UK Breaks: Swap Rome For Bath and Paris for Liverpool

Foreign City Culture On Our Doorstep 

Don’t fret the passport is out of date, don’t bother queuing for Euros, don’t worry about adding to your carbon footprint and fuss not about the out-of-date tatty phrase book; all the delights of foreign city culture can be found right here in dear old Blighty.  Chock full of ancient history, fabulous architecture, world-renowned galleries, famous parks and of course stunning beaches; the UK provides a one-stop shop for even the most discerning traveller. 

Who wants to queue in an overcrowded airport terminal and pay extortionate landing fees when you can book a Travelodge family room anywhere in the UK from just £29?  At just £7.25 a head for a family of four, there will be ample funds remaining for you to make the most of what this amazing country has to offer and discover a few new sights along the way.  Just book at Travelodge

Below is a selection of UK destinations worthy of their foreign counterparts:

SWAP ROME FOR BATH

The historic centre of Rome may be designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, but the entire city of Bath, rich in Roman and Georgian heritage, carries the same title and like its Italian counterpart is surrounded by seven wooded hills.  Marvel at the Royal Crescent, the Circus and Pulteney Bridge and immerse yourself in the diverse collection of exceptional museums, galleries and of course fabulous shops. To echo the words of the travel guides, it's a 'must see' destination that has been luring visitors for well over 2000 years.

A few highlights to include on a Bath city break:

Roman Baths

At the heart of the World Heritage site lies the unique Roman Baths, Britain ’s only hot spring around which the Romans built a magnificent temple and bathing complex that still flows today with hot water. See the water's source and walk where Romans walked on the ancient stone pavements. The extensive ruins and treasures from the spring are beautifully preserved and presented using the best of modern interpretation.

Location: Roman Baths, Abbey Church Yard, Bath BA1 1LZ

Timing: Refer to website for opening times throughout the year

Cost: Guide price - Family (2 Adults/4 Children) £30, Adult £10.50, Child £6.80

More information: www.romanbaths.co.uk or call 01225 477785

The Circus

The Circus was the masterpiece of John Wood the Elder. The striking architecture has spawned numerous theories to explain its stark originality. Viewed from the air it forms the shape of a key in what could be interpreted as a Masonic symbol. John Wood is also thought to have taken inspiration from the ancient standing stones of nearby Stanton Drew and from Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem . Whatever its origins, the Circus is a stupendous creative architectural accomplishment and one of the key reasons Bath was awarded the title of World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Location: The Circus, Bath BA1

More information: www.visitbath.co.uk

Pulteney Bridge

Pulteney Bridge , together with the Ponte Vecchio in Florence , is one of the world's most beautiful bridges. Like the Ponte Vecchio it is one of a handful of historic bridges in the world with shops built into it. Built for William Pulteney by Robert Adams, the bridge was an attempt to connect central Bath to land on the other bank of the River Avon and make Pulteney's fortune. In spite of its practical origins it is surely one of the most romantic bridge in the world, best viewed from Parade Gardens Park by the Crescent Weir.

Location: Pulteney Bridge , Bath BA2 4AY

More information: www.vistbath.co.uk

Bath Abbey

Begun in 1499, Bath Abbey is the last of the great medieval churches of England . The West Front is unique as it depicts the dream that inspired the Abbey's founder, Bishop Oliver King, to pull down the ruined Norman cathedral and raise the present building on its foundations.  Over the past twelve and a half centuries, three different churches have occupied the site of today’s Abbey with the present Abbey church founded in 1499, ruined after the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539 by order of Henry VIII.

Location: Abbey Churchyard, Bath BA1 1LY

More information: www.bathabbey.org or call 1225 422462

Sally Lunn’s Refreshment House & Museum

No visit to Bath is complete without a trip to the oldest house in Bath (c.1483). It is home to the world famous Sally Lunn Bun and now a living museum where visitors can experience a taste of Bath just a few minutes from the Abbey.  Excavations show how this site has been used to refresh townspeople and travellers since the Roman times with the original kitchen Sally Lunn used over 300 years ago preserved.

