Escape to the City
27th January 2016
Taking a trip out into the beautiful British countryside can often be a perfect tonic for the overworked city dweller. Whilst there are few things more soothing to the soul than a dose of fresh bracing country air, a city adventure can provide an equally perfect pick-me-up.
Sometimes it’s enough just to take to the streets and wander, soaking up some city culture along the way, only stopping to find a great café for coffee and cake.
With so many things to see and do in Britain’s bustling towns and cities, you might find yourself spoilt for choice should you be planning a day out this month. So to help you, we’ve picked just five of our favourite places to go and listed some fun things you might like to do while you’re there.
Enjoy! (But come back soon?)
London
Follow… the scenic Thames Path five miles east from Tower Bridge to Greenwich, passing Canary Wharf and St Katherine Docks along the way.
Shop… for fresh flowers at Columbia Road Market and browse the little shops that line the route before a quick drink at the Royal Oak pub on Columbia Road.
Sample… some delicious street food from around the world at Leather Lane Market, then pop across the road to Hatton Garden and splash out on diamonds for dessert.
Dublin
Discover… the story of the Dublin Trail through streets broad and narrow and learn about the city’s 1000-year history along the way. Download the handy Dublin Discovery Trails App and you’re off.
Explore… the Irish Museum of Modern Art, home of Ireland’s National Collection. Entry is free and the grounds of this 17th Century building are well worth a wander too.
Indulge… in delicious chocolate, truffles, Florentines, and other sweet treats at Cocoa Atelier on Drury Street, where everything is exquisitely handmade in Dublin.
Photo credit: @tenshi_san
Cardiff
Wander… your way around the scenic Bute Park where there are plenty of paved paths to keep you on track and a riding school if you’d rather ride than ramble.
Visit… Chapter Arts Centre, which hosts cultural events throughout the year in three theatres, two cinemas and a gallery. Entry is free and there’s a great little café too.
Refuel… at The Potted Pig which is housed within a former bank vault under the city. This award-winning restaurant specialises in juicy meat dishes.
Photo credit: @iomrani
Manchester
Stroll… along the city’s waterways, stopping off to explore newly spruced up Castlefield along the way.
Invest… in some vintage treasures at Afflecks Palace where you’ll find everything from fashion to furniture, plus plenty of lovely cafés fit for a pit stop.
Savour… the delicious coffee and cake at the Richmond Tea Rooms and soak up the great atmosphere and delightfully old-fashioned English décor.
Photo credit: @amir_es20
Oxford
Explore… the city of dreaming spires (so named by poet Matthew Arnold), passing St John’s College, All Souls and Christ Church (keep your eyes peeled for Harry Potter).
Marvel… at the shrunken heads, ancient weapons and painted masks at the city’s fascinating Pitt Rivers Museum (entry is free).
Rest… awhile at the Cherwell Boathouse Restaurant and listen to the gentle splish splash of oars as you sip a chilled glass of Rose.
Photo credit: @photos_of_england
These are our tips on where to escape to for a UK city retreat. Do you have any hidden gems in your local city?
judith
28.01.2016 at 13:40Great suggestions…I love a city day and haven’t had one in ages. Weekend sorted, London here we come.
Charlotte Rawles
01.02.2016 at 15:12Love this! Living in the countryside, it is always so special visiting a big city. Oxford is one of our favourite cities to visit along with Norwich and London! We are so lucky to have such wonderful places in England!