Where to Go For The Perfect City Break

The best thing about city breaks? There’s something for everyone. Whether you’re booking a romantic trip for just the two of you or a fun weekend with friends, you’re guaranteed a great time.

City breaks in York

York has to be one of the most unique cities in the UK. Once home to the Romans and Vikings, it’s a city steeped in history and the perfect city break for those interested in the past. Take a walk around the city perimeter via the ancient defence walls. It’ll take you roughly 2 hours to complete the whole circuit but there are shorter routes too.

Head up to the top of York Minster Cathedral for a bird’s eye view of the city or book a cruise along the River Ouse and take in the views by water. York is considered one of the most haunted cities in Europe and the perfect place for a ghost tour. It’s also well worth heading to The Shambles - an ancient cobbled street with overhanging houses. It’s believed The Shambles was J.K. Rowling’s inspiration for the infamous Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and once you see it, you’ll know why. It’s simply spellbinding.

Romantic weekends in Bath

Located in the beautiful county of Somerset, Bath is a historical and picturesque city, perfect for a romantic weekend away. In 1987, the city was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site due to its Roman remains, hot springs and beautiful Georgian architecture.

One of the great things about Bath is that its best attractions are easily reached on foot. Head to Bath Cathedral to begin a free walking tour of the city’s stunning architecture, taking in sights of the Circus and Royal Crescent. Don’t forget to snap a picture for Instagram!

Learn about the life of one of the best Regency writers at the Jane Austen Centre and enjoy a Sally Lunn Bun at the oldest house in Bath.

A city break to Bath wouldn’t be complete without a tour of the Roman Baths. The main pool still works but if you want to bathe in the hot springs, you’ll need to book tickets for the nearby Thermae Bath Spa. Prefer a different kind of indulgence? Book Afternoon Tea at The Pump Room.

Edinburgh city breaks

Learn more about Scotland with a city break to Edinburgh. With Scottish history at its very core, it’s the perfect place to broaden your knowledge and immerse yourself in culture. Popular places to visit include Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, St. Giles Cathedral and Holyrood Palace. 

While it may be best known for history, arts and culture, Edinburgh is also a popular destination for romantic city breaks. Climb up to Arthur’s Seat for spectacular views of the city and book tickets for The Royal Observatory and enjoy an evening under the stars.

Indulge in traditional Scottish cuisine at the local pubs or treat yourself to a fine dining experience at the Michelin Star awarded Condita, The Kitchin, Number One or Restaurant Martin Wishart.

Manchester weekend breaks

Manchester has so much more to offer than just football and music. Home to incredible restaurants, world-class museums and killer nightlife, it has everything you need for the perfect city break with friends.

For shopping, head to the Northern Quarter. With its quirky vintage shops, independent record stores and impressive street art, it offers something a little different from the Trafford Centre’s mainstream chains.

Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the canal and stop for food at one of the many waterfront restaurants. For vegan food, book a table at the Allotment on Lloyd Street. Head to the swanky Ivy Spinningfields for cocktails and enjoy Afternoon Tea at the Richmond Tearooms.

Art enthusiast? A trip to Castlefield Gallery is a must. More of a history buff? Visit the ruins of the Roman fort Mamucium and take a trip to the WWII Alan Turing Memorial in Sackville Gardens.

London city break

With some of the world’s best art, entertainment, history, restaurants and shopping, we simply had to feature London on our list of perfect city breaks. What’s more, it’s one of the easiest cities to get around, with buses, overground and underground trains, iconic black taxis and traditional red double-decker buses all waiting to take you to the top London tourist attractions.

If it’s your first time visiting the city, it’s well worth adding all of the famous London sights to your itinerary. Book a ticket for the London Eye to take in fabulous views of the city. Enjoy free entry to the Natural History Museum. Take a tour of the Tower of London with a Beefeater Guard. View the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. And after a long day exploring, relax on a river cruise along the Thames and watch the sunset over the capital.

When it comes to dining you’ll be spoilt for choice with every restaurant you can think of at your fingertips. While the capital is home to plenty of international restaurants and exotic cuisines, it’s always fun to head to a traditional English pub for pie and mash and a pint of London Pride (or an artisan Gin & Tonic if that tickles your fancy!)

European city breaks

Waiting to book a city break later in the year? Venture out of the UK and explore some of Europe’s best cities. Whether you fancy a romantic break in Venice, lakeside living in Stockholm or a shopping trip to the chic boutiques of Paris, there is a European city break for everyone.

Add these European cities to your travel list:

• Milan, Italy - The fashion capital - need we say more?
• Barcelona, Spain - Offering the best of both worlds with city & sea
• Prague, Czech Republic - Grand cafes, microbreweries & unique arthouse cinemas
• Amsterdam, Netherlands - Peaceful gallery trips & canal-side walks
• Berlin, Germany - Amazing nightlife, gourmet restaurants & remarkable museums

Book the perfect city break with PlansChange

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