A city break is different to any other type of holiday. The full-on nature of a city keeps you on your toes, and there is excitement and interest lying around every corner. During the Autumn months, city breaks are a stylish option to escape to before the colder months of the winter begin to creep in. With Covid still lingering, and there not being complete certainty surrounding international travel, the UK offers so many cities and towns that have endless lists of restaurants, bars, hotels, and stimulating attractions. So, this Autumn why not try out a city staycation.
Bath
The historic spa city is Somersets largest city and is renowned for its Roman Baths and Georgian Architecture. With the River Avon flowing through the centre of the city, Bath is a pretty place to experience the Autumnal months. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options in Bath, with Kingsmead Kitchen being the pick for breakfast or brunch, with a bountiful choice of options. For dinner, head to the Canary Gin Bar for pre-dinner drinks, and then venture to Pinxto for delicious tapas dishes. For a comfortable stay, then Brindley’s is a small boutique Bed and Breakfast that focuses on the details, with intricately decorated rooms inspired by French décor, all whilst being in a convenient location close to both Bath Abbey and the Thermae Spa. On that note, be sure to venture to the Roman Thermal Baths, in order to tour the immensely important historical attraction. The Electric Bear Brewing Co. offers tours around its fascinating brewery that brews electrically, a quite rare feat.
Cheltenham
Whilst not technically a city, the spa town of Cheltenham is a charming, picturesque place to spend a weekend away in this Autumn. The town is overwhelming dominated by Regency architecture, which makes the town incredibly pretty. The best way to explore Cheltenham is undoubtedly on foot, as this gives you the chance to get lost amongst its quaint back streets and discover some of the town’s independent stores. A small, intimate place to dine is Petit Coco, which serves traditional French cuisine and you be guaranteed an authentic French bistro. Imperial Haus, located in Imperial Square is the place to visit to experience high quality mixology, in opulent surroundings. Imperial Haus is an aesthetic. No. 131 is a spot of luxury, with sumptuous décor, and is premium spot to stay in Cheltenham. A stay in Cheltenham would not be complete without a visit to the Montpellier district, with a wealth of independent, unique shops.
Edinburgh
The capital city of Scotland is not short of attractions, with the old medieval town and the graceful New Town providing stunning architecture. Furthermore, the famous Edinburgh Castle looks out over the city, which holds the Scottish crown jewels, alongside the Stone of Destiny. You can be assured of a culturally rich trip to Edinburgh, that is for sure. Edinburgh is also not short on excellent dining choices, with a range of informal cafes to glamorous restaurants. L’Escargot Bleu serves exquisite French cuisine, all whilst utilising local Scottish produce, whilst The Table offers a unique dining concept which one table sits ten diners, for an unforgettable, interactive cooking experience. For a stylish drinking spot, head to Le Monde, with the pastel colour décor providing a chic backdrop to the modish bar, and you can be assured of an evening of entertainment, with phenomenal cocktails and the opportunity to dance. With tastefully decorated rooms, The Dunstane Houses are a brilliant place to stay, perfectly located to explore Edinburgh many attractions. Edinburgh plays host to many different galleries, and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art has a variety of brilliant works from a mix of both Scottish and International renowned artists.
Exeter
Exeter is an extremely exciting city, that whilst has a rich and long history, has only recently become a cultural hub. The small, south-western city has seen an explosion in its culinary scene and has expanded its boutique shopping experience, as well as providing some excellent places to stay, all the while being surrounded by the stunning Devon countryside. With a focus on harnessing the local produce, Circa 1924 is a restaurant that serves simple yet phenomenal dishes that rivals any fine dining establishment. For a pre or post dinner drink, then Crocketts cocktail bar utilises their brilliant mixologists to stir and shake both experimental and traditional cocktails. Just to the south of the city lies Southernhay House hotel which is offers a very stylish stay and is Exeter’s only independent boutique hotel. Dartmoor is a dramatic National Park that has many different walks and is only a short drive from Exeter. Furthermore, the coastal villages of Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton have calm beaches perfect for walks and maybe an Autumnal swim.
York
A city that is steeped in British history, York or Jórvík the old Viking city, has an endless list of reasons to visit, and even more so in the Autumn. With its range of historical architecture, there is a quaint and intimate feel to York, which one can travel across on foot in just under half an hour. The city has a wealth of dining options that stretch from informal and relaxed pubs to chic, multi course fine dining powerhouses. For a contemporary feel, head to Skosh for a restaurant with global cuisine, all while relaxing in the industrial inspired décor. Alternatively, the street food scene is exploding in York and Los Moros is the place to order a plethora of Levantine inspired dishes. York also plays host to numerous small, quaint hotels that are both stylish yet relaxed. The Churchill Hotel, a Grade II listed building, is a chic bolthole to discover York from, and with modern rooms with traditional twists you can be assured of a comfortable stay. One of the main attractions in York is the magnificent York Minister, which soars above the city skyline, and a visit to the Minister will leave you full of knowledge for both the history and religious importance of York.
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