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

(89 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.

Blinko Mon 26-May-25 08:51:51

It's heartening to see Birmingham mentioned in a few posts. The city centre is great, plenty of eateries to suit all budgets, and some wonderful concert venues (Symphony Hall is internationally acclaimed) and theatres. The city also has some lovely suburbs. So often the but of 'jokey' remarks by people in the media - who presumably only ever inhabit London and its environs.

Lathyrus3 Mon 26-May-25 09:38:34

Leicester.

Richard the third obviously.

But also first class theatres and galleries. And lots of independent shops.

Great multicultural vibe.

Grandma70s Mon 26-May-25 09:54:15

Mt61

I love Liverpool, I love the Liverpool people, down to earth & very friendly.
I could listen to their patter all day long.

I didn’t know if Liverpool still has the bad image it used to have, but actually it is a beautiful city with much of interest to visitors. My son’s in-laws, from the Deep South (Surrey!) were very surprised by how much they liked it.

DamaskRose Mon 26-May-25 10:00:34

Cumbrianmale56

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

I had a mini break there recently to see the new V & A and I can honestly say that I have never met friendlier people in my life. There is a lot to do.

Cumbrianmale56 Mon 26-May-25 11:16:35

Grandma70s

Mt61

I love Liverpool, I love the Liverpool people, down to earth & very friendly.
I could listen to their patter all day long.

I didn’t know if Liverpool still has the bad image it used to have, but actually it is a beautiful city with much of interest to visitors. My son’s in-laws, from the Deep South (Surrey!) were very surprised by how much they liked it.

The city's bad image is probably from decades ago and it has reinvented itself and renovated many of its historic landmarks.

Oreo Mon 26-May-25 12:03:54

Smintie

I love visiting Salisbury. It has beautiful architecture, but the small size makes it feel approachable and it’s never bo. The market is stunning, wonderful food and interesting finds. Strange little lanes, too small for a cart even but hiding gorgeous bakeries. Little cafes, big cathedrals and cobbles. The brewery still delivers beer via a dray, pulled by huge horses. It’s friendly and warm.

Oooh that does sound nice, I must make an effort to get there.

lindiann Mon 26-May-25 13:24:55

Oreo

Smintie

I love visiting Salisbury. It has beautiful architecture, but the small size makes it feel approachable and it’s never bo. The market is stunning, wonderful food and interesting finds. Strange little lanes, too small for a cart even but hiding gorgeous bakeries. Little cafes, big cathedrals and cobbles. The brewery still delivers beer via a dray, pulled by huge horses. It’s friendly and warm.

Oooh that does sound nice, I must make an effort to get there.

Lovely River Walks in Salisbury as well

escaped Mon 26-May-25 13:31:49

Every time DH is due to sing in Salisbury Cathedral we seem to be away.
The Novichok poisonings there turned me off the place for a while. Maybe I'll keep it in mind.

bookwormbabe Mon 26-May-25 13:37:45

Gloucester has a reputation for being a bit rough, but the area around the Docks is great, with the Quays shopping centre and lots of great places to eat and drink. The area around the cathedral is also nice.

Mt61 Mon 26-May-25 15:56:19

I think every city has its bad points, tbh.
I love the docks, this time I couldn’t walk down due to my knees, so we just decided to get the bus back to my nieces apartment, luckily it took us all around the Albert docks on the way back 😊 number eight I think.

Mt61 Mon 26-May-25 16:00:03

I love the different mixes of cultures, especially around Bold street.
Plenty of seating & always, someone will chat away to us.

Mt61 Mon 26-May-25 16:00:28

Mt61

I love the different mixes of cultures, especially around Bold street.
Plenty of seating & always, someone will chat away to us.

Liverpool I meant to say

Mt61 Mon 26-May-25 16:02:24

Mt61

I think every city has its bad points, tbh.
I love the docks, this time I couldn’t walk down due to my knees, so we just decided to get the bus back to my nieces apartment, luckily it took us all around the Albert docks on the way back 😊 number eight I think.

Number four bus goes around the Albert docks- well worth the £2.00 😊