Cities youth guide
Britain’s cities are on the up – and demand your attention. City life is in fashion and booming, multi-cultural influences are adding to this exciting mix while regional pride is stronger than ever.
From Manchester’s new museums to Newcastle’s thriving arts scene and Cardiff’s booming nightlife, the cutting edge these cities flourish on is sharper than ever. It’s the same up and down the country, yet each city is fascinatingly different, from accents to architecture. Everyone shares some things, though. All cities have at least one football team that’s supported with fanatical pride and catching a match is one of the great experiences you shouldn’t miss.
Dining is second-to-none, whether you’re tucking into an authentic curry or sampling some modern twists on British classics. At night get your party clothes on and get out there. Traditional pubs, lively bars, world-class clubs and a huge variety of live music mean you’re spoiled for choice. You won’t be going home at 11 either. 24-hour cities are a reality throughout Britain.
Throughout Britain’s cities, you’ll be tempted to linger for longer than you’d planned. Don’t say we didn’t warn you...
Bath is a gorgeous town full of beautiful Georgian architecture dating from the time it was THE place to see and be seen.
Bath
Belfast is a city that confounds expectations. Imposing Victorian architecture, modern art on the waterfront, foot-stomping music in packed-out pubs and the UK’s second-biggest arts festival.
Belfast
Let's start by saying that Birmingham (or Brum, as the locals call it) is not your regular tourist destination. And that’s what’s great about it.
Birmingham
A little bit naughty and a little bit nice, Brighton rocks. The destination of choice for weekending Londoners for centuries, it’s a pulsating, jumping city disguised as a seaside resort.
Brighton
In size and vivacity, Bristol is unmatched in southwest England. It offers an urban thrill unrivalled elsewhere in the region – sometimes unfairly overshadowed by nearby Bath, so make sure you don’t miss it on your way south.
Bristol
Cardiff is a confident city – intimately small but big enough to be cosmopolitan, managing to be lively and tranquil, ancient and modern.
Cardiff
The jaw-dropping view as you walk out of Edinburgh’s Waverley train station is probably the finest first impression of any city in the world – the castle battlements rising behind the Greek temple of the National Gallery, with the lush greenery of Princes Street Gardens in the foreground.
Edinburgh
Glasgow has a spirit and a character that embodies much of Scotland: hardship, opportunity, rejuvenation and hospitality. Don’t expect another Edinburgh here – Glasgow is raw and energetic with a gritty honesty.
Glasgow
A modern, exciting city, Leeds is bursting with energy and lives life to the full. It’s somewhere that maintains the balance between proud heritage and a young, 'Do-It-Yourself' attitude.
Leeds
The city that gave the world the Beatles still knows how to have a good time. Liverpool’s historic port was the departure point for over nine million emigrants heading for North America and Australia and today celebrates its heritage as well as offering visitors a warm welcome.
Liverpool
London is of course home to world-famous landmarks like Big Ben, Tower Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral, but it’s also a city of wonderful hidden gems that reveal themselves to travellers prepared to look a little harder.
London
The uncrowned capital of the north, the world’s first industrial city has thoroughly reinvented itself in the last decade and is now one of the most exciting and interesting cities in the world.
Manchester
Newcastle is a city full of energy, with a fierce sense of pride and a friendly regional identity. Dramatically located on the steep banks of the River Tyne, the city is an impressive sight whether approached by road or rail.
Newcastle
Oxford’s firecracker blend of history and beauty, youth and experience makes for a fascinating and fun destination. Behind the city’s ruthless pursuit of academic excellence lurks a distinctly eccentric streak.
Oxford