Location: Sally Lunn’s House, 4 North Parade Passage, Bath BA1 1NX

More information: www.sallylunns.co.uk or call 01225 461634

SWAP PARIS FOR LIVERPOOL

With more museums, art galleries and listed buildings than any other city in the UK, outside the capital, as well as being host to the acclaimed title 'European Capital of Culture' in 2008; Liverpool is a 'must see' destination for all culture vultures with the heart of the city and its vibrant waterfront listed as World Heritage Sites. Whether you're looking for art and culture, fine dining, river outings, stunning architecture, music or sport, you'll be hard pressed to find a better choice for a short city break either side of ‘La Manche’.

A few highlights to include on a Liverpool city break:

Walker Art Gallery

Over 130 years old, the Walker Art Gallery is one of the finest art galleries in Europe and houses a world-class collection of art from the year 1300 to the present, including pieces by Gainsborough, Rembrandt and Poussin. It also houses the Tudor portraits of King Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.  There’s no stuffiness here however with the dedicated children’s area, ‘Big Art: for Little Artists’. This is a vibrant and exciting multi-sensory experience where children explore art through a wide variety of activities inspired by the Walker ’s world-class art collections.  Don’t get that in the Louvre!

Location: William Brown Street , Liverpool L3 8EL

More information: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

Take a trip down the Mersey

There's no better way to experience Liverpool and Merseyside than from the deck of the world famous Mersey Ferry. Learn about the city and the region's fascinating history, see its spectacular sights and discover its unique character. The Liverpool waterfront is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site so there's even more reason to take a leisurely 50 minute River Explorer Cruise. You’d be in-Seine to miss it!

Location:  Pier Head Ferry Terminal, Georges Parade, Liverpool L3 1DP

Timing: River Explorer Cruises depart hourly from Pier Head, Liverpool and from Seacombe or Woodside, Wirral

More information: www.merseyferries.co.uk or call 0151 330 1444

Liverpool Cathedral

Sir John Betjeman called it “one of the great buildings of the twentieth century” and the Cathedral’s awesome scale and beauty never fails to make a lasting impression, together with, of course, the panoramic view of the city and beyond from its Tower. It lays claim to many records – it is the UK ’s largest Cathedral, has the world’s highest and heaviest peal of bells and the world’s highest and widest Gothic arches.

Location: Liverpool Cathedral, St James Mount, Liverpool L1 7AZ

More information: www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk or call 0151 709 6271

The Radio City Tower

Step out of the high-speed lifts on the upper level of ‘ St John’s Beacon’, and immediately, you know you’re somewhere totally unique.  At a height of over 440ft (admittedly almost half the height of its famous Paris rival), but with comparable breathtaking 360-degree views; the ‘ Radio City Tower ’ is without doubt a stunning spot to take in the city and its surroundings.

Location: St Johns Beacon, 1 Houghton Street , Liverpool L1 1RL

Timing: Tours every Saturday and Sunday – 11am, 1pm, 2pm. Tuesday and Thursday evenings – 6.30pm and 8.30pm

Cost: Adults - £6, Students - £5 Children/senior citizens - £4

More information: www.radiocity.co.uk or call 0151 472 6822

The London Carriage Works

Go Parisian and spend a lazy afternoon people-watching from a waterfront cafe, then get dressed to impress for a meal at an exclusive restaurant. For fancy modern European food, the award winning '60 Hope Street' is highly recommended and there's also a real buzz surrounding the city's many new bars and restaurants; 'Room,' 'Lief' and 'Korova.  But if it’s the crème de la crème you’re after then try The London Carriage Works, the 2007 Best Restaurant Winner in The Mersey Partnership Annual Tourism Awards. Liverpool ’s best quality dining experience offers classic cuisine with a creative modern twist and the freshest local and organic produce.

