The UK shines even brighter during the festive season as cities transform into Christmas wonderlands full of holiday magic. When planning a Yuletide getaway, look beyond the well-known winter markets, light displays and ice skating rinks. Here are some of the best hidden gems waiting to be discovered on a UK city break this Christmas.

In London, eschew crowded Oxford Street in favor of the lesser known Christmas lights display along Regent Street. This elegant thoroughfare dazzles with over 400 glittering snowflakes and neon stars dangling above. The Admiralty Arch also gleams with festive light projections. Finish up with a ride on the historic carousel for classic holiday fun away from central London’s usual bustle.

For an intimate Christmas concert, catch a show at Wigmore Hall in London’s West End. The spectacular Renaissance-style venue hosts vocal groups performing Handel’s Messiah along with Bach, Vivaldi, and other baroque holiday compositions. With its outstanding acoustics and cozy atmosphere, Wigmore Hall makes experiencing the magic of music affordable and accessible.

Venture outside Edinburgh’s city center to the Royal Botanic Garden for a magical outdoor light exhibition. The family-friendly Luminate Garden transforms this green space with interactive lighting installations along a mile-long trail. Gaze at colorful fountains, stroll under canopy light tunnels, and warm up by the fire pits as you soak in the festive glow. This after-dark light adventure makes an atmospheric holiday outing.

Get in touch with medieval Christmas traditions at York’s Barley Hall. This 700-year-old restored townhouse brings history to life with decorations, carols, and customs from the era. Sample wassail punch, join in dances, and learn festive recipes from volunteer cooks and craftspeople dressed in period attire. The Barley Hall experience vividly recreates a medieval Christmas in one of York’s most historic buildings.

In Cardiff, explore the Victorian holiday splendor of Castle Coch. This fairy-tale castle dazzles with extravagant decorations straight from the 1890s. Ladies in bustled gowns welcome visitors to join in Christmastide traditions. You’ll find mistletoe kissing boughs, fresh oranges studded with cloves, and lavish feasts waiting in the castle’s opulent rooms. Feel like you’ve stepped back in time at Castle Coch.

Up in Manchester, go ice skating at one of England’s largest outdoor rinks located in Cathedral Gardens. Skate with a view of Manchester Cathedral’s imposing Gothic spires in the background. Surrounding market stalls sell festive street food, warm beverages, and gifts for enjoying after a spin on the ice. This scenic downtown rink lets you glide into the Christmas spirit.

In Belfast, C.S. Lewis Square comes alive with the sights and sounds of the season during Belfast Christmas Cathedral Quarter. Carolers, musicians, and dancers entertain in this public square dedicated to the Belfast-born author. The enticing aroma of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine fills the air as you peruse the artisan craft market. This jovial gathering spot evokes the nostalgic spirit of Christmas.

Across cities like London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and more, hidden gems await beyond the well-trodden holiday attractions. From illuminated gardens and medieval traditions to open-air skating rinks and intimate concerts, tuck these local finds into your UK Christmas city break itinerary. Exploring the road less travelled rewards you with unique festive magic.

The holiday season brings plenty of Christmas magic to cities across Britain. From festive parties to performances to one-of-a-kind experiences, UK urban centers have no shortage of events to delight and entertain this Christmas. Discover some of the most joyful happenings unleashing Yuletide spirit.

In London, enjoy Christmas Past at the Geffrye Museum to experience how holidays were celebrated through the ages. Expert guides decked out in period attire lead tours showcasing 18th-19th century holiday customs. Hear how families prepared Christmas puddings, decorated their homes with natural greenery, and socialized in the parlour back in the Georgian era. This glimpse into Christmas history provides insight into many modern traditions.

Manchester’s ever-popular Christmas Markets bring all the traditional holiday charm of Germany to England’s north. Among the hundreds of Alpine stalls, you’ll find handmade crafts, ornaments, toys, and authentic continental treats like bratwurst, waffles, mulled wine, and roasted nuts. Musicians, street performers, a giant Santa, and festive shop displays further enhance Europe’s largest outdoor Christmas market.

For festive music, catch a Christmas concert at Chapel Royal in London’s palatial St James’s Palace. Holiday favorites performed by the acclaimed choir in this small, historic chapel once attended by kings and queens deliver goosebump-inducing cheer. Candelit evenings listening to melodic carols and motets in an intimate setting create magical memories.

York’s Snickleway Inn serves “A Right Royal Dickensian Christmas Dinner” straight from the pages of Charles Dickens. Revel in a four course Victorian meal complete with figgy pudding while character actors playing Scrooge or Oliver Twist roam about. Madrigal singers perform between courses during this literary Christmas evening.

