Guest Post by:
In September the titans of world rugby will be battling it out on pitches across the country as the Rugby World Cup plays out in England. Here, guest blogger Katie Rowe suggests getting ahead of the crowds, visiting some of the world-class English host cities to discover why they are the hosts with the most.
For more ideas check the VisitEngland website.
Newcastle
Famous for its nightlife, Newcastle is an elegant city gleaming with grand Georgian architecture lining its main thoroughfares and cultural landmarks perched along the historic River Tyne. Take the BALTIC, for example. Housed in a former flour mill, this iconic centre for contemporary art puts on innovative exhibitions all year round. For live music look no further than The Sage, a state-of-the-art music venue with an ever-changing programme of events. For something more classical, stroll along the resplendent Grey Street and Grainger Town area, shopping for the latest looks off the catwalk before taking a seat at the Theatre Royal to be whisked away by a ballet performance.
Manchester
Manchester’s impressive mix of architecture, modern attractions, hip cultural scene and general plucky attitude make it a stand-out choice for a city break. Sip lattes with the locals and bag vintage bargains in the Northern Quarter before bringing out your inner bookworm in the neo-gothic John Rylands Library – home to a treasured first edition of Shakespeare’s sonnets and 15th-century accounts of witchcraft. Elsewhere, art lovers will be won over by 25,000 pieces of fine art, decorative art and costume at Manchester Art Gallery, history buffs can immerse themselves in insightful exhibitions at The Imperial War Museum and People’s History Museum and foodies can eat their way through the Street Food Market at Piccadilly Gardens.
Brighton
For a holiday by the sea that won’t break the bank, look no further than Brighton. England’s bohemian beach town is packed with free things to do, meaning you can spend more money on the things that matter, like cocktails and candyfloss. Follow VisitBrighton’s Movie Map to find out about the famous films shot here, step into the weird and wonderful world of Victorian taxidermy at the Booth Museum of Natural History and discover more about the city’s colourful character by popping into Brighton Museum and Art Gallery. Alternatively, experience it first-hand by people watching in the bohemian districts of Kemp Town and North Laine before buckling up for old-school thrills on the pier.
Editor’s Note:
Guest blogger Katie Rowe is Deputy Editor at VisitEngland.
Image Credits:
All images courtesy of VisitEngland.
