Top 5 UK city breaks

Liverpool

What makes it special?
Do you want to know a secret? (Oh don't start the Beatles references - Ed). Actually, you may have already heard - this is the European Capital of Culture in 2008 and frankly, they've gone a bit dotty, or rather, Doddy about it. Have you heard the one about local resident Ken Dodd presenting a tribute, Liverpool's Laughter Makers, over a couple of nights in April? Even the BBC are coming here for their Sports Personality Of The Year show in December.

Don't miss:
Liverpool Sound on 1 June - a mega gig at Anfield football stadium, featuring the city's most famous son, Sir Paul McCartney. It will be the first and last global concert at this venue. Kop that.

When to go:
There's more going on in the city this year than you can poke a programme at, so you can't fail to have a good time whenever you visit. You might just need eight days a week... (I thought I said no more Beatles titles? - Ed)

Where to stay:
A veritable cavern of coolness, check out the Hope Street Hotel. Well located with brick 'n' boards-style minimalism.

Plymouth

What makes it special?
The location - its Hoe fronts the water and the city is at the heart of the South West, one of the UK's most beautiful corners. But this is no outpost - it's played a central role in our maritime history. What the Spanish Armada failed to achieve, the German bombers managed, flattening much of the city, but most of what was left or has been built since - ugly 1960s carbuncles aside - has kept this Devon delight firmly on the tourist map.

Don't miss:
A climb to the top of Smeaton's Tower - it used to stand on the Eddystone Rocks (see them from here on a clear day) but is now on the Hoe. Its design is based on an oak tree. Can't miss it - big red and white striped thing, on er, dry land. (Its creator, John Smeaton, has another claim to fame -inventing quick-drying cement.)

When to go:
With all the wonderful beaches nearby, such as Thurlestone and Bantham, warmer months would make sense. And if it turns nippy, get hooked on the National Marine Aquarium.

Where to stay:
Is it possible to stay in somewhere small, classy, central and child-friendly? Yes. It's called The Imperial. And it won't cost you a mint.

Bristol

What makes it special?
The city that's been a port for more than a 1000 years has plenty to float your boat, from anything-but-crusty-and-dusty museums to iconic sites like the suspension bridge to fantastic parks and gardens.

Don't miss:
UK Museum Of The Year 2006/2007, Brunel's SS Great Britain. And how about this - your ticket allows access for a year! The ship appears to be floating, but it's actually on a glass "sea". Try to spot Sinbad, the ships's cat and climb the rigging. But the more modest Bristol and Bath Railway Path is also brilliant for families. It's 13 miles of flat off-road fun along the route of the old Midland Railway. Have a coffee in one city, cycle to the other for lunch and meander back with maybe a pint along the way. You can still stop at some of the stations and reflect on an age when trains ran on time.

When to go:
Its events calendar is as full as one of the old merchant ships returning home laden with sugar and rum. How about this for a heady cocktail: The Affordable Art Fair (16 - 18 May), and for the first time raise a glass to the Wine & Food Fair (11-13 July), plus there's the fabulous International Balloon Festival (7-10 August).

Where to stay:
The most appropriate and cool place in this trading city would have to be the old Sugar House, a restored warehouse, which is now the Hotel du Vin. It's a great mix of old and new - candles, brown sofas and lots of wooden beams. The City Inn offers convenience and comfort without a plush bill.

Brighton

What makes it special?
No longer a seaside town, Brighton was officially upgraded to city status to mark the new Millennium and it has plenty of grand sites to match, like the Indian-style Royal Pavilion and regency terraces more familiar in Belgravia - but then it is known as "London-on-Sea". Locals would say it's so much more than that though. It has the best of everything - sun, sea, sand and, oh yes, the South Downs, plus great transport links to enjoy them all. It may be a city, but it has homespun charm - two piers, one with its candyfloss and cornets, the other well, it's more of a charred Meccano set. Shoppers should check out and The Lanes and the Bohemian North Laine - which now come under the Unique Brighton banner - both great areas for coffee and some people-watching.

Don't miss:
Sea Life - it bills itself as the oldest operating aquarium in the world and it's a bit of a treasure trove right beside the beach (where else?!). Its location means it's a good refuge if, heaven forbid, the British weather provides less than the wall-to-wall sunshine we expect. Walk through the glass tunnel and spot turtles and sharks. And now there's even a "Submarine Adventure".

When to go:
Easter can be a great time - last year (2007) the beaches were stormed by the bikini brigade and trunk troopers this early in the year. Fingers crossed for 2008. Also, catch the Brighton Festival (3-25 May) if arts and entertainment (including for kids) are more your ticket.

Where to stay:
If it's boutique cool you're after, try the small but perfectly adorned Square. But if you prefer to be in the heart of the city and appreciate value, the newly re-vamped Premier Inn is a better choice for families.

Edinburgh

What makes it special?
Aside from the Festival and its New Year popularity, it's also achieved that great populist accolade - yes, it's officially the best place to live according to Channel 4's Location, Location, Location. But don't fret if you can't spend the rest of your life here - just pack it all into a week or weekend.

Don't miss:
The UNESCO World Heritage Site, right at the heart of the city. From the castle to the new (very expensive) parliament building, your digital camera might suffer memory overload here. Or you could drop anchor at the Royal Yacht Britannia. Of course some would say don't leave without a trip to the five-storey Harvey Nics...

When to go:
If you need a reason, there's the military tattoo (1 - 23 August 2008), the wonderful fringe festival (3-25 August) and the lesser known science festival (25 March - 5 April), as well as an Ansel Adams photography exhibiton this spring, (9 February - 19 April).

Where to stay:
For sheer convenience The Carlton scores well. Once a department store, this Victorian charmer is stylish yet relaxed. For cool, try the Glasshouse - honesty bar, vast roof terrace and visitors' books in every room. Nice.

Images courtesy of britainonview, Pawel Libera, brightononview

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