Location: 40 Hope Street , Liverpool L1 9DA

Timing: Open all year round

More information: www.hopestreethotel.co.uk or call 0151 705 2222

SWAP NEW YORK CITY FOR LONDON

We may not have the tallest or the biggest but we’ve certainly got the oldest and the most diverse.  If you really can’t face the torturous JFK immigration experience then stick to our glorious capital city and experience the familiar yet different, with our inspiring architecture, our fine dining, our shopping, our green parks and our vibrant arts and culture scene.

A few highlights to include on a London city break:

Canary Wharf

Take a trip east of the city and marvel at the architectural wonder that is London ’s very own mini-Manhattan!  Canary Wharf extends over 97 acres and approximately 14.1 million square feet of office and retail space has been constructed to date housing 90,000 office workers.  The tower at One Canada Square has 50 floors, is 800 feet (244 metres) high and is the tallest building in Britain .  However it’s not all work and no play as Canary Wharf currently comprises over 200 shops, bars and restaurants within four retail malls and has a busy arts and events calendar. It also has great transport links with two Dockland Light Railway stations, a Jubilee Line station, car parks and approximately 20 acres of landscaped open spaces. 

Location: Canary Wharf , London E14

More information: www.canarywharf.com or call 020 7418 2000

The Gastro-Pub

Gone are the days of the British swift half in the local while the sun glints through the cigarette-stained curtains.  The relatively recent arrival of the sophisticated Gastro-Pub is the perfect marriage between a posh restaurant and old-fashioned drinking hole and is unique to our shores. 

There are hundreds to choose from but to annoy our US friends by waving the historical card in front of their noses for a minute, visit the legendary Isle of Dogs boozer and now Grade II listed pub and restaurant, The Gun.  There has been a pub here for more than 250 years and apparently got its name from the cannon that was fired when the West India Import Docks opened in 1802. Admiral Lord Nelson was a regular visitor to the docks and this pub and arranged clandestine assignations with Lady Emma Hamilton in the rooms upstairs.

Location: 27 Coldharbour, London E14 9NS

More information: www.visitlondon.com/attractions/pubs_bars/gastro-pubs or call 020 7515 522

Hyde Park

One of London ’s finest historic parks with over 4,000 trees, Hyde Park was acquired by Henry VIII in 1536 for its excellent hunting. Now, our ‘central park’ is famous for boating on The Serpentine, Speaker's Corner and its riding track, Rotten Row, the first public road ever to be lit at night. There are four miles of horse rides as well as cycle and roller-blading routes. Hyde Park has also developed a tradition for hosting events, including 'Proms in the Park' during the summer and the regular Gun Salutes to mark state occasions, fired from the Parade Ground.

Location: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH

More information: www.royalparks.org.uk/hyde or call 020 7298 210

Theatre in the West End

London’s West End is a worthy match for New York ’s Broadway but to get one up on our American friends, book tickets to see a show that is only showing on the West End stage. Take a magical journey into the mythical world of Middle Earth and see The Lord of the Rings, the most expensive show ever produced in the West End .  It is on at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane , Catherine Street , London WC2B 5JF and plays until September 2008. The award-winning Billy Elliot the Musical is a major stage adaptation of the film, with music by Elton John.  It is currently taking bookings until December 2008 and is playing at the Victoria Palace Theatre, London SW1E 5JX.

More information: www.visitlondon.com/events/theatre/

Tate Modern

A visit to London isn't complete without a trip to Tate Modern, our Guggenheim.  Britain 's national museum of modern and contemporary art from around the world is housed in the former Bankside Power Station on the banks of the Thames . The awe-inspiring Turbine Hall runs the length of the entire building and you can see amazing work for free by artists such as Cézanne, Bonnard, Matisse, Picasso, Rothko, Dalí, Pollock, Warhol and Bourgeois.

