UK

Great British cities for short breaks

Manchester
It's the life and soul of the region with more theatres than any other UK city outside London, a wide range of live music venues, two internationally renowned orchestras, music and club scene. Groups can explore the city's powerful industrial heritage via its network of canals and viaducts or revel in its status as the northern centre of popular culture and trendy shopping. Salford's Lowry Centre is rapidly turning into a landmark attraction and the Museum of Science and Industry is the regional tourist board's 'Attraction of the Year' and of course for shopping there's the massive Trafford Centre.

Leeds
Enjoy superb nightlife, unrivalled shopping facilities, including 'that' store - Harvey Nichols - a range of 'state of the art' attractions and some of the most breath-taking scenery in the whole of Britain. Elegant Victorian and Edwardian arcades, small boutiques and speciality shops meet with modern malls and the top household names - all found in a pedestrianised city centre. Away from the shops is an impressive range of attractions. The Royal Armouries is the first national museum to house part of the Royal Collection from the Tower of London, in a £42 million home on the waterfront.

Newcastle Upon Tyne
A great city once in the forefront of 19th century industrial innovation, now at the forefront of technical innovation, leisure and culture, wander down to the transformed waterfront, the Quayside, now lined with stylish hotels, designer bars, restaurants and public art. The Gateshead Millennium Bridge, a work of art in itself, arches across the Tyne to link the City to Gateshead Quays and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. With a language all of its own!

Edinburgh
The strikingly attractive capital of Scotland, with superb sightseeing, historic buildings, galleries and museums, some great attractions, excellent shopping, a vast choice of Restaurants, Bistros, Wine Bars, Pubs and Cafes, and nightlife.

Apart from its varied and stunning architecture, Edinburgh is a visually beautiful place, with many parks and gardens. Take a leisurely stroll, or simply sit and watch the world go by. It's also home of the world famous Royal Botanic Garden, which you will not want to miss.

Shopping in Edinburgh is a delight; there is everything on offer, home to the world's oldest independent department store, a shopping experience not to be missed. Designer Fashion, Boutiques, Antiques, Tartan Tammies, whatever takes your fancy you will be spoiled for choice in Edinburgh.

Add a visit to the stunning new Scottish Parliament building or a visit to the former Royal Yacht Britannia.

Glasgow
Scotland's second and largest city; situated on the banks of the River Clyde; gateway to the Trossachs, the beautiful West Coast and the Highlands of Scotland. It's a busy, friendly, vibrant city with fine architecture, superb shopping facilities and a wide cultural interest.

Glasgow has turned its attention to becoming a "European City of Culture", and attracting tourists from around the world. The buildings in the city centre have been cleaned, revealing the original golden sandstone; shopping arcades have been built and a wider range of cultural entertainment offered.

At The Willow Tea Rooms in Sauchiehall Street, you can enjoy tea in the original Room De-Luxe and the recreation of the Gallery Tea Rooms in their original settings, created by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
For Shopping Glasgow is difficult to beat! There are modern shopping complexes which compliment the traditional city centre streets, with their fabulous choice of shops.

Eating out in Glasgow is a dream; there are restaurants, cafes, bistros and tea-rooms specialising in everything from traditional Scottish food to international cuisine.

Dublin
With its great shopping, diverse nightlife, Georgian Architecture famous writers and musicians Dublin has always been one of our favourite short break destinations.

St. Stephens Green is one of Ireland's best-known parks and a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the city's streets with an ornamental lake, gardens, shrubberies and tree lined walks. Dublin Castle houses the magnificent State Apartments that play host to many state functions. The National Botanic Gardens cover an area, part of which is the natural flood plain of the River Tolka.