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Writer's pictureSocksandSandals Travel

Our 6 FavourIte City Staycations in England

So we've already told you about our favourite rural staycation spots, so here's our favourite city staycations in England. There's is plenty cities with stunning architecture, a wealth of history and great food to discover, we don't need to travel that far, take some time to explore somewhere closer to home. We're the first people to admit we're much more nature people than city people, and will take a mountain top over a rooftop, or sunset on the beach over the twinkling city lights, most of the time, but these are the city's that won us nature lovers over. Plus, if you don't have a car, these are great destinations accessible by public transport, and are all less than 2 hours from London, book early and you'll get cheap tickets too!


Chester

Chester is the best preserved walled city in England. Each era of history is etched into its fabric, Romans, Vikings, Normans and Anglo Saxons. The oldest racecourse and largest Roman amphitheatre in Great Britain. 1000 year old Cathedral, 700 year old Rows, even older Roman gardens, a Norman castle, roman walls, the 2nd most photographed clock in the UK and the UK's best zoo. It's wealth of history can be spotted all over the city, as different designs intertwine with one another, and it has a consistently spectacular sunset. Along with some great independent food spots! If you've got more time you've also got North Wales right on your doorstep, we will be posting a full Chester guide and a days out in North Wales Guide watch this space.


York


Visit one of the most historical city's in England, with Roman and Viking roots its steeped in history and its largely well preserved for everyone to see. Explore the York Minster, one of the most charming gothic cathedrals in the world, ponder along the city's most picturesque streets - Shambles, visit the immersive Jorvik Museum for an interactive history experience, and for a different history visit the National Railway Museum. Full York city guide coming soon.


Bath

The unmistakable elegant limestone buildings that you'll see in photos couldn't really be anywhere else but Bath. A city designed around relaxation from the ancient Roman baths to todays Thermae bath spa, the only natural hot springs in Britain that you can bathe in, visit the thermal roof top pool at night and gaze over the city. Fun fact if you see what look like should be windows but are filled with bricks, this due to a window tax in the 17C - 19C, tax was imposed depending on the amount of windows, so people got creative to avoid paying more tax. This impacted the whole of England but no where is it more evident than the Georgian architecture you see in Bath. Some of the famous and exemplary cases of this architecture can be found on the Royal Crescent and Circus. We will be putting up a blog post on Bath's top tourist attractions, view points and walking routes.


London

It sorta wouldn't be right not to include London on this list, a melting pot of culture, diversity and history. Consider returning with fresh eyes, support local business, go see some of London's hidden gems rather than tourist hot spots. Visit the parks, see the wildlife and no we're not talking about pigeons; deer, bats, otters, alpacas, parakeets and pelicans.

  • Favourite spots and viewpoints include; Epping Forest, Sky Garden, Richmond or Bushy Park, Kew Gardens, Hampstead Heath, Primrose Hill, and Horniman Museum

  • Favourite food spots include; Neals Yard, Borough Market, Borough Market, Boxpark, Old Spitalfields Market, Seven Dials Market, Dishoom, China Town, Pizza Pilgrims and many more.

  • Favourite events: Chinese New Year Celebrations, big sporting events in London or at one of the parks big screens when there's one on and London at Christmas, central London but also Kew Gardens Christmas lightshow.

  • Favourite things to do: Escape Rooms, unique crazy golf places, West End Shows (when they reopen they need all the support you can give), if someone you like is playing a special show at the Royal Albert Hall, it's a must see venue.


Oxford

Nicknamed the 'city of dreaming spires', and revolves around the University of Oxford, it's architecture certainly makes for a grand setting. Explore the city with a route through the streets of some of its most famous buildings, including; Christ Church college, Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian Library, Sheldonian Theatre, Ashmolean Museum, the University Museum of Natural History, The Bridge of Sighs, Wander the Botanical Gardens, Wondering where it gets its nickname? Well, that's down to the number of church towers and college spires, many of which you can pay a small fee to climb to get the best panoramic views of Oxford, try Saxon's Tower of St Micheal, St Mary's Church Tower, and Carfax Tower. You can also visit the castle and prison. For breakfast try Coombibos and lunch at the Art Cafe, if you manage to get a seat, if not there's loads of good food on offer in quaint cafes. Visit Blenheim Palace just outside the centre, especially magical at Christmas time. Pop to the Trout inn in Godstow for a Sunday Roast.



Brighton

On a sunny summers day waves of people descend from the train station straight for the beach. Yes, the other cities on this list are lovely in the sun, but there's no better place to be on a warm day than by the seaside. Spend some time at the beach at the Palace Pier and at the Royal Pavillion before exploring the lanes, where you'll find some of the best food and nice independent shops. Got some extra time, places definitely worth a day or an afternoon are Arundel, Lewes and the views at Devils Dyke if you want to escape the city for a bit. All easily accessible in peak season by public transport, in low season, some of these will need a bit more planning to get to.


Socks and Sandals


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