Location: Bankside, London SE1 9TG

More information: www.tate.org.uk or call 020 7887 8888

SWAP AMSTERDAM FOR BIRMINGHAM

Both Birmingham and Amsterdam are a diverse and dynamic cities offering a world class cultural scene, superb shopping, top attractions, fantastic nightlife and a plethora of waterways.  But as the old saying goes Birmingham has more canals than Venice and there’s no danger accidentally steering the kids into the Red Light District!  Explore the UK ’s second city and discover there are more similarities with our Dutch counterparts than first meets the eye!

A few highlights to include on a Birmingham city break:

Explore the Canals

Birmingham is ' Britain 's canal city'.  Over 200 years old, the canals, once the lifeblood of the industrial revolution, are now a major leisure attraction. The ‘More Canals than Venice Walk’ is a guided tour around the Silver Cross.  Starting from Gas Street Basin , the walk encompasses the Old Turn Junction, Oozel Street Loop and the flight of Farmer’s Bridge Locks on the Birmingham and Fazzeley Canal .  If you don’t fancy the walk then hop on one of the many canal boat tours that run across the network of waterways, offering a different perspective to Brum.

Location: Walks start at The Canal Shop, Gas Street Basin . 

Timing: Walks take place on Saturdays at 11am (last approx. 1 hour)

More information: www.birmingham-tours.co.uk or call 0121 427 2555.  For canal boat tours www.sherbornewharf.co.uk

Have a Balti

Both Birmingham and Amsterdam famously offer an international mix of world cuisine but with over 500 restaurants.  Amsterdam may claim Indonesian as it’s signature dish but no visit to Birmingham would be complete without the famous Balti.  Take a trip to the Balti Triangle and tickle your tastebuds with this spicy delight. The best Balti houses are generally found in the Sparkhill and Sparkbrook areas of the city.  Commonly regarded as the best in the ‘Balti Triangle’, Al Frash is renowned for quality cuisine and a plethora of curry awards.

Location: Al Frash Balti Restaurant, 86 Ladypool Road , Sparkhill , B12 8JS

More information: www.alfrash.com or call 0121 753 3120

Go clubbing

Birmingham is Europe ’s youngest city so it’s not surprising that it’s club scene is one of the liveliest in the country. The trendiest people head to Air, a relatively new club on the scene and run by the famous Gods Kitchen posse.  This amazing 21st century purpose built venue spans three floors and plays all genres of music including hard dance, techno and trance.  Oxygen Arena, Nitrogen Room and Carbon lounge each offer great visuals and sound with massive lighting rigs and amazing sound systems. The club has a great modern style with plush seating and plasma screens. 
With viewing platforms and air-conditioned chill out areas across the venue it really does have something for everyone.

Location: Heath Mill Lane , Digbeth, Birmingham , B9 4AL

More information: www.airbirmingham.com or telephone 0845 009 8888

Cadbury World

Amsterdam’s most famous resident may be Van Gogh but Birmingham is home to the Cadbury family! Explore the fabulous world of chocolate at Cadbury World. Learn about the fascinating story of the Cadbury Family and sample the delights of liquid chocolate.  If you still have room then finish up with a visit to the world’s biggest Cadbury shop!  Reservations are essential to gain admission.

Location: Cadbury World, Linden Road , Bournville, Birmingham B30 2LU

More information: www.cadburyworld.co.uk or call 0845 450 3599

The Jewellery Quarter

Swap Amsterdam ’s popular Museum Quarter for Brum’s historic Jewellery Quarter, home for over 200 years to some of the world’s finest goldsmiths and jewellery makers. There are over 100 shops selling some the UK ’s finest jewellery in this stunning part of the city.  For over 80 years the family-run firm of Smith and Pepper produced jewellery from the factory that is now the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter. The excellently preserved 'time capsule' workshop has changed little since the beginning of the century.