In Bath, take a Christmas Evening Tour to see landmarks transformed by lights and seasonal decor. Visit the Roman Baths lit up in color, stroll lit passageways, and see the Abbey illuminated against the night sky. Afterward, enjoy the Christmassy sights and smells of the Bath Christmas Market. Tours run select evenings in late November and December.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations ring in the new year with exceptional flair. Join over 100,000 revelers witnessing incredible fireworks and torchlight processions along the Royal Mile on December 30th. Edinburgh’s Celtic New Year program also offers concerts, festivals, parties and more well into January for extended merriment.

From medieval feasts to Christmas chorals, sparkling city tours to exuberant New Year’s parties, UK cities unleash festive fun in unique ways. Discovering local Christmas happenings beyond the typical holiday markets and light displays reveals treasured traditions. This season, partake in quintessential British offerings that capture the holiday’s magical spirit.

From vibrant culture to historical sites to culinary delights, the UK is home to dynamic cities that make for fantastic city breaks. When planning your next urban escape, consider these stellar destinations offering unforgettable experiences.

London always tops the list of must-see UK cities. Iconic landmarks like Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace capture the essence of England’s vibrant capital. World-class museums including the Natural History, British, and National Gallery house stunning exhibits. Luxe shopping along Regent and Oxford Streets satisfies retail therapy cravings. Savoring afternoon tea or curry after pub-hopping in Soho encapsulates London’s endlessly cosmopolitan scene. London’s blend of history, culture, and energy enthralls.

Edinburgh delivers old world charm coupled with Scotland’s proud heritage. The medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town nab UNESCO status for the city’s preserved beauty. Captivating castles and cathedrals like St. Giles transport you to Scotland of the past. For literary lovers, Edinburgh’s International and Fringe Festivals draw celebrated authors. Trying haggis or whiskey provides a taste of Scottish culture as well. Edinburgh impresses at every turn, whether you seek grand monuments or quaint alleyways.

York earns acclaim as England’s finest historical city. Within its iconic city walls, highlights include the awe-inspiring York Minster cathedral and medieval halls of the Shambles. Walking tours showcase York’s 2,000 years of history from Viking roots to Victorian times. Quaint shops, traditional pubs, and tea rooms line charming side streets. Beyond the city lies stunning countryside like the North York Moors. Both metropolitan marvels and natural wonders make York an ideal getaway.

Bath captivates visitors with its stunning Roman bathhouses and Georgian architecture. Enjoy a rejuvenating soak in the natural mineral waters of the Roman Baths museum. Nearby 18th century attractions like the Circus and Royal Crescent provide a glimpse into Bath’s past as a fashionable spa destination. The Jane Austen museum further spotlights Bath’s role in English culture. After touring Bath’s manicured lanes, visit countryside villages like Castle Combe offering postcard views of the Cotswolds region.

The eclectic city of Brighton always promises fresh experiences by the English seaside. Its cool shops in the scenic Lanes, vibrant dining scene, and retro seaside attractions bring non-stop energy. The Royal Pavilion’s exotic architectural mixes draw crowds. Beachfront lovers can sunbathe beside Brighton Pier. And the city’s buzzing LGBTQ nightlife and festivals reveal its dynamic culture. Brighton presents the essence of English coastal life with cosmopolitan flair.

Belfast and Northern Ireland unfold centuries of history. Belfast’s iconic political murals provide an insightful look into The Troubles. Visitors can learn more at museums like the Titanic Belfast. Beyond the capital, sightseeing along the Causeway Coastal Route reveals breathtaking Giant’s Causeway cliffs while Derry’s walking tours illuminate another side of Irish history. Belfast provides an illuminating look at Northern Ireland’s storied past.

With enticing attractions, scenery, and culture packed into walkable urban areas, these cities epitomize the perfect UK city break. Accommodations like cosy B&Bs enhance British hospitality. Those craving an invigorating getaway need not look further than the dynamic destinations across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Choose your favourite flavour of culture, history, landscape, or energy – UK cities offer an unbeatable array.

If you are keen to get away for a few days but money is tight, you do not necessarily have to give up on the idea of going to a different country. Although going broad can cost a lot and often substantially more than vacationing in the UK, that’s not to say you can’t grab a bargain holiday if you are savvy and willing to spend a bit of time shopping around. Many of the budget airlines such as Ryan Air and Easy Jet will often put on flights to other major cities for less than it would cost for a full tank of fuel. You can sometimes find flights from London to Paris for around £30 a person. You will of course have to factor in cost for your accommodation, but when the flight is costing so little, you may be able to splash out a bit more on a hotel or if you really want to do it as cheap as possible, why not look to stay at a hostel. It may be that you have friends in another country where you could go and stay with them for a few days which would probably cost you nothing.

To grab a bargain you need to be looking often for flights and be willing to book them quickly when you see them. Be sure to have your passport ready before you book to avoid disappointment.

When planning a holiday, it can be tempting to go for the hassle-free option of booking a package holiday. These are holidays through a particular provider that includes in one price: accommodation, flights, transfers and luggage allowance. These holidays are easy and tend to be stress-free to book however that sort of convenience comes at a price. Another benefit of a package holiday is that they tend to be ATOL protected which gives you cover against any cancellations. However you can quite easily obtain this level of cover through decent travel insurance which is usually fairly low cost.

