City breaks make fantastic holidays. Visit world class museums, snap that all important selfie at famous landmarks, hop on and off open top tourist buses, shop till you drop at superb department stores, sail through the city on a river cruise, take in a spectacular show, or just soak up the ambience of an exciting metropolis. Here in the UK, we really are spoiled for choice when it comes to picking which city to visit. Here are five of the best that you might like to explore…and you can discover them all on Glenton getaways!
Liverpool
Liverpool boasts listed buildings, superb museums and notable landmarks that make it such an exciting metropolis. Visitor attractions include Albert Dock where you can step back to the 1960s and discover how four young Liverpool lads were thrust to the dizzying heights of fame at The Beatles Story - a living history museum where the band’s legend unfolds through memorabilia, photographs and replicas. Sticking with the Fab Four, perhaps venture through the bright red gates of Strawberry Field – the famous grounds where a young John Lennon came to reflect. This interactive experience tells the tale of the Victorian children’s home and John Lennon’s childhood. Albert Dock is also home to The Tate Liverpool, International Slavery Museum and the Merseyside Maritime Museum as well as shops, bars and restaurants. Maybe follow the time-honoured tradition of hopping aboard the colourful ferry across the Mersey for the ultimate sightseeing experience. Other attractions include the Cavern Club, Royal Liver Building, and the Walker Art Gallery. Check out our holidays to Liverpool
York
The walled city of York is celebrated for its Roman, Viking and medieval heritage. It is truly a delight to wander the narrow alleyways of this storybook metropolis or to admire its magnificence on a River Ouse boat trip. The City Walls offer a pleasant walkway, while York Castle is a commanding tower, set high on a mound giving panoramic cityscape views, and housing an award-winning museum. Perhaps immerse yourself in the Viking Age by stepping back in time to AD 960 at the Jorvik Viking Centre where awesome artefacts are displayed. Or visit the National Railway Museum with its steam locomotives and state-of-the-art bullet train. Other attractions include York Dungeon, York Art Gallery, and York’s Chocolate Story. Check out our holidays to York
Chester
Roman Chester is a historic gem on the River Dee that never fails to delight. Wander along thirteenth century “The Rows” – two-tiered, timber framed galleries that line the main streets. Experience the scenery on a relaxing cruise, or get an overview by walking the walls, the longest and most complete city walls in Britain. Visit the cathedral, a beautiful building that began life as a Saxon Minster, or the Grosvenor Museum which tells local history in a fun and engaging way. View the Eastgate Clock, the Roman amphitheatre, the castle and if you’re not squeamish, discover the history of medicine at the Sick to Death Museum! Check out our holidays to Chester
Newcastle
Newcastle is a pulsating metropolis united by seven bridges that span the River Tyne. The city’s bustling Quayside area features bars and cafes as well as the iconic Gateshead Millennium Bridge – a striking structure and the world’s first tilting bridge. Take a sightseeing boat trip on the River Tyne or visit the enthralling Norman castle, which stands on ground previously occupied by a Roman fort. It has fascinating medieval dungeons and offers spectacular cityscape views. Head to the Life Science Museum where you’ll find a stunning seven metre recreation of planet Earth and the Space Zone with its replica of the international space station as well as a state-of-the-art planetarium. Check out our holidays to Newcastle
Oxford
Graceful Oxford is Britain’s oldest university city and famous as the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ thanks to the architecture of the prestigious university buildings. It is also renowned for its history, heritage and culture that blend seamlessly with a modern buzz. Perhaps view the landmark Bridge of Sighs in New College Lane, uncover a thousand years of history at Oxford Castle & Prison, or visit the museum that tells the story of Oxford and its people. Take a cruise on the tranquil Thames, trace the steps of Inspector Morse and Harry Potter or chill out in the city’s Botanic Gardens. Maybe pop into the Old Parsonage Hotel where Oscar Wilde is reported to have stayed. Check out our holidays to Oxford