Location: Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham ( Vyse Street/Frederick Street , Warstone Lane )

More information: www.the-quarter.com

SWAP NICE FOR PLYMOUTH

If you can’t face resurrecting your rusty foreign lingo on the French Riviera then stick to the English Riviera instead.  With sparkling seas, a bustling marine scene and the ubiquitous palm trees, let Plymouth bring a little touch of the Med to your short break, without the hassle of the Eurotunnel or airport delays.

A few highlights to include on a Plymouth break:

Climb a Lighthouse

Take a trip to Smeaton’s Tower, one of the South West's most well known landmarks.  The lighthouse was originally built on the Eddystone reef in 1759 but was taken down in the early 1880s when it was discovered that the sea was undermining the rock it was standing on.  Moved stone by stone to its current resting place on the Hoe, it now offers fantastic views of Plymouth Sound and the city from its lantern room which, along with the rest of the building, has been painstakingly restored to its original glory.

Location: The Hoe, Plymouth , PL1 2NZ

More information: www.plymouth.gov.uk or call 01752 304774

Sample ‘Les Fruits de Mer’

This buzzing and exceptional seafood restaurant has been described as 'the best seafood and pasta bar in Plymouth by far and certainly dining here is akin to holidaying in the Mediterranean , with wonderful views overlooking the marina.  The covered area on the centuries old cobbled quayside is able to seat up to 100 people and is busy both day and night. The menu combines only the freshest ingredients and exotic flavours that will impress the palates of even the most particular of seafood devotees.

Location: 10 Quay Road , Barbican, Plymouth , Devon PL1 2 JL

More information: www.barbicanleisurebars.com/bar_seafood/index.html or call 01752 260717

The South West Coast Path – Plymouth Waterfront

The South West Coast Path National Trail provides 630 miles of superb coastal walking. From Minehead on the edge of the Exmoor National Park in Devon to the shores of Poole Harbour in Dorset it is the best way to enjoy the wonderful coastal scenery, wildlife and heritage.  For a day’s ramble take the recommended ‘Plymouth Waterfront Walkway’, an easy walk of 10 miles (16km).  It is an entertaining and enlightening walk where art is used to highlight the city’s history and heritage. Please note the Mountbatten Ferry is not able to accommodate wheelchairs and the section between Laira Bridge and Mount Batten has steps and is quite steep in places.

Location: Start at Admirals Hard ferryslip, Stonehouse and finish at Jennycliff

More information: www.southwestcoastpath.com or call Tourist Information on 01752 304849.

National Marine Aquarium

The National Marine Aquarium is a charity dedicated to raising awareness of the oceans, the challenges they face and the ways in which we can all help ensure they have a sustainable future.  Located in Plymouth, it is the result of many years of hard work and fund-raising to establish a leading aquarium in the UK and is now firmly established as a source of reliable and accurate information, regularly advising newspaper, magazine, radio and television projects including the BBC's 'Blue Planet' series.

Location: Rope Walk, Coxside, Plymouth,
PL4 0LF

More information: www.national-aquarium.co.uk or call 1752 220084 for opening times

Take a mini cruise

For a leisurely day out enjoy the four-hour Plymouth/Calstock cruise.
 The boat meanders through the beautiful, tranquil waterways of the Tamar Valley where you can see the famous Plymouth Naval Dockyards and pass under Brunel’s rail bridge and the Tamar Bridge.  The cruise stops long enough at Calstock to enjoy a quick drink and bag of fish and chips before the return journey to Plymouth . It also calls at Saltash on the outward and return journeys on request.  A full on-board commentary highlights places of interest.

Location: cruise departs from Phoenix Wharf , Plymouth

More information: www.westcountrylinks.co.uk/pbc/calstock.htm or call 01752 408590 (office) / 07813980 833

Please check all visitor details and confirm availability prior to travel.

20 March 2008