London is one of those cities that once you’ve had the fortune of visiting, you’ll never be able to forget. From the exquisite restaurants and cafes, to the historical architecture and world-famous soccer stadiums, all the way to the hustle and bustle felt on every street, London, and the United Kingdom in general, is a bucket list-worthy kind of place. However, if you’re keen on getting away from the crowds and masses of tourists after you’ve enjoyed a spectacular soccer match, it’s going to take a little bit of planning and consideration. Let’s dive in.
The Home of Soccer
A recent study revealed Europe’s most passionate cities when it comes to soccer, and it’s no surprise that Manchester is one of them, although the people of Manchester would one hundred percent call it football and not soccer. If you’re interested in a bit of footie, you are in the right city as both Manchester United and Manchester City come from there. There’s little that can compare to an entire stadium screaming for their team and cheering them on as they show off their athletic and tactical skills. Imagine seeing Liverpool or Manchester United playing a home game—a story that will be told to the grandchildren years from now. People interested in getting tickets for their favorite football club can visit www.hellotickets.com at best price.
However, if the game of football doesn’t tickle your fancy, then you might be better off at one of the many fine-dining restaurants that Manchester is known for, or at a festival enjoying the incredible and diverse music scene. A mere two-hour train ride from London, this city boasts all that London has, but without the crowds. If you are looking to experience a truly British city but want to avoid the long queues, Manchester could be great for you as it houses many fun activities, from food tours to city walking tours all the way to live football games.
London’s Calling
London is the number one most visited city in Britain. As the capital city, this makes sense. However, London offers so much more than just big city energy, there is a huge amount of culture, cuisine and architectural sights in the city. London houses some of the best museums this world has to offer, such as the Tate Modern, Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. Art pours out of this city, with areas such as Bricklane being adorned by local wall artists. Furthermore, the walks along the Thames, the Borough Market filled with delicious and classic Fish and Chips, and the general livelihood of the city make it one filled with art, culture and fun activities.
Slow it Down in the Cotswolds
After the hustle and bustle of London, and the crazy football energy in Manchester, it may be time for a change of scenery, especially if this is a family trip and you have your children or loved ones by your side. Known as one of the most tranquil and relaxing little towns, this is a great place to go if you’re looking for some fresh British air and downtime. Walk through the little cobblestone alleys, past the adorable and historically built stone houses that adorn the streets. If you are a fan of photography, this is a wonderful place to get beautiful shots in an aesthetically pleasing almost movie-set-like town.
Travel is all about balance and finding the right activities for the whole group (unless you’re a solo traveler, in which case England is great on account of its safety); it’s about mixing things up and enjoying a little bit of this and a little bit of that. The Cotswolds is perfect for those looking to calm down a bit, breathe, meditate and perhaps even treat themselves to a spa day in a historical and magical 17th century beauty.
To the Beaches of Brighton
You may be of the opinion that England is always cold and rainy, and while this is true to a certain extent in winter and fall, the English make the most of every sunny day they get in spring and summer. Brighton is the most famous beachside town in England. Again, a mere one-hour train ride from London, it’s easy to get to and well worth seeing. Brighton actually features more than pebble beaches, it came in 18th place on a recent arty cities study, thanks to its 18 cozy concert halls! Known for its famous pier, which houses a lovely arcade and some rides, you can meander through the city with an ice cream in tow, weaving through the little bookstores and bakeries that the city has to offer. Finally finishing off on a beach bench to watch the sunset with a freshly battered piece of British fish.
Go North to York
Taking you all the way up north, past Birmingham and Liverpool, you’ll reach a stunning city called York; a wonderful city, not exactly built for tourists as much as London or Manchester, but a great spot to visit exactly because of that reason. In York, you get to experience the true British nature, engage with locals and partake in a bit of banter. A fabulous city to walk around as all the gardens and parks are kept impeccably, inviting tourists and locals alike to pack a picnic and relax outdoors.
