Overlooked Cities
photo from Flickr by: Ipoh 子
When we think of holidaying in the UK, there are certain places that leap out at us. London, of course, is the giant amongst tourist destinations. Other popular contenders are Stratford, Oxford and York. The Lake District, the Cotswolds, the Yorkshire Dales, the Scottish Highlands and Snowdonia in Wales appeal to those who love the countryside, while more remote regions such as Cornwall offer the drama of rugged coastlines. It’s easy to understand why tourists flock to these places but there are many overlooked locations that are also well worth visiting.
photo from Flickr by: PVBroadz
Cities are always vibrant places and the UK is full of exciting city destinations. Newcastle in the North East is renowned for its nightlife and friendly people as well as its proximity to some amazing scenery. The cities of Yorkshire, such as Leeds and Sheffield, are attractive and lively with great museums, pubs and clubs. Liverpool and Manchester are also marvellous cultural spots, as are the big cities in Wales such as Cardiff. Bristol has a long history and a great location close to some lovely countryside and the beautiful city of Bath. A holiday in Glasgow? Why not? It has great museums, extensive shopping, a lively nightlife and a wide range of restaurants. Edinburgh is also often overlooked, which may seem surprising.
In August, Edinburgh becomes the artistic capital of the world. The famed Edinburgh festival and fringe showcases the best of music, comedy and the arts and attracts millions of visitors every year. At this time of year, the streets are thronged with people, there are no hotels to be had and a thoroughly good time is had by all. However, away from the festival, Edinburgh is less busy and therefore makes an ideal city-break destination. At times other than August, there are plenty of good cheap hotels in Edinburgh.
It is easy to see why Edinburgh is such a good place to visit. Its relatively small centre makes walking between the sights so easy. It is a lovely looking city with some wonderful architecture. The medieval Old Town, with its warren of narrow streets, contrasts nicely with the attractive Georgian architecture of the New Town. The Royal Mile and Princes Street are the main streets through the city and this is where many of the shops, restaurants and cafes can be found. Looming over the city are Edinburgh Castle and the famed Arthur’s Seat, with both being ideal places to gaze out over the cityscape.
As befits any great city, there are plenty of museums and art galleries, including the National Museum of Scotland and the Royal Scottish Academy. Edinburgh is also known for its lively nightlife. Every night offers live music ranging from traditional folk to heavy metal, as well as ballet, opera or classical concerts. As you would expect from a city that annually hosts millions of international visitors, there is a correspondingly wide range of cuisine on offer.
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