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

(88 Posts)
GrannyGravy13 Sat 24-May-25 15:18:18

If I cannot put forward London and Edinburgh I will go for Harrogate, Norwich and Birmingham.

Cumbrianmale56 Sat 24-May-25 15:13:21

I've heard Dundee is on the up these days and the waterfront has been transformed.

Grannybags Sat 24-May-25 15:07:04

I love Newcastle

Samsara1 Sat 24-May-25 14:53:15

I often meet a friend in Birmingham New Street then wander out to The Ivy or San Carlo. Its good for coming in from different places. I must say a visit to Shrewsbury a few years ago with the W.I was very pleasant indeed. I look forward to another visit.

Kate1949 Sat 24-May-25 14:49:48

I am Birmingham born and bred. Still here. I love my city.

TheatreLover Sat 24-May-25 14:35:38

I visited Sheffield for the first time a couple of years ago and loved it. The cathedral is magnificent, and The Crucible is one of the best theatres in the country. I use public transport which is excellent. My favourite trip was by bus to Bakewell, not realising that the return journey goes via Chatsworth. Pure delight to sit back and admire the stunning countryside and pretty villages.

Greyduster Sat 24-May-25 14:14:00

I would mention my own city, Sheffield. It was rather in the doldrums for a while but the city centre is now getting a tremendous face lift. There are lots of independent shops and eateries off the city centre itself, where old cutlery works and foundries have been converted into artisan workshops and art studios and galleries, but have kept the fabric of the old buildings. And of course, within a short distance of the city centre are some of the loveliest parks and green spaces you could find anywhere. That’s before you get onto its close proximity to the Peak District National Park…….

luluaugust Sat 24-May-25 14:09:47

Just been to Worcester and can recommend it for a weekend break. Easy to walk round and lots to see and do

Oreo Sat 24-May-25 14:09:45

Halifax and Harrogate are towns Terribull 😃
I haven’t been to Birmingham so can’t choose that one.I would choose Winchester too and also Hereford and Exeter.

nanna8 Sat 24-May-25 14:04:59

I used to like Kenilworth in Warwickshire back in the day. No idea if it is still nice.

TerriBull Sat 24-May-25 14:02:01

I wish I had more knowledge of northern cities, I keep meaning to remedy that, but haven't seen enough of the north of England to give an informed choice but Halifax, Harrogate (not sure if they're cities I thought were lovely when I visited.

St David's in Wales, is I believe the smallest city in Britain, and lovely with it.

Winchester, steeped in history, beautiful surrounding countryside.

My obvious best ones would be London, Bath and York, but we're not doing those, so I'll go with the three I've mentioned first.

keepingquiet Sat 24-May-25 13:44:44

I loved going to Birmingham when my daughter studied there, she did live close to the centre though. Very happy memories of some lovely times.

Cumbrianmale56 Sat 24-May-25 13:42:53

I doubt anyone would class Birmingham as a great tourist destination and the bin strike has made it less popular, but going to the city for the first time in decades last year, I actually quite like it.
Brum's city centre is a lot better than I remember. New St station, once a real eyesore, has been transformed into a mixture of a shopping centre and a restaurant zone, and the neighbouring Bullring is far better than it was. Add in The Mailbx with its upmarket shops, a fantastic Chnatown with loads of restaurants, the NEC, the canals and the Jewelry Quarter and it's not a bad place to visit.