Visiting England? There’s more to see than just London. I’ve gathered a list of my 5 favourite places in my country. Whether you like the big city or somewhere smaller, you might find something that tickles your fancy. So let’s begin…
Manchester
This is one of the largest cities in the UK and is actually very affordable. There is so much to do here, from getting about the pubs to discovering the history of the city in the museums.
Follow the busy path from Picadilly Station to Picadilly Gardens for your first glimpse of Manchester’s high rises. Walk around the city centre and you’ll never not see a street performer which is something we love! The first time I brough Marie-Laure to Manchester, it was one hell of a show! An Australian one man band had the whole street dancing. People of all generations couldn’t resist the urge to hop into circle. It adds to the vibrant atmosphere that’s a nice companion to your shopping marathons which are indeed possible here, with many places to find exactly what you’re looking for.
There are so many places to eat here from curry mile to chinatown, if international is what you’re after, you’ll find it. Full stomach, which means you can get ‘English drunk’! Grab a pint from just about everywhere! Find one of the many student pubs, to the old boozers in printworks, and finish your night off at a club like the Ritz as you’re singing Wonderwall into the early hours with the rest of the Mancs.
The history is fascinating here! Every building looks like something from Harry Potter. You’ll notice all the huge red industrial buildings here that have been regenerated for the modern day. The city was at the heart of the UK’s industrial revolution, and they make for some stunning snaps. As you go further into the city’s Northern Quarter you will find many abandoned factories which is also the perfect place to enjoy Manchester’s Street Art.
Liverpool
The rival city to Manchester, Liverpool is strong competition when it comes to deciding which to visit. It shares many similar features to Manchester but couldn’t get any more original at the same time.
One of my favourite parts about this city is the buildings, they are huge! Especially as you’re walking along the Mersey River, the buildings on here look powerful and instantly pull your camera from your bag. The Mersey River is also something to take in and trigger a few snaps.
Move from the waterside to the city centre, and it’s a fantastic place to shop. The city is buzzing with people and you really feel the atmosphere as you’re walking around, oh and don’t forget to add a photo of the Radio City Tower to your Instagram story. Move from the high street and find the smaller passages filled with pubs including The Cavern Club which hosted a band you may have heard of – The Beatles.
Being a huge football fan, I’ve been to many cities for football, but I’ve never seen as many football shirts in the city centre for a regular matchday like I did here. So if you have time, go check out a Liverpool or Everton game and you’ll be guaranteed an awesome sporting experience.
Leeds
Yorkshire, god’s country. This is a saying of the greatest region in the world! Leeds is the top draw for cities here. It’s a great place to spend a day shopping and taking photos. You’ll find the passages into the old Arcade’s which are a nice little detour from the high street. One of the oldest markets, explore the Leeds Kirkgate Market and admire the historical trades at work and maybe even grab some memorabilia.
You’ll find some cool museums here such as the Royal Armouries Museum which was one of my favourite museums to have ever visited. So if this is your thing, what are you waiting for?
Looking for a drinking challenge? The Otley Run is one of the UK’s best piss-ups. Starting outside of Leeds and make your way through 16 or so pubs into Leeds. Don’t be surprised to see huge groups of folk dressed in fancy dress, as this is a tradition. Seeing some grown man with a big beard dressed as a baby is not your drunken imagination, this is The Otley Run. 😉
Lincoln
This was my university city. Albeit a tiny place, it has enjoyed lots of growth thanks to us students. The city has lots of history too. Take on the famous ‘steep hill’ passing all the nice little patisseries up to one of the country’s most impressive cathedrals. The cobbled streets also take you for a nice little trip into the past where you will find a castle!
At the bottom is the university, and of course, where there is students, there are parties. Friday nights were always my favourite. Pre-drinks at tower bar, quick stop at trebles and then onto Superbull! Good times!
Hull
I’ve saved the best to last! Okay this is my city, but really, it’s a great place to visit! It has a reputation for being a bad place but I don’t know why, and everyone who visits doesn’t know why either. In 2017 it was the UK’s city of culture and has seen so much going on since.
See the marina and visit the cultural hotspot known as Fruit Market which hosts lots of music and food festivals throughout the year, and it also neighbours one of the largest aquariums in the country, the uniquely shaped ‘The Deep’.
It’s the city on the humber, so make sure you see the Humber Bridge, the city’s most famous landmark, but make sure you don’t leave as you go to take photos of it, there’s plenty more to see and do… There are some cool places to visit, such as the Maritime museum as well as Ferens Art Gallery. There is also Queens Gardens’ which are some of the locals’ favourite spots to chill out under the sun.
One thing to look out for here, this is the only place you’ll find the trademark phonebox in a cream colour. This is really a city on the rise, and is only going to get bigger. The growth reminds me of a similar situation in Germany. Leipzig is a rising city that is being dubbed as the new Berlin. Hull will be the new Manchester… you heard it here first!
Visited any of these places already? Let us know what you thought! 😀
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Alex.
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