Honouring The Work/Life Balance
When work starts to get the better of us, sometimes it’s best to take a weekend break away from it all to reset. Taking a holiday still seems like quite a novel activity as we emerge post pandemic, but as the world opens up again there are an increasing amount of travel options - both at home and abroad.
One thing the pandemic has taught us is that there is plenty of beauty and relaxation to be found right on our own doorstep. With a wealth of history, diverse landscapes, and hundreds of options for a relaxing weekend away, some of our UK cities have seen a fresh influx of tourism as we make the most of what we have outside our own front door. Let’s explore some of your options for a UK city break this weekend!
Plan Your UK City Break!
Bristol
Nestled amongst the rolling hills and gorgeous countryside of South West England, with its own rich history and easy travel connections across the country, Bristol is a cultural jewel of UK cities.
Famed for its architectural links - home to both Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge and Brunel’s SS Great Britain - alongside a historic harbour and shiptrade dating back to the 1400s, there is plenty to explore for history buffs. Why not take a walking tour of the city, easy to explore by foot or bicycle, or pop into the M Shed Museum, nestled alongside the now rejuvenated harbourside, for a wander through the city’s history?
Bristol is also home to internationally famed artist, Banksy, and you will find his famous graffiti works scattered across the building fronts and alleyways at many turns. The city is also one of the biggest theatrical hubs of the South West, offering a wealth of traditional and experimental theatre, dance and performance across its many established venues. How about booking a few tickets for Bristol Old Vic or Tobacco Factory Theatre for an evening, followed by a stroll along the Harbourside or Bristol’s famed College Green for a few cocktails?
Edinburgh
Scotland’s thriving capital city offers plenty for a rejuvenating city break - from its historic castle, to fine food and drink, entertainment, and cobbled streets to spend an afternoon getting lost in.
Beautifully blending old and new, Edinburgh’s iconic castle is perched atop Castle Rock, an extinct volcano, flanked by the bustling sight of the Royal Mile - and well worth exploring, at the very least for its panoramic views over the city. Edinburgh also hosts some of Scotland and the UK’s most revered galleries and museums - including The Scottish National Gallery, The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, and The Queen’s Gallery.
Edinburgh is also famed across the world for its Fringe Festival, showcasing one of the most diverse programmes of theatre, comedy, and experimental performance, taking over the city in hundreds of venues over the month of August each year. There are so many ways to embrace this city, and a weekend away could be your perfect adventure…
Manchester
The thriving city of Manchester has so much to offer - youthful, energetic, bustling with history, character, and a warm welcome for all, it’s well worth a weekend city break.
As the historic birthplace of the industrial revolution, Manchester has a proud and rich history across science, politics, music, arts, and sport. Today, the city is diverse and joyful that honours its heritage, whilst celebrating the progression and innovation of its community. From eclectic restaurants, museums, and beautiful green spaces and waterways just beyond the city, Manchester really offers something for everyone.
From a wealth of arts and performance coming from London’s West End as well as a rich local offering, attractions such as Manchester Art Gallery, the People’s History Museum, and the late-Victorian, Neo-Gothic masterpiece of The John Rylands Research Institute and Library, there’s plenty to see and do.
Manchester’s nightlife is also famed, with a strong LGBTQIA+ scene and diverse live music, pubs, and clubs open to all. The birthplace to The Smiths, Oasis, and the Buzzcocks - to name a few - it’s well worth exploring the city’s treasured music venues for a truly unforgettable weekend.
