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

(88 Posts)
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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…….

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.

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

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

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.

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

I love Newcastle

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

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

GrannyGravy13 Sat 24-May-25 15:18:18

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

Aldom Sat 24-May-25 15:29:07

Another vote for Shrewsbury, although it is a town not a city. Shrewsbury is an interesting town with many shuts and passages. Lots of delightful shops and an award winning Covered Market. The Quarry Park is beautiful and St.Chad's church merits a visit. It's unusual as it is a round church. Shrewsbury is recognised as one of the happiest places to live in England.

Aldom Sat 24-May-25 15:30:28

Sorry, St. Chad's church

Mogsmaw Sat 24-May-25 15:36:01

Definitely Dundee, the V&A is amazing. DH and I go by bus, stay in a fabulous hotel and eat in wonderful restaurants.

Hilltop Sat 24-May-25 15:45:16

Portsmouth, around the dockyard and walking to Southsea. It was better before the dockyard started charging to go in though. Agree that Birmingham is good

keepingquiet Sat 24-May-25 15:49:30

TheatreLover

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.

I love the heads up for Sheffield it is really coming back to life now.

I'm giving a heads up for Wells too, a tiny place but full of charm and history. A special place for me.

kittylester Sat 24-May-25 16:02:35

Aldom

Another vote for Shrewsbury, although it is a town not a city. Shrewsbury is an interesting town with many shuts and passages. Lots of delightful shops and an award winning Covered Market. The Quarry Park is beautiful and St.Chad's church merits a visit. It's unusual as it is a round church. Shrewsbury is recognised as one of the happiest places to live in England.

I love Shrewsbury. We lived on the Town Walls for a while - it was a great place to live but got very busy with tourists.

We left because DH 's parents needed help and the journey back and forth took 3 hours and we had 3 under 4s.

Allira Sat 24-May-25 16:35:15

keepingquiet

TheatreLover

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.

I love the heads up for Sheffield it is really coming back to life now.

I'm giving a heads up for Wells too, a tiny place but full of charm and history. A special place for me.

Yes, Wells is lovely.
Is Exeter obvious?
Plymouth - Plymouth Hoe is a special place 🙂

Severnsider Sat 24-May-25 16:46:05

Bath used to be my favourite city but I went there recently and it was SO crowded, so many tourists from all over the world, and high prices. So I took a bus to nearby Wells and loved it, magnificent cathedral, Bishop's palace and a delightful old town. I will go again.

Cumbrianmale56 Sat 24-May-25 16:52:19

Carlisle is quite good, with a huge range of restaurants( Thai places seem to be the most popular), pubs that are still affordable, the West Walls, a nice cathedral and a huge park. The shopping isn't as good as it was( try Gretna Gateway), but there are still many family owned shops. Also there is a racecourse that's popular in summer

Aldom Sat 24-May-25 17:00:40

Kitty I lived in Shrewsbury for 24 years prior to moving to Oxfordshire.
My family are relocating to Shrewsbury this summer. I'm going too, currently looking for a property in one of the areas I've previously lived in. I still have friends there. My husband was a priest, his church was St. Alkmunds, near the Prince Rupert hotel. I wonder if your husband knew my dentist, Gareth Jenkins? He's retired now, but I shall be returning to the same practice.

Aldom Sat 24-May-25 17:01:40

I was married in St. Chad's Church.

NotSpaghetti Sat 24-May-25 17:02:10

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