4. Newquay
Credit: crazyeddie
After more of a chilled out holiday? Ever wanted to try surfing? Would you rather lounge on a beach than traipse around a shopping centre searching for bargains? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above, then Newquay is the place for you. With a laidback community, and more nightlife than you can probably handle, the South West town is the definition of ‘cool’. Here's a list of some rad events and attractions in Newquay.
Top Tip: If you want to brave the water, take a wetsuit. It’s cold!
5. Camden Town
Credit: wonker
Camden Town, a borough in London, can be intimidating for the uninitiated. On first sight, the population are a scary bunch; all tattoos, black leather, and piercings. On closer inspection, however, Camden is a haven for more than just fans of loud music. The market is brash, bold, and always a bargain, and there are a wealth of trendy bars and clubs, including The World’s End, which has been open since 1778. If you’re looking for live music, try KOKO or Electric Ballroom. If you're looking for quirky restaurants Gilgamesh (review) will not disappoint.
Top Tip: Get on the London waterbus service and tour Camden in style. The trip takes in Regent’s Park, London Zoo and Maida Vale.
Article comments
1 - Dr Dreadful
Good list, and I can get on board with it, especially the first two.
On Edinburgh, I would point out that it's a contender for most atmospheric city in the world. Not sure if it's the setting, the buildings, the people, the weather or what - but there's nowhere else like it.
BTW, I bet you're English.
2 - Tourmaline
A little caution advised for Newquay, its reputation has been dented of late as it's become a favourite for stag & hen weekends. Most of the traditional funtime holiday facilities are still going strong, though - so visit early in the week or off-season if this, rather than watching 20-year-olds not cope with ingesting massive amounts of alcohol - is what you want.
3 - Tourmaline
I'd also give an honourable mention to Birmingham. Regeneration over the past 10 years has transformed the city, it's now rediscovered its heritage as an early industrial centre and home of the early British banking industry. In addition to civic pride in its past and present, it's got the largest shopping facilities in the country outside London, a wealth of museums and art galleries, excellent transport links, a diverse arts scene, food from across the world (and from the worldwide communities who have made their home in Birmingham), and nightlife for everyone, including a thriving gay village. Come & visit us! :)
4 - Dr Dreadful
A city which produced Jasper Carrott can't be all bad!
5 - STM
The Yorkshire/Durham border, and a little place called Yarm and its surrounds, especially Egglescliff Village on the high bank above the lower reaches of the Tees which has a village green that still has an archery stone for sharpening arrows.
The Yarm viaduct, built during the Industrial Revolution, seen at a distance from the fields surrounding the town is spectacular, as are the cobblestone streets.
If there's a place more picturesque on planet Earth, I'm yet to see it - and I live in the great southern continent and have seen lots I'd describe as picturesque.
Picture postcard/biscuit box/chocolate box perfect, in high summer and with a dusting of white in winter.
Nice shops, pubs and places to eat and The Pot and Glass pub up in Egglescliff village near the old church is a great spot for a pint and a feed.
Now you know about it, going to the UK and not going there? Madness.
Also spitting distance to York, which is full of great old buildings and museums.
England, and the UK generally, might seem a bloody strange place at first to visitors, but it's bloody strange and bloody good.
Also, in Scotland: I love working harbours, so the fishing village of Troon, across the firth of Clyde from Arran, and Ayshire generally, the home of Robbie Burns. A good spot to base yourself for travels in western Scotland, and not too far from either from Loch Lomond, Glasgow and Edinburgh further to the east.
Love the UK, and as an Aussie, always nice to be see all these places and be reminded of the very good reason why it is we (still) have a union jack in the corner of our flag.
6 - Antonio
Great list of places to see. Thanks.
7 - Great British Life (Mary)
Thanks for the positive comments. I'm stoked. :)
There are way more than 5 awesome British places!
@Tourmaline - Thanks for pointing this out, but Newquay has some brilliant locations surrounding it too.
@STM I like this statement --> "it's bloody strange and bloody good"
All too often Britain gets brushed with the bad weather brush. While we do get our fair share of rain, it certainly doesn't rain all the time.
My favourite is destination is Cornwall. Such breathtaking scenery.
8 - andy
Here's an alternative choice if you like things a bit more spicy!
1. Newcastle Upon Tyne. Bigg Market and Quayside. Any friday night. Don't take a coat. No one else wears them!
2. Whitechapel. East End of London. Enjoy a few too many beers and a rattling good curry (The UK's national dish) in a part of town that hasn't changed for over 100 years.
3. Any venue hosting a gig by the group Bad Manners. [Edited] If you are prepared to join in, dance and sing, I guarantee you a brilliant night out, regardless of venue and the chance of a glimpse into the English psyche.
4. The Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria. Get your boots on and give 'Jack's Rake' a go on Pavey Ark (A fantastic walk that involves a spectacular scramble to the top) Back to the hotel for food, beers and a restful sleep. Drop off and wake up to the smell of woodsmoke.
5. Belfast. Start in the Crown Hotel.It helps if you are with someone who knows the city. Despite any reputation(s) it may have, and its association for many with sectarian violence, it is a truly amazing place. Great Craic and wonderful people.
9 - GBL Mary
@andy Haha, only seen your comment! Very good list. I love Bad Manners, didn't know they were still going!