Pulteney Bridge / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Heather Cowper

Where to Visit

Start your tour of this beautiful city at the Roman Baths. Built around 2000 years ago and then rediscovered by the Victorians, the unique attraction is an essential visit on your weekend and the only mineral hot springs in England. Although it’s rather pricey for the full spa treatment today, you can still taste the spa water from the fountain and dip your fingers in the Great Bath to test the waters. Wandering the underground rooms and exploring all the different areas, however, is so fascinating that you can easily while away a few hours just visiting.

If you come out of the Baths, you’ll see Bath Abbey ahead of you. The last Gothic church built in England, the impressive building is certainly worth a second look. Great views over the city can also be glimpsed from the top of the abbey tower.

From the abbey, turn right and meander your way to Parade Gardens to find Pulteney Bridge, a quaint spot on the River Avon. The bridge is also one of only four bridges in the world with shops across the length of the bridge on both sides, like the Ponte Vecchio in Florence. Crossing the bridge will bring you to Great Pulteney Street, a fantastic example of the city’s Georgian architecture and a great place for a stroll.

For a lazy Sunday afternoon, head over to Victoria Gardens for a glimpse of the famous Royal Crescent and an ideal picnic spot. The Botanical Gardens in the park also make a pleasant spot to wander and you can go inside the museum at No.1 Royal Crescent to experience the grandeur of 18^th century England.

Roman Baths / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by MonkeyMyshkin

Where to Eat

Although Bath is a small city, there’s a good range of restaurants and pubs for eating out. If you want to treat yourself for the weekend, indulge in a classy French meal at Raphael Restaurant (Upper Borough Walls). There are seasonal chef specials, plus an extensive wine list and an excellent pre-theatre menu for those catching a show at the nearby Theatre Royal.

There’s only one place in Bath for afternoon tea – the famous and undeniably elegant Pump Room, where you’ll sample part of the city’s history as well as some delicious cakes. For those on a budget, try a traditional Bath bun with cinnamon butter (a steal at £3.25) or go all out with the magnificent Searcys Champagne Tea (£48 for two).

Where to eat in Roman baths / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Heather Cowper

Where to Drink

Bath also has a great number of old fashioned pubs for some peaceful evening drinks. The Salamander (Quiet Street) is just the place to sample some of the local Bath Ales, whilst The Old Green Tree (Green Street) is a tiny historic pub that’s well worth the squeeze.

For a livelier weekend, try The Bell (Walcot Street) which has a bohemian atmosphere, a large beer garden perfect for summer afternoons and regular live music. Gascoyne Place (Saw Close), meanwhile, has an extensive range of beers and live jazz on Sundays.

Where to Sleep

Within walking distance from the Roman Baths and city centre, Villa Claudia is the ideal bed and breakfast in Bath for a short weekend getaway. There are three beautiful period rooms and the house itself dates back to 1896 – a great reflection of the city’s history and charm.

A few miles and a short drive outside the city, Lorne House B&B is a smart, sophisticated retreat for visitors seeking a more peaceful weekend in Bath. Recently refurbished, it has lovely solid oak floors, plush furnishings and a relaxing atmosphere.

Alice Woolliams is the Editor for Enjoybedandbreakfast.com, a travel website for accommodation with personality in the UK. The website offers a growing selection of quaint B&Bs, charming inns, small boutique hotels and guest houses. You can find her on twitter @enjoybnb when she’s not travelling the world!

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Manchester Cathedral from Blackfriars Bridge / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Pimlico Badger

Manchester and Liverpool are now the third and fourth most popular destinations for foreign visitors to these shores. They travel north to revel in the history of the region, soaking up the cultural atmosphere created in equal measure by the unique characteristics of the local population and the best of architectural genius. Prime examples of superb building skills on show are the historical Three Graces of Liverpool, the dramatically modern Manchester Imperial War Museum and the soaring Hilton Hotel.

History and Culture

Both Manchester and Liverpool have rich historical and cultural roots that are celebrated today through the opening of contemporary art galleries and museums. The Manchester Art Gallery includes an impressive collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings and an ever-changing programme of imaginative exhibitions. In recognition of its programmes, the museum was short listed for the Guardian’s Family Friendly Museum of the Year award. Equally celebrated, the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool holds what is arguably the finest collection of decorative artworks, including those by Turner and Rembrandt.

Both cities have an excellent reputation for stage plays and theatre productions. Music contributes to the culture too with the ‘Madchester’ scene in Manchester and several bands hailing from Liverpool, going back to The Beatles.

Liverpool / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by djmcaleese

Hospitality

Both cities are well known for the warm and lively characteristics of the people who make their homes there. A vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere exists in both cities, with both Manchester and Liverpool hospitality offering diverse restaurants, bars, cafes and nightclubs. One of the most recent additions to Manchester’s hospitality is the Cloud 23 Skyline Bar at the Hilton Hotel in Deansgate. Cloud 23 exudes sophistication, serving exclusive cocktails against a cityscape backdrop viewed through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Not to be outdone, Liverpool offers the Panoramic on the 34th floor of West Tower with stunning 360° views across the city to the Wirral peninsular. For those who like to keep their feet more firmly on the ground, both cities have an array of fine dining restaurants and bars offering both local and international cuisine.

Shopping

For the best in designer shopping in contemporary, sophisticated surroundings, both Manchester and Liverpool have everything for the discerning shopper from main chain store outlets to exclusive and unusual designer or vintage boutique shops.

When in Liverpool, visit the exclusive Metquarter for fashion and beauty outlets or the elegant Victorian arcades of Lord Street in Southport, in the Liverpool city region outside the city centre. No visit to Manchester would be complete without a visit to Afflecks, an astonishing maze where you can buy practically anything you can think of from the 50 independent outlets that range over five floors.

Manchester stadium / Agnieszka Mieszczak

Sports

Both Manchester and Liverpool are rightly proud of their football teams, both of which put the cities firmly on the sporting map. Liverpool’s football teams, Liverpool and Everton, are not the only claims to sporting fame for the city, as it is also home to the world famous Grand National horse race held each year at the Aintree Racecourse. Manchester too shares a dual football identity with the internationally famous teams of Manchester United and Manchester City.

Sometimes it seems the world is getting smaller, but it’s also true that a wider appreciation and willingness to explore has revealed many previously hidden riches in two of England’s most beautiful northern cities.

About the author: Francesca is a freelancer who proudly hails from the city of Liverpool! She enjoys sharing her knowledge of the city as a great tourism desitination, as well as the UK as a whole. This guest post was written on behalf of the University of Liverpool.

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