British cities you like, but aren't the obvious ones

I think I'd like to add Canterbury and Shrewsbury to my list of Winchester, St David's and Harrogate, which isn't a city but a gorgeous town, talking of which Ludlow another gorgeous town, maybe they should have their own category.

Another vote for Ely and Salisbury and St David’s

Nice to see my birthplace Birmingham getting a positive mention for a change. I don't live there anymore but still love the old place.
One of my favourite places to visit is Wells too. I also like the city of Hereford. Both are worth a visit.

Aldom my children went to primary school with Gareth Jenkins children!DD2 was friends with one of his sons.Small world!They then went to senior school on Town Walls.

Susan 56 that is so interesting.
At one time I lived next door to Gareth's cousin. Do you remember that Gareth was in The Magic Circle? He was a very good amateur magician as well as a VG dentist.
I've tried to PM you to arrange to possibly meet up, but without success. I am moving back to Shrewsbury in the not too distant future. Currently house hunting.

I am going to play by the rules and only list Cities, there are far too many towns in the UK I would want to mention!

Ripon is a delight, beautiful Cathedral with Fountains Abbey and Newby Hall just down the road.

Belfast blew me away, my first visit was earlier this month, I am looking forward to returning.

Another vote for Hull it’s a lovely walk around the marina and in to the Old Town.
It’s where I was brought up, sadly it’s been in decline since the death of the fishing industry, John Prescott was one of our best politicians, he tried but it’s almost beyond help now.

We have lived all over the UK and returned to Hull 15 years ago, we left in March.

Aldom, yes I remember the children loving that Gareth was a magician.
Good luck with the house hunting and hopefully we can arrange a meet up once you are settled.

As a South West resident and having grown up near Wells I have to vote for that one, but both Exeter and Salisbury are nice too.

Sago, nice to see a positive for Hull, have you moved far?
It's true it's a fairly deprived city although city of culture have it a boost. I just love the cobbled streets and architecture in the old town.
Also great for ferry over to the Netherlands.
It could never compete with the smart wealthy areas on this thread though.

York is a lovely city.

NotSpaghetti

What about tiny Lichfield?
Lovely cathedral, decent independent shops, nice park with music in the summer.
Lots nearby too.

Another vote for beautiful little Lichfield. Magnificent cathedral, lots of nice tea shops as well as history, Samuel Johnson lived near the market square and you can go around his house. Visit Dam Street for independent shops and be sure to take a walk in Beacon Park, a beautiful open space which has won awards. Easy to get to from Brum and lots to see.

Susan56

Aldom, yes I remember the children loving that Gareth was a magician.
Good luck with the house hunting and hopefully we can arrange a meet up once you are settled.

I'll put something on Meet ups once I am in Shrewsbury. Do you accept private messages?

A vote for Hereford from me. Another (very small) city I really like is Ripon, which has a lovely cathedral, and is set in the most beautiful area, it’s a little gem.

TerriBull

I think I'd like to add Canterbury and Shrewsbury to my list of Winchester, St David's and Harrogate, which isn't a city but a gorgeous town, talking of which Ludlow another gorgeous town, maybe they should have their own category.

I was about to mention Ludlow, lovely place. We used to go there with school to see plays, both out of doors and in the beautiful large church. I saw Murder in the Cathedral there.

Winchester, Lancaster, Plymouth and Bath.

Norwich, Wells and my home turf, Lincoln.

I don't think Bath's a city actually - the "cathedral" is Bath Abbey. Worked there at hospital and uni & never saw reference to City of Bath.

Norwich a beautiful city and only a couple of hours on train from London. Norwich has it all. Beautiful cathedral, churches and riverside walks. Lots of places to eat, outdoor market, independent shops including Jarrolds which must be one of the few independent department stores left. Jarrolds has a lovely deli, champagne bar, seafood cafe as well as beauty, clothes, homeware, books etc - not to be missed if you are visiting the city.

I’d like to give a shout out to Leeds. Compared with most cities these days, the centre is thriving - I get the regular Leeds List email and the number of events on offer and independent businesses opening is mind-boggling. Lots of theatres and music venues, plus the Armouries, an impressive City Museum, the stunning library, the Art Gallery and Henry Moore Institute (all free). When we visited the beautiful arcades in Milan we were told that they were inspired by the gorgeous ones in Leeds. The Grade 1 listed covered market, one of the biggest in Europe and birthplace of M & S, is filled with interesting stalls and eating places, and always busy.

I could make a case as well for its poor relation, Bradford, which is definitely on the up. It gets a lot of negative publicity, but has had a major facelift recently and is buzzing with City of Culture events. It’s also home to the second biggest literature festival in the country, as well as some beautiful Victorian architecture. It’s still a work in progress though, with some areas of the centre still in need of a bit of tlc.

valdavi

I don't think Bath's a city actually - the "cathedral" is Bath Abbey. Worked there at hospital and uni & never saw reference to City of Bath.

Bath, city, unitary authority of Bath and North East Somerset,

Mollygo - yes Google says Bath is. Just an unusual one as it has an Abbey, not a cathedral.

I love visiting Salisbury. It has beautiful architecture, but the small size makes it feel approachable and it’s never bo. The market is stunning, wonderful food and interesting finds. Strange little lanes, too small for a cart even but hiding gorgeous bakeries. Little cafes, big cathedrals and cobbles. The brewery still delivers beer via a dray, pulled by huge horses. It’s friendly and warm.

Bury Sr Edmunds. Ely. Norwich.

I love Liverpool, I love the Liverpool people, down to earth & very friendly.
I could listen to their patter all day long.

RedRidingHood

Sago, nice to see a positive for Hull, have you moved far?
It's true it's a fairly deprived city although city of culture have it a boost. I just love the cobbled streets and architecture in the old town.
Also great for ferry over to the Netherlands.
It could never compete with the smart wealthy areas on this thread though.

We have moved across the river to Lincolnshire.

Had a lovely afternoon yesterday wandering around Lincoln.