So if you are looking to watch those pennies you may want to consider shopping around to get the best price on each aspect of your holiday. Once you’ve decided where you’d like to go you can google flight options. Lots of airlines allow you to book directly with them and add on all your extras such as baggage allowance afterwards. You can then book your flights and start looking at which accommodation you’d like. Often it’s worth contacting the hotel or resort directly to see what is the best price they can offer you. Once you have your flights and accommodation booked then its time to look for your transfers. There are a few different options for this depending on your budget but most websites now allow you to enter flight details and they will work out what times you need to be collected and dropped off. So to save money, shop around before your next break away.

Although Liverpool is synonymous with the Fab Four the city of Liverpool has so much more to offer tourists. Whether you enjoy exploring the countless historic buildings of significance the city has or want to browse the excellent selection of shops you need to look no further.

When you arrive in Liverpool, it is a good idea to hop on one of the city tour buses as this will give you the chance to get an overview of the city and identify specific landmarks that you may want to go back and explore. There are wonderful museums to visit so that you can find out more about the history of this important port and the links is has to the famous Titanic and a walk along the docks gives visitors a real sense of the historic importance of the place.

The city has a wide selection of accommodation available and ranges from cheap and cheerful guest houses to the remarkable Titanic hotel with its themed rooms and restaurant and the nearby spa and wellness centre. Dining out in Liverpool is a wonderful opportunity to sample food from many cultures as there are many different types of restaurant available including most of the major chain restaurants you would expect to see in a large city.

So, a visit to Liverpool should certainly be on your to do list whether a Beatles fan or not.

Before Covid, lots of businesses had employees or directors that had to travel all over the world for various reasons. It may be that they needed to go and meet a new supplier in China or that they were trying to establish more business in another country, whatever the reason, travel abroad for business purposes was not unusual. During the height of the pandemic, many companies had to suspend virtually all travel and had to find new ways to continue working. This often meant that video conferencing platforms such as Skype, Zoom and Teams were used a lot more.

Although travel rules are now beginning to relax, will business travel every be the same again. Many companies have realised that they can save a lot of money by doing business over video calls and it may be that part of this continues. Of course, for some businesses or certain meetings, face to face will still be beneficial but it is likely to be reduced compared to what it previously was.

It may be that companies resume travel again but actually enforce stricter procedures themselves. These may be temporary, or they could be here to stay.

Many of us are longing to be able to jump on a plane and take a holiday abroad again. We dream of lying on a beautiful sandy beach and taking a dip in the warm ocean waters or exploring a foreign city stopping to taste the traditional fare of that particular region, but will this ever be possible again?

The answer to this question is probably not, as just when we think it is ok to plan our holidays again the travel restrictions change, and we find ourselves once more having to pay for expensive tests and prepare for possible isolation stays in hotels.

Rather than become downhearted about a situation that we cannot change however it is better to either decide that foreign holidays are off the cards for a few years and plan for staycation holidays instead or be prepared to act quickly when restrictions are lifted and grab that holiday while you can. This is easier for those without school-aged children as they can be flexible where dates are concerned rather than being restricted by school holiday times. Planning ahead for holidays abroad next year is a risk but having something to look forward to is essential for everyone’s mental wellbeing.

If you are a nervous flier, you will constantly be thinking about your safety when going on holiday on a plane. For some people the thought of going on a plane is too much so instead they decide that they are never going to go on holiday abroad. This can be a real shame as they often miss out on enjoyable holidays and time with family or friends because they won’t catch a flight. But how safe is it on a plane?

A commercial airline is actually really safe. Since the tragedy of 9/11 airlines all over the world have increased their security drastically. IT is very hard to get anything on to a plane that can cause damage or injury to others. The most risk when flying is that something goes wrong with the plane itself. This again is extremely rare and planes are designed to be able to continue even after suffering damage or failure. Planes are tested very vigorously and they are safety checked before every flight. The pilots that fly these commercial airlines have a lot of experience and have trained for many years in order to prepare them to delay with a number of different

If you drive, you may not think too much about coach trips but they can actually still be really enjoyable and work out better value that having to drive. They can also be a lot less hassle and allow you to enjoy your day more.

Coach trips are often put n by private companies. Usually, during the summer months lots of coach companies will put on trips to the seaside. This can be great if you don’t drive so usually struggle to get away but also even if you do drive you may like to try one. If you don’t have to drive you don’t have to worry abut trying to find parking. You also don’t have to pay for the parking which can easily add another ten pounds or so on to your day. Coaches can usually drop you off and pick you up right alongside the beach meaning you don’t have to travel fair with all your belongings.

Private coach companies also often do trips to the theatre which can mean you can get a huge saving. You can also enjoy a drink or two knowing that you do not have to drive back. Why nt have a look at what is on offer near you and give one a try?