITBRITAIN.COM
Head to a British city for a lively break full of variety and packed with excitement!